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UVU Biotechnology Program
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Biomanufacturing Program	Program Length	Class Locations
Different than Biotechnology	Program Cost	Facilities
Comparison of Programs	Is this program for me?	Contact Us
Faculty & Staff	Career Information	Apply Today


	The Biomanufacturing Program provides specific and focused training for entry-level positions at companies that manufacture biotechnological products. Examples of such products are biofuels, proteins or organic compounds purified from cells, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. The manufacturing processes for these products are typically very technical in nature. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn industry-specific skills necessary to be a proficient worker right from the start. A few examples of the skills taught through this program are:
	- Production processes and procedures - Safety - Quality systems and management - Federal and international regulations - Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting - Good documentation practices - Good manufacturing practices (GMP)
Additionally, students will learn critical soft skills such as:
- Effective communication - Effective team working/building, especially with cross-functional members - Problem solving - Leadership

SLCC’s Biotechnology Technician Program (BTP), a nationally recognized biotechnology training program, provides training for entry-level positions in research and development labs. The BTP ranks among top programs in the nation, along with the recognized biotechnology training centers in California, New England, and North Carolina.

Through research and development, a biotechnological product idea can be tested and optimized. Once this has been accomplished, the product can be manufactured. The Biomanufacturing Program trains workers that are responsible for the manufacturing of such products, and so the two programs complement each other.


The Biomanufacturing Program is a unique career and technical education program in Utah aimed at training high school and college students for entry-level production worker positions in the biotechnology industry. It prepares students for immediate hands-on work in critical, high-impact industries in a way no other general manufacturing training program does. Project-based learning and internship opportunities are tightly interwoven into the program’s structure, thereby enhancing the typical course work.
Several biomanufacturing programs are offered at other community/technical colleges across the nation, especially those colleges tied to biotechnology training centers such as those in California, New England, and North Carolina. What makes SLCC’s program special is its innovative partnership with start-up biotech companies housed within the training facility. These start-up companies will contribute to the students’ learning by providing services such as instruction, guest lectures, and internship opportunities.

Vivian Ngan-Winward, Director and Instructor

Vivian has over 20 years of research experience, and spent the past 8 years in the biotech industry. Most recently, as the lead scientist for Idaho Technology Inc.’s Regulatory Affairs group, she was responsible for directing and reporting on pre-clinical studies that led to FDA clearance of multiple PCR-based organism detection kits. Her experience with good manufacturing practices, quality systems, federal regulations, and production processes and procedures is an asset to the program.

Adjunct faculty, with relevant industry experience, will also be teaching for the program.


	The Biomanufacturing Program is still in development. The current plan is to offer several courses of study and awards as follows:

Award**	Credit Hours	Semesters (full-time)
Bioman Certificate of Completion	32	2
Bioman Diploma	45	3
Bioman AAS	68	4
** All awards are currently in development and need to be approved by the college.

In addition, students will be awarded certificates of competency when they have successfully shown, through rigorous assessment tests, competency in particular skill sets. These certificates of competency can be used to demonstrate mastery of such skill sets to employers.

Regular Tuition	click here for SLCC's tuition schedule
Books	$300 - $700*	* Cost range is for entire length of program, dependant on courses taken.
Lab Fee	TBD


This program is well-suited for those who are curious about how things work / how things are made. Adequate preparation is required. Interested individuals will be given an assessment test to determine their readiness. Readiness can be provided by the successful completion of certain high school courses, such as the following:
- Biology / Biotechnology - Chemistry - Math: e.g. Elem. Algebra, Int. Algebra, Applied Math I/II, Geometry - Computer Technology - Engineering - Electronics - Physics I or Physics with Technology - Pre-Calculus - Statistics
	If the assessment test indicates that you are not ready to enroll in the Biomanufacturing Program, the program’s staff can direct you to other programs that will help you get the required skills. National surveys of biomanufacturing companies have revealed that the following traits, characteristics, and behaviors are highly desirable for success in biomanufacturing jobs:
	- ability to follow directions - ability to take constructive criticism - ability to handle stress - accountability - attention to detail - "big picture" perspective - consistency/appreciation for structure - dependability - good judgment - hard working - integrity	- mechanical aptitude - motivated/takes initiative - organized - positive attitude - preciseness/meticulousness - problem-solving ability - professional/respectful - resourcefulness - sense of humor - self-critical - team player


Graduates will qualify for manufacturing positions such as: - Assembly technician/operator - Data entry technician - Designer - Documentation coordinator - Drafter - Inventory coordinator/manager - Lab analyst/technician - Maintenance technician - Production technician - Quality control technician
The typical pay for these jobs start in the range of $10-14 per hour + benefits, depending on the course of study, the level of education completed and the industry sector chosen.

The Biomanufacturing Program is located at a satellite SLCC campus, the Granite Technical Institute (GTI) at 2500 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT.

GTI is a career and technical education-centered special high school campus within the Granite School District.

The program’s state-of-the-art instructional facility (see below) is located approximately 1.5 miles from SLCC’s South City campus.

In 2007, SLCC partnered with the Granite School District (GSD). Together, these schools applied for and were awarded a joint $2 million Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training Grant. This grant along with contributions by GSD and by the Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative have funded the creation of a state-of-the-art instructional facility which includes multiple PC computer labs; a computer-aided design (CAD) lab; an engineering shop with 3-D printers and an injection molder; plentiful high-end laboratory/manufacturing space; a fully functional, 400-square foot Class 10,000 clean room; and modern equipment for the manufacture of many different kinds of biotechnological products.

Questions, comments, concerns, or more? Tell us about it.

Biomanufacturing Program: (801)957-6450 | bioman@slcc.edu

Employment | Locations