Biotech Boot Camp

August 31 - September 25, 2026 | Monday through Friday
Morning (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and Evening (5:00 to 9:00 p.m.) options

The Biotech Boot Camp is an innovative four-week training program that trains participants on the basic skills to begin an entry-level positions in the local Bio industry.  This is an ideal training for candidates who are looking for career opportunities in a high-demand industry with skills employers are seeking in new employees. Upon completion of the Biotech Boot Camp, graduates will:

• Know the importance of the regulatory aspects of the Biotech industry,
• Understand the safety aspects and proper PPE for different areas in a biomanufacturing facility,
• Be able to perform operations aseptically when required,
• Be able to pipette accurately and aliquot, label, and document appropriately,
• Work as a team member,
• Communicate effectively,
• Have the opportunities to test for/receive micro credentials from BCSI including safety-hazard assessment, documentation and SOP, aseptic 
  technique- lab bench and small volume metrology.

Participating students are offered assistance to maximize readiness for employment during the four-week training. This includes group resume and interview preparation, access to industry guest speakers and interviews with local/regional businesses. During the course, students have the opportunities to network and interact with fellow students, instructors, partner organizations and potential employers.

Dr. Savita Prabhakar

Assistant Professor & Program Manager Biotechnology
Dr. Savita Prabhakar is the Program Manager of the Biotechnology Program and an Assistant Professor in the School of Biological, Physical, and Health Sciences at Frederick Community College in Maryland. She has a PhD in biotechnology and has worked in the field for more than twenty years both in academic and industry settings. Her passion is to bridge the gap between the industry and educational programs to develop a better trained workforce to meet the demands of the biotech industry.  

“It's been almost three years since I completed the Boot Camp, and not a day goes by when I am not grateful for this opportunity and for people like Prof. 
Savita Prabhakar, and places like FCC for helping programs like this exist.”

“Since I now have a job in the biotech field after completing the Biotech Boot Camp, my career goals have changed to focus on progressing in the local biotech industry. My economic future has also changed for the better after completing the Biotech Boot Camp, as I am now able to pay off my student loans and start saving money for the future.”

“The program is a good start for both those who seek a career change, or those who are just starting out. You will learn basic lab techniques that you will be able to apply to an entry level position within the Biotech industry. The apprenticeship program has been an incredible opportunity for me to further my education, all while applying my skills in the workplace. I had previously worked in the industry before, and had some experience, but I can honestly say that if it were not for the Biotech Boot Camp, I would not be where I am today.”

“When I entered the program I had no prior biotech experience and previously worked in a customer service job. I was able to graduate the Biotech Boot Camp and accepted a job as a production technician, starting at $63,000 a year. The Biotech Boot Camp gave me the training and opportunity for a career that has changed my life for the better.”

Industry Sponsors

AstraZeneca

“I was highly impressed by the Biotech Boot Camp graduates we interviewed and surprised they hadn’t yet entered our recruiting pool. Their feedback on the Boot Camp was outstanding, particularly regarding your team’s efforts to connect them with multiple local biotech companies to gain valuable insights into each organization and facility.”

Kite - A Gilead Company

“Kite is committed to supporting initiatives in Frederick County and across the state of Maryland that grow and develop the region’s life sciences workforce. As sponsors of the 2024 Biotech Boot Camp, we saw first-hand how the program creates more opportunities for local talent to gain hands-on biotech experience and education so they are better equipped with the necessary skills to pursue careers in the biotech field.”

Precision for Medicine

“The Biotech Boot Camp has been an invaluable resource for us, helping to streamline our recruitment process and connecting us with highly qualified candidates. The focused approach directly addresses one of the biggest challenges we face: identifying candidates with the right blend of technical expertise and industry knowledge. The partnership has not only improved our recruitment outcomes but also provided us with a reliable pipeline of biotech professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.”

Thermo Fisher Scientific

“Thermo Fisher is dedicated to sourcing quality talent from the local community to support making the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We participate in the Biotech Boot Camp as it is a great program designed to provide the skills and abilities to people looking to pursue a career in the biotech industry. Over the past 1-2 years, we have hired several Boot Camp graduates and have been thoroughly impressed with the knowledge and skills they brought into the organization.”

VALSOURCE

“We support the Biotech Boot Camp because we strongly believe in the team of industry professionals that teach and prepare the students for various roles in the local biotech industry. It is providing a STRONG foundation for various individuals of various backgrounds to become strong contributors and even leaders of the local biotech industry in Frederick, MD.”

Industry Partners

Our industry partners include Emergent, BioNTech, QIAGEN, Meso Scale Discovery, Kemp Proteins, Lonza, Sri Sai Pharmaceuticals, Millipore Sigma, Medigen, and VaLogic.

Local Partners

Our local program partners include Maryland Department of Labor, EARN Maryland, Maryland MEP, Frederick County Workforce Services, Frederick City, and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.