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Welcome to Biotechnology Programs

Female scientist conducting an experiment in a lab

Join the growing biotechnology industry in Frederick County! Due to an ever-increasing demand for biological and medical research, as well as local legislation in support of biotech developments, career opportunities are multiplying throughout the industry with nearly 7% employment growth projected through 2033. Source bls.gov

To prepare you for success in this growing field, FCC provides expert-led instruction, in-depth knowledge, and essential skills for employment and career advancement in the biotechnology industry. Programs are designed for students to gain real-world experience through partnerships with local biotech companies, including Kite Pharma, Lonza, VaLogic, and Texcell.

Biotechnology Credit Programs Biotechnology Workforce Training Biotechnology High School Programs

Biotechnology Credit Programs

Biotechnology is transforming industries—from healthcare and agriculture to environmental science—with local employers actively seeking qualified professionals to fill critical roles. Take your first step towards a future filled with opportunity. Explore FCC Biotechnology credit programs today.

Academic Degrees & Certificate Programs

Cell Therapy & Flow Cytometry Letter of Recognition

Biological Technician Apprenticeship Program

Biotechnology Workforce Training

With hands-on training, state-of-the-art lab facilities, and expert faculty, FCC delivers flexible and affordable biotechnology workforce training. These programs are designed to prepare you for high-demand, high-reward opportunities in a rapidly growing regional field.

Biotech
Boot Camp

Applied
Biotechnology

Customized Training
for Employers

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Biotechnology High School Programs

Open to Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) high school juniors and seniors, Biotechnology Career Programs offer hands-on training and real-world experiences to students interested in pursuing a biotechnology career.

FCPS Dual
Enrollment Program

Dual Enrollment • FCPS Juniors & Seniors

Get ready to earn your FCPS high school diploma and college credits at Frederick Community College at the same time. Through the FCC Dual Enrollment program, you can begin taking college classes to earn workforce training credentials and/or academic credits while still in high school.

In addition to receiving free tuition for all FCC courses, you may also be eligible for scholarships to cover fees and books in select programs. Speak with your high school counselor today and let them know you're interested in taking workforce training and/or academic credit classes at FCC.
DUAL ENROLLMENT | Program Information

Biotech Boot Camp

No Cost | No Experience Required
The Biotech Boot Camp is a free, 4-week training program designed to help jobseekers gain the fundamental skills necessary to enter Frederick's growing biotech industry. The program is intended for both first-time and experienced workers looking for a new career pathway. Following the successful completion of the course, program participants will be guaranteed an interview with local/regional biotech companies.

Program Requirements

Be 18 years of age or older
Have reliable transportation
Attend the full program
Be available to work full time following the training and interview process

Boot Camp Schedule

Monday through Thursday | January 2026
Morning Class Option: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Afternoon Class Option: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Additional Information

In-person classes are held at Frederick Community College main campus.
There is no cost to participate in this Biotech Boot Camp training program.

BIOTECH BOOTCAMP REGISTRATION | Program Information

Program Impacts

Graduates Placed into Biotech Jobs

$24.85

Average Starting Wage

104

Microcredits Earned

About the Program

The Biotech Boot Camp is an innovative four-week training program that prepares participants with the basic skills to begin entry-level positions in the local biotech industry. This is an ideal training for candidates looking for career opportunities in a high-demand industry. Participating students receive group resume and interview preparation, access to industry guest speakers, and the opportunity to network with local and regional employers. Students may also earn microcredentials through the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI), including safety-hazard assessment, documentation and SOP, aseptic technique, and small volume metrology.

Meet the Instructor

The Biotech Boot Camp is led by Dr. Savita Prabhakar, Assistant Professor and Program Manager of Biotechnology at Frederick Community College. Dr. Prabhakar holds a PhD in biotechnology and brings more than 20 years of experience in both academic and industry settings. Her work is focused on bridging the gap between industry needs and educational programs to develop a better-trained workforce for the growing biotech sector.

What Participants Are Saying

“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.”

“The Boot Camp changed my life and opened doors I am sure I would never have been able to open by myself. After being interviewed by different companies, I was lucky to receive a couple of job offers, one of them being an apprentice position at Kite Pharmaceuticals.”

“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.”