Do you have a PhD, Masters or Degree in Quality, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or Food Science?

Cross-Train ONLINE for Quality Control or Quality Assurance Roles in Pharma Manufacturing in 15 Weeks

Take our “Conversion Course into Quality Roles in Pharma”. Quickly fill in those gaps in your knowledge to successfully move into Quality Assurance or Quality Control roles in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing from a different industry. Core content developed in consultation with the industry including Pfizer and MSD.

  • Estimated salaries €39,000 – €80,000 plus overtime, bonuses and allowances. (Based on Irish job data)

  • Estimated salaries $39,000 – $95,000 plus overtime, bonuses and allowances. (Based on US job data)

  • Fill in the regulatory, risk management, and validation gaps in your knowledge so you can get hired into the Pharma and Medical Device industry as fast as possible.

  • Learn how safe medicines are made using GMPs

  • Start your path to a well-paid and rewarding career in pharma manufacturing

  • Application Deadline: Wednesday 16th October
  • Study Part-Time Online
  • Course materials are available 24/7. There are NO ZOOM classes!
  • 12 hrs/week for 15 weeks or choose a faster/slower schedule
  • Join 1590 Learners

NOTE: You’ll get a dedicated course leader who’ll work with you to develop a weekly study schedule, then check your progress every Friday and follow up with you to help you finish the course.

Male biotechnologist testing new chemical substances in a lab

Image: PVCC

Apply NOW & Cross-Train for a QA or QC Role in the Pharma Industry →

Contact Details For This Course

Geraldine Creaner

+353 (0)21 240 9016

+1 (617) 901 9268

+44 078 0237 0554

Course Price →

Do you have a PhD, Masters or Degree in Quality, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or Food Science?

Cross-Train ONLINE for Quality Control or Quality Assurance Roles in Pharma Manufacturing in 15-Weeks

Take our “Conversion Course into Quality Roles in Pharma”. Quickly fill in the gaps in your knowledge to successfully move into Quality Assurance or Quality Control roles in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing from a different industry. Core content developed in consultation with the industry including Pfizer and MSD.

The Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies Course GetReskilled

  • Estimated salaries €39,000 – €80,000 plus overtime, bonuses and allowances. (Based on Irish job data)

  • Estimated salaries $39,000 – $95,000 plus overtime, bonuses and allowances. (Based on US job data)

  • Fill in the regulatory, risk management and validation gaps in your knowledge so you can get hired into the Pharma and Medical Device industry as fast as possible.

  • Learn how safe medicines are made using GMPs

  • Start your path to a well-paid and rewarding career in pharma manufacturing

  • Application Deadline: Wednesday 16th October
  • Study Part-Time Online
  • Course materials are available 24/7. There are NO ZOOM classes!
  • 12 hrs/week for 15 weeks or choose a faster/slower schedule
  • Join 1590 Learners

NOTE: You’ll get a dedicated course leader who’ll work with you to develop a weekly study schedule, then check your progress every Friday and follow up with you to help you finish the course.

Course Price →

Apply NOW & Cross-Train for a QA or QC Role in the Pharma Industry →

We are serious about you finishing this course so we check your progress every week and always follow up.

Contact Details For This Course

Geraldine Creaner

+353 (0)21 240 9016

+44 078 0237 0554

+1 (617) 901 9268

Core content developed by biochemists and engineers during the start-up of a pharmaceutical plant

This program was developed on-site by a team of biochemists and senior chemical engineers, working within an engineering consultancy during the start-up of a new pharmaceutical plant to fill in the regulatory, risk management, GAMP, qualification, and validation gaps in knowledge of its own scientists and technicians.

You will write a technical report

You will write a 3,000-word technical report about the systems needed to consistently manufacture safe medicines and devices for patients. This is fundamental knowledge for any professional working in this sector

You will complete 7 quality risk management (QRM) workshops

QRM tools are crucial in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. They allow companies to

  • manage potential risks that could compromise the quality of drugs
  • identify and prioritize risks, assess their potential impact on product quality
  • build product quality into the manufacturing process

We will guide you through the step-by-step process of using the seven different QRM tools. This is a fundamental skill for any professional working in this sector and a key outcome of this program.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This program is highly specialized so you MUST have the following:

Ph.D., Masters, Degree or Higher Diploma in:

  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical science
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology

OR have worked in Quality Control or Quality Assurance in the following sectors:

  • Medical devices
  • Nutritional
  • Beverage
  • Dairy manufacturing
  • Food science

AND YOU MUST

  • currently work in your field
    OR
  • have worked or graduated in this field within the last 2 years

If not, check out our University Certificate in eBioPharmaChem

If you have a quality background in engineering/manufacturing, check out our Conversion Course into Engineering Roles in Pharma.

Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing

Our learners work for the world’s biggest pharma and medical device companies

Pfizer Logo

AstraZenega Logo

Novartis Logo

GSK Logo

Lilly Logo

Abbott Logo

MSD Logo

Boston Scientific Logo

Medtronic Logo

Takeda Logo

Abbvie Logo

Our graduates work for the world’s biggest pharma and medical device companies

Pfizer Logo

AstraZenega Logo

Novartis Logo

Lilly Logo

Roche Logo

Amgen Logo

Sanofi Logo

GSK Logo

What Kind of Quality Control or Quality Assurance Jobs Could I Get?

Depending on your previous experience, here are some of the most common job titles we see advertised;

Quality assurance is process-oriented and focuses on removing any variation from the processes of manufacturing. The role tends to be detail-orientated and documentation-focused.

  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Associate
  • Quality Associate Manager
  • Plant Quality Assurance Senior Associate
  • QA Specialist – Raw Materials
  • QA Compliance Specialist
  • QMS/QA Specialist
  • QA Internal Auditor
  • QA Compliance Manager
  • Quality Systems Coordinator

Quality control is product-oriented and focuses on testing samples from the manufacturing process to make sure they meet the required specifications and standards.

  • Quality Control Microbiology Analyst
  • Quality Control Specialist,
  • Quality Control Analyst FTC
  • Senior Quality Control Analyst
  • QC Analyst, QC Scientist
  • QC Micro Technician
  • QC Microbiology Analyst
  • QC Drug Product Technologist
  • QC Specialist -LIMS
  • QC Biochemist UA

Enrol in this course to learn…

  • Introduction – to pharmaceutical, (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulated environment, quality systems vs regulation vs validation.
  • Quality Risk Management (QRM) – the huge importance of risk management and the steps involved in its application.
  • GMPs vs Quality Management Systems – GMPs vs ISO 9001:2015 and why use them both.
  • Industry Regulations and Guidelines – including, FDA GMPs for the United States, EMA GMPs for European Union, ICH, and PICs GMP regulation
  • Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP) – software categories, scalable validation deliverables, and operation activities.
  • API Manufacturing Technologies – organic chemical synthesis, aseptic & sterile manufacturing, separation technologies, and multi-stage sequence API synthesis.
  • Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies – upstream processing, fermentation cellular protein synthesis, downstream processing, and column chromatography.
  • Process Validation and Documentation – design and verification of manufacturing systems
  • Cleaning Validation – engineering and chemical aspects of cleaning and cleaning equipment
  • Key Manufacturing Technologies – tablet manufacturing, vial filling, and freeze-drying FDA vs EU medical device regulations and classification.
  • Equipment Validation – IQ OQ PQ and Baseline Guide 5.
  • Advanced Career Coaching – Advanced course on how to find a job in the pharma sector.

You’ll produce a number of deliverables throughout the course including…

  • Complete 8-question booklets (one for every week’s worth of content) which will summarise what you have learnt for the week and ensure you retain and understand the information.
  • Complete 7 Quality Risk Management workshops on:
    • Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
    • Cause and Effect Analysis
    • Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA)
    • Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA)
    • Hazard Operability Analysis (HAZOP)
    • Event Tree Analysis (ETA)
    • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Complete a 9-step application process simulation for a QA or QC job, using the relevant tools and techniques you have learned.
  • Complete a 10-page report on “Why cGMPs are required for the manufacture of a life sciences product”.
    • The key requirements of a quality management system
    • The cleaning validation sequence and how to determine cleanliness levels
    • The documentation of a complete risk management process in terms of identifying risk, analyzing risk, evaluating risk and controlling risk.
    • The typical equipment and process stages used in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients
    • The generation, storage and distribution of pharmacopeia-grade Purified Water (PUW)
    • The common cleanroom configuration and airflow direction that governs personnel and material flows in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment

Our pharmaceutical scientists will give you written feedback on your report

And take the following skills and knowledge to your new job

  • You’ll have enough technical knowledge and understanding of the quality culture necessary to work in quality assurance and or quality control roles in this environment.
  • You’ll have a solid understanding of how safe medicines and medical devices are made in a regulated GMP environment.
  • You’ll have a foundational understanding of GMPs, Industry Regulations and Guidelines, Quality Risk Management Tools, GAMP, Equipment and Cleaning Validation
  • You’ll be able to participate in root cause analysis and quality risk management (QRM) projects.
  • You’ll be able to work with professionals in this sector without feeling lost or intimidated by the specialised terms and frameworks used in this sector.

View Full 15 Week Syllabus

Course Price →

Hear From People Who’ve Taken This Course

Pharmaceutical Degree

John Ryan

“The course content material is concise and interesting”

“The professionalism and passion of the lecturers comes across in the tutorials which gives the student confidence and encouragement to keep on top of the course. The course content material is concise and interesting. The timing of the release of the lessons is perfect, the student moves at a comfortable pace, one step at a time.”

Pharmaceutical Degree

Ronan Balfe

“I would have no hesitation in recommending these courses”

“Studying online gives you the time to do the course in your own time yet with assignment deadlines this made you disciplined to meet the deadlines set. I would have no hesitation in recommending these courses to anyone wishing to gain an education in the pharmaceutical sector.”

Pharmaceutical Degree

Edel Harkins

“Highly recommended to anyone who has been out of the industry for a period of time”

“I would highly recommend anyone in my situation who has been out of the industry for a period of time to do these courses. They have contributed to my new found confidence in my existing and new qualifications, my improved interview skills and my new job!”

Read over 55 reviews and graduate success stories like these.

Your 15-Week Class Schedule

Module 1 – Fundamentals in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Weeks 1-10)

This module was developed in consultation with the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry including Pfizer and MSD.

Week 1 – Manufacturing Safe Medicines

  • 1-1 Finished Medicinal Products
    In this lesson, we learn about medical products and the various ways drug products are administered.
  • 1-2 Introduction to Quality Risk Management (QRM)
    In this lesson, we will develop an understanding of the history and the crucial importance of risk management as well as the basic steps involved in its application.
  • 1-3 Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) – step 4 “Workshop’ exercise
    In this lesson, we learn about the risk management tool ‘Fault Tree Analysis’ and see an example of where and how we can use it.
  • 1-4 Clinical Trials
    In this lesson, we will gain an understanding of the purpose of clinical trials and learn about their four phases.
  • 1-5 Focus on Patient Safety and Product Quality
    In this class, we will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of patient safety and product quality for medicines and medical devices.
  • 1-6 Process Validation
    In this lesson, we will learn about the various definitions of ‘validation’, as well as for ‘commissioning’, ‘qualification’, and ‘verification.

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 2-1 ISPE Baseline Guide 5 – Commissioning Practices
    In this lesson, we learn about the commissioning and qualification of manufacturing equipment systems in the pharmaceutical industries and about the importance of doing system impact and component impact assessments.
  • 2-2 ISPE Baseline Guide 5 – Qualification Practices
    In this lesson, we look again at system and component impact assessment and specifically describe the qualification practices associated with direct impact systems that directly impact on product quality and patient safety.
  • 2-3 ISPE Baseline Guide 5 – Enhanced Design Review (EDR) / (DQ)
    In this lesson, we learn how to do a documented review of the design of the overall process and facility systems for conformance to operational and regulatory expectations.
  • 2-4 Cause and Effect – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    In this lesson, we learn about the risk management tool ‘Cause and Effect’ and see an example of where and
    how we can use it.
  • 2-5: ISO 9001:2008
    This lesson is about the key requirements of quality management systems.
  • 2-6: Good Engineering Practices (GEP)
    In this presentation, we will develop an understanding of good engineering practices, and learn about some various organizations that produce them.
  • 2-7: ASTM E 2500 – Standard Guide for Specification, Design and Verification
    In this lesson, we will describe a specification, design, and verification approach for equipment systems associated with the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Deliverables

  • Complete a Cause and Effect (Fishbone Diagram) workshop.
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 3-1: GAMP5 – Software Category
    This lesson, looks at the various GAMP categories of software and a ‘v-model’ approach to software projects? It also recommends a method on how to describe a critical computerized system to the regulatory authorities.
  • 3-2: GAMP5 – Scalable Validation Deliverables
    In this lesson, the general content of a computerized validation plan and a summary report is described. Described also is the ‘system implementation lifecycle’ (SILC) and the ‘software development lifecycle’ (SDLC) with associated validation deliverables.
  • 3-3: GAMP5 – Operation Activities
    This lesson describes the typical procedural activities associated with all commercial computerized systems in the operational stage of the lifecycle
  • 3-4: Failure Mode, Effects (and Criticality) Analysis (FMEA / FMEAC) – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    This presentation shows an example of the main steps in performing a ‘Failure Mode, Effects Analysis’ (FMEA) and describes how this risk management technique summarizes the important modes of (a) failure, (b) factors causing these failures, and (c) the likely effects of these failures.
  • 3-5: GAMP5 – Risk-Based Decision Making
    This lesson explains how to apply risk-based decisions, making over the lifecycle of a computerized system: from the concept phase and through the project phase, into the operational phase and finally to the decommissioning stage.
  • 3-5: Product Quality and Current Good Manufacturing Practices [ cGMP]
    In this lesson, we learn how to scientifically define product quality. This lesson also gives an insight into the high-level principles of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP).

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 4-1: Chemical Reactions
    In this lesson, we describe chemical reactions and list the substances involved, and explain what the rate-controlling steps are.
  • 4-2: Separation Technologies
    In this lesson, we explain how to purify a dissolved compound from a mixture of substances using ‘liquid-liquid extraction’, ‘phase separations’ and ‘crystallization’.
  • 4-3: Batch Organic Chemical Synthesis
    In this lesson, we describe the typical equipment and process stages of the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) using batch organic chemistry synthesis.
  • 4-4: Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    This lesson, explains when and how to do a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) study on a project to analyze hazards, and suggests how to document the process and who should conduct the study.
  • 4-5: Multi-Stage Sequence API Synthesis
    In this lesson, we explore the typical sequence of deriving an API product using batch organic chemical synthesis and the types of facilities used
  • 4-6: API Regulatory Guidelines
    In this lesson, we describe the characteristics of a GMP that can be followed to manufacture an API.
  • 4-7: Relationship Between BPC and API
    In this lesson, we describe the similarities and differences between the terms ‘Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients’ (API) and ‘Bulk Pharmaceutical Chemicals’ (BPC), and we mention some typical material controls?

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 5-1: Biopharmaceuticals Manufacturing, Upstream, Fermentation
    This lesson describes a conventional biotechnological process and introduces the following process sequences:

    • Stage-I – Upstream Processing
    • Stage-II – Fermentation / Bio-reaction
    • Stage-III – Downstream Processing
  • 5-2: Cellular Protein Synthesis
    This lesson explains the sequence of how a protein is created at a cellular level in terms of its contents and folded structure, and explains the template information necessary for its assembly process.
  • 5-3: Hazard Operability Analysis (HAZOP) – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    In this lesson, we will watch a practical application of HAZOP that will identify process risk events that are caused by deviations from a system’s design or operating intentions. It is a systematic brainstorming technique for identifying hazards using so-called “guide-words” (e.g., No, More, Other Than, Part of, etc.) and applying them to relevant parameters (e.g., contamination, temperature) to help identify potential deviations from normal use or design intentions.
  • 5-4: Downstream Processing – Column Chromatography
    This lesson describes the basic principle behind the following column chromatography techniques:

    • Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC).
    • ‘Ionic Exchange Chromatography (IEX).
    • Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC).
    • ‘Affinity Chromatography
  • 5-5: Biopharmaceuticals Manufacturing: Special Considerations
    This lesson looks at general considerations for a conventional biopharmaceutical process in terms of cell line preservation and viral barrier and viral clearance techniques.

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Hazard Operability Analysis (HAZOP).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 6-1: Engineering Aspects of Cleaning, and Cleaning Equipment
    This lesson discusses how to clean and decontaminate surfaces using CIP (clean-in-place), agitated Immersion, static Immersion (Soaking), automated parts washers, ultrasonic cleaning, high-pressure spraying, and manual cleaning.
  • 6-2: Chemistry Aspects of Cleaning
    This lesson explores chemistry aspects of cleaning in terms of solubility, solubilisation, emulsification, dispersion, wetting, hydrolysis, oxidation and physical removal.
  • 6-3: Event Tree Analysis (ETA) – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    This lesson explores the application of Event tree analysis (ETA). Event tree analysis is an analysis technique for identifying and evaluating the sequence of events in a potential accident scenario following the occurrence of an initiating event. ETA utilizes a visual logic tree structure known as an event tree. The objective of ETA is to determine whether the initiating event will develop into a serious mishap or if the event is sufficiently controlled by the safety systems and procedures implemented in the system design.
  • 6-4: Cleaning Validation
    This lesson takes a high-level look at a typical cleaning validation sequence. It looks at how to determine the basis for quantification limits and explains how to determine cleanliness levels on the basis of the analytical testing of representative samples. Sampling is described in terms of sampling-equipment, sampling -locations, and sampling –procedures.
  • 6-5: ISO-9001 ‘Continual Improvement’ & ICH Q10 Pharmaceutical Quality System
    This lesson explains the concept of ‘continual improvement’ as part of a company’s quality management system and describes an effective corrective action process and a preventive action process (CAPA). It also gives details on the product-lifecycle for a pharmaceutical product and describes the monitoring of process performance and product quality.

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Event Tree Analysis (ETA).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 7-1: Tablet Manufacturing
    In this lesson, we will explore the critical process parameters and quality attributes associated with the manufacture of medicinal tablets.
  • 7-2: Vial Filling & Freeze Drying
    In this lesson, we will explore the critical process parameters and quality attributes associated with the filling of a medicinal vial and its subsequent freeze-drying.
  • 7-3: FDA Medical Device Rules – CFR 820
    In this lesson, we look at how the FDA classifies medical devices and explore the basis of that classification system.
  • 7-4: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) – step 4 ‘Workshop’ exercise
    In this lesson, we are going to look at a full risk management process called Hazard Analysis and Critical
    Control Points (HACCP) and develop an understanding of the seven steps involved.
  • 7-5: Medical Devices – EU Classification
    In this lesson, we look at how medical devices are classified in the European Union, and we explore the basis of the classification system.
  • 7-6: Aseptic & Sterile Manufacturing
    In this lesson, we look at critical process parameters and quality attributes associated with aseptic processing and terminal sterilization products for parenteral products.
  • 7-7: Medical Device Regulations and Guidelines – ISO 13485 / CFR 820
    In this lesson, we look at some GMP regulatory and ISO guidance documents that are associated with the manufacture of medical devices.

Deliverables

  • Complete a workshop on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

  • 8-1: PQ, OQ and IQ
    In this lesson, we are going to define the terms installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ) and performance qualification (PQ), and we will also list what typical project design documents are required to prepare such testing protocols.
  • 8-2: Documenting the Quality Risk Management Process
    In this lesson, we take a practical look at managing a complete risk management process in terms of identifying risk, analyzing risk, evaluating risk and controlling risk.
  • 8-3: Product Realization & Pharmaceutical Development
    In this lesson, we define the pharmaceutical product lifecycle in terms of development, technology transfer, commercial manufacturing and discontinuation.

Deliverables

  • Complete a question booklet that will summarise what you have learnt for the week and help ensure you retain and understand the information.

Write a paper on “Why cGMPs are required for the manufacture of a life sciences product”.

You will receive an end of course certificate from GetReskilled subject to the following criteria;

  • Passing a written or oral exam on the materials.
  • The submission of all assessments and the end of module assignment.

This Certificate along with 2 other modules can be combined into a Certificate in eBioPharmaChem which is university accredited by Technological University Dublin, Ireland.

Module 2 – Advanced Career Coaching (Weeks 11-15)

  • Learn about your local BioPharma/MedTech manufacturing industry in detail
  • Understanding pharma industry jargon.
  • How to find the roles that are right for you

  • How to job hunt when you already have a job
  • Assessing your own skill set and how to sell that to employers
  • What employers expect from your application
  • CV and cover letter writing skills that are highly tailored to a job advert with personalized feedback

  • Develop a list of appropriate companies and people for speculative job applications
  • Practice writing speculative applications
  • How to make successful speculative applications

  • Network effectively both on and offline
  • How to use social media in your job hunt
  • Interview preparation
  • How to deal with psychometric testing

Complete a 9-step application process simulation for a BioPharma/MedTech job, using the relevant tools and techniques you have learned, including the following;

  • Discuss your local BioPharma/MedTech manufacturing industry
  • List the departments and job roles where your skills are best suited
  • Understand your current skill set and how to discuss that with employers
  • Network effectively both on and offline
  • Write a CV and a cover letter that are highly tailored to a job advert
  • Write a speculative application and have a list of local companies appropriate for such an application
  • Prepare for an interview

You will receive an end of course certificate from GetReskilled upon the succesful completion of all assessments and assignments.

Delivered by a Practicing Industry Expert

Dr.Joe Brady Lecturer at GetTeskilled

Dr. Joe Brady

Full-Time Validation Lead
Lecturer, Technological University Dublin, Ireland
Senior Associate, GetReskilled

Dr. Joe Brady is a full-time practicing Validation Lead and an assistant lecturer with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), in the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Joe is a certified trainer and highly experienced in competency-based training. He designs and prepares educational modules and full academic courses ranging from MSc, MEngSc. BSc, to Certificate level, for a range of academic institution.

He is also a supervisor for MSc/MEngSc and PhD theses. Joe has over twenty years of project experience in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device industries in Ireland, Singapore, China, The Netherlands, France, and the USA.

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If you’re spending money on an education program, make sure you choose one you’ll finish!