Drug Developers

High School

Follow your school's college prep program, which should include courses in literature, government, history, mathematics, and foreign language in addition to the sciences. Chemistry, biology, and other laboratory classes are important. Also take classes in English composition to develop your writing skills for preparing reports and presentations.

Postsecondary Training

The best, highest paying opportunities will be for those with doctorates in chemical engineering, polymer science, chemistry, pharmaceutical technology, molecular biology, and related areas. With a bachelor's degree, you will be able to find work, but you will need at least a master's for advancement and salary increases.

When selecting a program, look for one that will allow you, even at the undergraduate level, to assist on research projects. Your program's course work may include such subjects as the principles of genetics, cell biology, immunology, human physiology, and organic chemistry.

Drug development technicians often have associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, manufacturing, or engineering.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in general science, pharmaceutical science and related fields, pharmaceutical development, clinical biochemistry, and emerging technology areas. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. For example, Temple University's School of Pharmacy offers a drug development certificate, and the University of California, San Diego offers a drug discovery and development certificate program. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists offersoffers webinars, e-courses, conference sessions, and workshops. Recent e-courses included Fundamentals of Biotherapeutic Development; Drug Discovery, Development, and Pharmacotherapy; and Essentials of Regulatory Compliance for Pharmaceutical Scientists. In addition, continuing education opportunities are provided by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, American Chemical Society, and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. Contact these organizations for more information.