Pharmaceutical Industry Workers

High School

To prepare for a job in sales, you should take courses in speech and English, to develop your communication skills. You should also take science courses, including biology and chemistry, so that you'll have some insight into pharmaceutical research and development. If you're interested in a job as a production worker, select a vocational or technical school program that will give you some background in machine work and engineering. Computer science, database management, and artificial intelligence courses will also be useful. If you plan to become a sales worker, courses in marketing, sales, writing, and speech will be useful.

Postsecondary Education

Most employers offering production jobs require at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, with workers learning their skills via on-the-job training. Certain production positions require an associate’s degree in biotechnology, manufacturing, or a related field and one to three years of experience. Production managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business management. Individuals seeking a pharmaceutical sales job will need a four-year college degree in a major such as life sciences or business administration. Scientists need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, or related majors. Aspiring managers will need degrees in business management.

Certification

NSF, a developer of public health standards and services, offers a certificate in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Courses include Analysis and Testing, General Drug or Pharmaceutical cGMP and Quality Systems, Process Validation and Equipment Qualification, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, and Sterile Manufacturing Practices. Visit https://www.nsf.org/training/area/health-sciences-training-solutions/pharmaceutical for more information. Colleges and universities also provide certificate programs in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales, business management, and related fields.

Other Education or Training

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, and other industry organizations—including those at the state and local levels—provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.