High School

Follow your schools 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 bachelors degree, you will be able to find work, but you will need at least a masters 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 programs 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 Universitys 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.

Certification or Licensing

The Center for Professional Innovation and Education offers the pharmaceutical development certified professional credential to students who complete classes, take and pass an exam, and pay a fee. Visit https://www.cfpie.com for more information.

Any experience one can obtain in the pharma/biotech industry—such as an internship or a part-time job—will be useful.

Drug developers must be team players who can coordinate with data management workers, project leaders, managers, and other colleagues. Organization skills are also important. You should also have a good eye for detail and an interest in reading and studying. Communication skills are very important, so that you can explain the development process to both technical and nontechnical personnel. Other important traits included creativity, the ability to solve problems, patience, and a detail-oriented personality.