Gloved hand holding a pipette above a small container, with a beaker of red liquid on a lab plate in the background in the QAQC Lab on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT.

Montana Biotechnology Center

FAQ

The QA/QC Certificate Program prepares graduates in chemistry, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacy for careers in Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in the biotechnology industry. The program combines online instruction delivered by University of California San Diego Extended Studies with an elective, hands-on practical module offered by University of Montana in Missoula.
The program is intended for graduates with degrees in:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacy
It is ideal for individuals seeking to enter or transition into biotechnology QA/QC roles, including positions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical laboratories, and regulatory compliance.
The program consists of two components:
1. Online Instructional Module (Required for UCSD Certificate)
1. Delivered asynchronously through University of California San Diego Extended Studies
1. Covers core QA/QC concepts and regulatory frameworks used in the biotechnology industry.
1. In-Person Practical Module (Optional)
1. Offered at University of Montana in Missoula
1. Provides hands-on training in biotechnology QA/QC laboratory practices.
Participants may complete only the online module, only the practical module, or both the online and practical modules.
Students have two options:
- Online/Didactic Module Only:
  Earn a Graduate Certificate from University of California San Diego Extended Studies
- Onsite/Practical Module Only:
  Earn a Certificate of Completion from University of Montana
- Online + Onsite Module:
  Earn a Graduate Certificate from University of California San Diego Extended Studies
The CareerReady – QA/QC Career Accelerator practical module focuses on key laboratory and regulatory skills used in biotechnology quality operations, including:
- Proper gowning procedures for QC laboratories
- Raw material lifecycle management, including inspection, compendial testing, release, and material transfer
- Product testing and method transfer
- Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations and root cause analysis
- Pipetting and weighing techniques for accurate sample preparation
- Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
- Technical report writing and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development
The module is designed to simulate real-world QA/QC workflows used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical environments.
No. Students are not required to take the online module in order to participate in the hands-on experience. The program offers flexibility: participants may complete only the optional in-person practical (lab) module offered by the University of Montana in Missoula and receive a Certificate of Completion for the practical training.

Alternatively, students may complete the online instructional module delivered by the University of California San Diego Extended Studies to earn a UCSD certificate, or complete both modules to receive certificates from both institutions.
The practical module takes place at the University of Montana campus in Missoula.

How can I learn more about the online module?

Detailed information about the online course can be found here:

Insert link
Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level and early-career roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, including:
- Quality Control Analyst
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Analytical Laboratory Technician
- GMP Compliance Associate
- Manufacturing Quality Associate
Application instructions, program dates, and enrollment information are provided on the program website. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program team with questions about eligibility, scheduling, or other program related questions.