Transfer Agreement with Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Creates Educational Pipeline for Biomanufacturing

May 24, 2023

Hudson Valley Community College announces a new partnership with the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) to build an educational pipeline for biomanufacturing. According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities for biological technicians are projected to grow nine percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

The pathway allows Hudson Valley’s A.S. Biotechnology students to seamlessly transfer into an ACPHS bachelor’s program in microbiology or pharmaceutical sciences. Students then have the opportunity to pursue ACPHS’ Master’s in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing, as well as have access to the College’s burgeoning fellowship program with organizations such as BeiGene, Curia, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Hudson Valley is proud to partner with ACPHS to ensure a seamless transition for the college’s Biotechnology graduates who seek advanced study and careers in the rapidly growing field of biomanufacturing. At Hudson Valley, our goal is to increase access to higher education, to create new opportunities for our students, and to build a skilled workforce for in-demand professions and industries. This partnership achieves all of those goals and further advances our broad efforts to strengthen our region’s talent pipeline, industry resources and overall economic well-being,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Roger Ramsammy.

“Given innovations in personalized medicine, drug research, artificial intelligence, and big data, there is incredible opportunity in the field of biomanufacturing which shows promise for the eradication of many common diseases in the coming years,” said Toyin Tofade, president and professor, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “ACPHS has the academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and is the first college in the country to establish a Biopharmaceutical Education and Training Center which is building a pipeline of diverse graduates to serve as the next generation of biotech leaders.”

Graduates can pursue positions encompassing a wide career scope including but not limited to a biomanufacturing associate, environmental biotechnologist, forensic science technician, medical scientist, microbiologist, geneticist, molecular biologist, quality assurance scientist, and R&D scientist.

The Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) at ACPHS leverages partnerships with industry, academia, and government to advance the industry. It was designed in 2020 to address the rapidly growing need for an educated workforce in the biopharmaceutical field. The center, which is located along Albany’s medical corridor, provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to bring innovative biopharmaceuticals to patients.

The new agreement also affords up to five students scholarship funding renewable for up to four semesters at ACPHS for a total of $36,000. Students must possess a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can apply in November for the spring semester and May for the fall semester.

For more information, contact the Center for Careers and Transfer at (518) 629-7326 or cct@hvcc.edu. 

About Albany College of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is a private, independent college with a long tradition of academic and research excellence dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders to improve the health of society. ACPHS’ undergraduate programs include Biomedical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pre-Med, and Public Health. In addition to a Doctor of Pharmacy, ACPHS offers the only Masters of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing degree in the state, as well as graduate programs in Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. ACPHS ranks #1 in New York and #2 in the U.S. for best return on investment according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce