ACPHS President Toyin Tofade and HVCC President Roger Ramsammy
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences announces it has partnered with Hudson Valley Community College 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 HVCC 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).
“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.”
A team from ACPHS and Hudson Valley Community College worked to secure the agreement for the biotech pipeline.
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) 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.
“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.
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.
Discover more information about these ACPHS academic opportunities which will be available beginning Fall 2023.
About Hudson Valley Community College
Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College offers more than 85 degree and certificate programs in three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and an Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training. One of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, it has an enrollment of more than 9,000 students and is known as a leader in distance learning initiatives and workforce training. Hudson Valley has more than 80,000 alumni.
About Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) is a private, independent college dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders to improve the health of society. The College offers 12 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the only Masters of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing degree in the state. Students have myriad opportunities to extend what they are learning in the classroom through experiential learning opportunities such as in our Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) as well as at student-supported pharmacies in underserved communities and a public health Collaboratory, designed to alleviate community health disparities. ACPHS ranks #1 in New York State for best return on investment according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce and was graded an A+ for value by Niche. For more information, visit www.acphs.edu.