Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Advisor Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2026-2027 Catalog and Student Handbook Major: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, AAS

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, AAS

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Associate of Applied Science, AAS

PURPOSE: This two-year degree prepares students to enter the workforce as Production Technicians, Quality Control Specialists, and Quality Assurance Specialists in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries.   In addition, Brightpoint has established articulation agreements that create clear academic pathways for students to pursue Virginia Commonwealth University’s Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, as well as Virginia State University’s Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.

CREDENTIALS:  An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a major career-technical area that takes two years for full-time students to complete. Although the purpose of an AAS degree is to gain skills for employment, some transfer institutions may accept some or all of the courses from an AAS major. 

TRANSFER INFORMATION: This program is not intended for transfer.  Students desiring to transfer should consult their academic advisors and their intended transfer institutions for specific direction in program and course selection. More information can also be found at www.brightpoint.edu/academics/transfer/.  Students should consult with their faculty advisor for more information on the transfer articulation agreements with Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University for this program.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Students must meet Brightpoint admission requirements. New students should work with their New Student Navigator to get ready for their first semester. They can also email getstarted@brightpoint.edu for assistance. Continuing students should work with their faculty advisor on academic planning and graduation requirements.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: By the completion of this program, students will be expected to demonstrate an intermediate level of competency in the following skills:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for mid-level positions as Production Technicians, Quality Control Specialists, and Quality Assurance Specialists in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries.

2. Demonstrate safety skills and knowledge as pertains to pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

3. Communicate effectively through oral, written, and technological means to support pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and outcomes.

        4. Apply concepts and practices involved in maintaining quality standards in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

Required Courses

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes
SDV 100 - College Success Skills 1 credit
ENG 111 - College Composition I

Prerequisite(s): EDE 10, or coreq EDE 11.   

3 credits
ENG 112 - College Composition II

Prerequisite(s): Grade of “C” or higher in ENG 111. 

3 credits
MTH 263 - Calculus l (Prerequisite: MTH 162 with grade of C or better.)

Prerequisite(s): MTH 162 with grade of C or better. 

4 credits

Mathematics (3-9 credits)

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes

Mathematics (3-9 credits)

MTH 161 - Precalculus l

Prerequisite(s): MTE 1-9 or co-requisite MDE 61.

 

3 credits
MTH 162 - Precalculus ll

Prerequisite(s): MTH 161 or equivalent with a grade of C or better, or other placement methods.

3 credits
MTH 245 - Statistics l

Prerequisite(s): MTH 154  (or higher) with grade of C or higher. 

3 credits

Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature Elective (3 credits)

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes
PHI 220 - Ethics and Society Additional Course Option: PHI 100, ART 101, ART 102, REL 100, REL 230.  3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes
ECO 150 - Economic Essentials: Theory and Application Additional Course Option: SOC 200, PSY 200, SOC 211, ECO 201, ECO 202, PLS 135.  3 credits

Laboratory Science Courses

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes
BIO 101 - General Biology I 4 credits
BIO 102 - General Biology II

Prerequisite(s): BIO 101.

4 credits
CHM 111 - General Chemistry I

Prerequisite(s): MTH 161 readiness.

4 credits
CHM 112 - General Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): CHM 111 with grade of C or better.

4 credits
CHM 241 - Organic Chemistry I

Prerequisite(s): CHM 112 with grade of C or better.

3 credits
CHM 245 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory: I

Prerequisite(s): CHM 112 with a grade of C or better.

Co-requisite: CHM 241.

2 credits
CHM 242 - Organic Chemistry II

Prerequisite(s): CHM 241 with grade of C or better.

3 credits
CHM 246 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Prerequisite(s): CHM 245 with a grade of C or better. 

Co-requisite: CHM 242.

2 credits

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Courses

Course NameCredits:Semester TakenNotes
BIO 147 - Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology 1 credit
BIO 165 - Principles in Regulatory and Quality Environments for Biotechnology

Prerequisite(s): Program placed, BIO 180 or pharmaceutical manufacturing program head permission. 

2 credits
PHM 101 - Quality Control and Assurance Methods for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 3 credits
PHM 203 - Contamination Prevention

Prerequisite(s): BIO 147, BIO 165. 

Co-requisite: PHM 101. 

 

4 credits
IND 101 - Quality Assurance Technology I 3 credits
PHM 206 - Methods of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Prerequisite(s): BIO 147, BIO 165. 

Co-requisite: PHM 101. 

4 credits

Total Minimum Credits to Complete: 63-69

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements can be found in course details.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete any SDV, ENG, and MTH requirements first.

Students should regularly meet with their faculty advisor and check their degree progress by accessing advisement reports in the Student Information System (SIS) in the myBrightpoint portal or the Academic Planner in Navigate.

Notes: