Pharmaceutical students in a lab looking at specimens through a microscope

Program Explorer

Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing

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Help deliver the right dosage, every time.

Learn to produce pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, including prescriptions and vaccines.

Through the Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing program, you will build the in-depth technical knowledge and practical experience you need to start a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food production industries.

In this program, you’ll develop valuable experience with tablet and capsule manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production and food processing using RRC Polytech’s pilot-scale production facilities. You’ll also gain the skills needed to produce pharmaceutical products, such as over-the-counter medicines, and prescription drugs, such as tablets, capsules and vaccines.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $7,100 – $7,900
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you will learn to use state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to create medicinal and food products and prepare for a career in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food manufacturing industries.

TERM 1

Build essential laboratory equipment skills and a fundamental understanding of measurements, calculation, quality and compliance through hands-on learning.

TERM 2

Explore microbiology, bioprocessing and advanced pharmaceutical and food production processes while building professional communication skills.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Tablet press operator
  • Tablet coating operator
  • Upstream and downstream manufacturing technician
  • Manufacturing associate
  • Material handler
  • Equipment cleaner
  • Bioprocess associate
  • Production technician
  • Packaging assembler
  • Packaging technician
  • Blender
Technician using pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Pharmaceutical students in a lab looking at medicine capsules they just created
Develop practical experience and learn to manufacture pharmaceutical products like tablets and capsules in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Pharmaceutical students in a lab watching their instructor do something with a plastic flask
Learn like you’re working, using the same equipment you’ll find in the industry to build your technical expertise.
Pharmaceutical students in a lab looking at specimens through a microscope
Experience the power of applied learning and build the practical skills you need to lead, succeed and grow from day one.
Pharmaceutical students in a lab talking by a counter with test tubes
Build practical experience and explore various biotechnology techniques in laboratory sessions to prepare for a multitude of career opportunities.
Instructor showing student how to operate a machine that produces medical tablets or capsules
Use sophisticated equipment in our state-of-the-art labs to gain essential, employer-sought skills.
Instructor watching students operate machine in a pharmaceutical manufacturing lab
Develop the critical communication and collaboration skills you need to lead teams, enhance your career potential and become a vital part of any team.

Applied Research

Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact

RRC Polytech is a leader in applied research in Canada. Matching industry needs with College resources and facilities drives innovation and growth in our province — and beyond.

Connect theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute to industry advancements as part of this program.

Learn more about Applied Research ›

RRC Polytech Applied Research logo

Graduate Success

Pharmaceutical companies across Manitoba contribute approximately $400 million to the economy each year (source). As an RRC Polytech graduate, you’ll enter this innovative industry equipped with the employer-sought skills and versatile knowledge you need to make an immediate impact.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Two pharmaceutical students wearing glasses and latex gloves taking sample of something

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

Our passionate, industry-experienced instructors are focused on your success. Using their years of work experience and expertise, they ensure your education is up-to-date, relevant and reflects real-world work conditions and challenges.

92% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing graduates work as technicians and operators in various pharmaceutical, natural health products and food production facilities. As an RRC Polytech grad, you’ll use your experience, communication skills and connections to pursue new opportunities and grow your career goals.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing student wearing glasses and latex while working with a test tube
Instructor watching student perform an action on a machine in a pharmaceutical manufacturing lab

92% – CONSIDER PROGRAM UP TO DATE

The Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing program combines deep theoretical study with practical training and crucial work experience. As you build your skills, various student resources are here to support your growth, from your first class to your first job.

“The Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing program was vital in kickstarting my lifelong career in the pharmaceutical industry. Applying the skills and techniques that I learned helped me adapt quickly in the industry!”

Michelle Yusi – Senior MFG Associate
Emergent BioSolutions

“The experience I gained in the program helped me to be successful. I applied many of the skills and techniques I learned to my work. The program offers a great balance of learning and hands-on training.”

Jeffrey Lukianchuk – Filling Operator
Emergent BioSolutions

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Pharmaceutical and Food Manufacturing student, you are passionate about science and medical technology. You also are detail-oriented and enjoy using technology to solve complex problems, alone or as part of a team.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Critical thinker
  • Detail-oriented
  • Logical thinker
  • Team-oriented
  • Technical thinker

SKILLS

  • Integrity
  • Multi-tasking
  • Positive attitude
  • Problem solving
  • Work ethic

INTERESTS

  • Manufacturing
  • Food processing
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Laboratory
  • Quality assurance

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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