To become a pharmaceutical engineer, one should obtain an undergraduate degree in chemical or mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in pharmaceutical engineering. The International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) certification of competency is also recommended. Pharmaceutical engineers work in research facilities and factories that produce drugs. Master’s programs generally have two tracks: manufacturing of drug substances and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
The most direct way to become a pharmaceutical engineer is to take an undergraduate degree in chemical or mechanical engineering and follow that up with a master’s education related to pharmacology. Many of the largest companies recruit directly from university programs, and in these cases, getting hired is often as easy as scheduling an interview and making a favorable impression. However, some research in this field can help you find a good fit and make the right impression. There are typically many different branches, covering everything from research and development to production, management, and even sales. Choosing the right range for you may require some experience and networking. Most of the time, once hired, you need to obtain what is called a “certificate of competency” in order to function. This certificate is usually offered by the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) and tends to be valid worldwide; While it doesn’t guarantee a job, it can help set you apart as a candidate if you acquire it while still in the job search phase.
Understanding work generally
Pharmaceutical engineers work in research facilities and factories that produce drugs. They may have many different responsibilities, but in most cases it is their job to discover the chemical components of safe drug manufacture, also considering aspects such as workplace implications and safe handling. To do this job well, you’ll typically need a scientific background to understand the process from a biological perspective, but also the analytical acumen to organize and orchestrate the larger structure of production and manufacturing. Experienced pharmaceutical engineers are capable of working in a variety of fields, but no matter what area of the discipline you end up in, you’ll need a lot of experience. Education, then, is often one of the most important, if not the most unique, component of success.
Background education
Enrolling in an engineering program at a college or university is a good first step. While undergraduate education in anything related to science works normally, employers often pay more attention to applicants with a background in chemical or mechanical engineering. After completing a bachelor’s degree, you can increase your chances of getting a job by earning a master’s degree in something more specific, ideally in pharmaceutical engineering. Candidates with a master’s degree in pharmaceutical engineering may have a better chance of getting interviews with potential employers.
Consider a Graduate
Master’s programs generally accept students with an excellent undergraduate record. Generally, a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in chemical or mechanical engineering is required, as well as high scores on admissions tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in the US. Students majoring in other science majors may also be considered if they complete the standard prerequisite courses required for the pharmaceutical engineering program. These courses cover topics such as differential equations; business mathematics and statistics; thermodynamics; chemical kinetics; and heat transfer and mass transfer.
The Master of Pharmaceutical Engineering program provides in-depth training for anyone wanting to become a pharmaceutical engineer and is generally considered essential for anyone hoping to do more than simple entry-level work. Some areas of study include pharmaceutical processing and manufacturing; validation and regulation; reaction engineering; drug metabolism, delivery, and discovery; and instrumental analysis.
choosing your track
Master’s programs generally have two tracks: manufacturing of drug substances and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The Substance Manufacturing track focuses on the chemical reactions and separation processes used to manufacture the active ingredients of a drug. The drug manufacturing track, on the other hand, focuses on the processes required to produce the final drug. Requirements may vary from place to place, but in general, you’ll need to successfully complete at least 30 credit hours to graduate, and a high cumulative GPA is usually required to get the attention of hiring managers.
Earn a certificate of competency
The International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) certification of competency is another tool that can help improve your chances of getting a job offer. ISPE awards Professional Pharmacist certification (CPIP) to individuals who demonstrate technical knowledge, leadership skills, professionalism, innovation and vision. All these traits are necessary to become a pharmaceutical engineer.
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