MCPHS Strengthens Its Position as a Life Sciences Workforce Leader

A new collaboration with MBI, supported by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, will expand access to skills-based QA/QC training.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is expanding its leadership in life sciences workforce training through a new grant-funded partnership with Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI). Supported by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s (MLSC) Pathmaker initiative, the University will launch an eight-week Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Training Program on its Worcester campus in fall of 2026.

The Pathmaker initiative, which recently announced $4.2 million in grants to create more than 400 life sciences training opportunities across Massachusetts, funds programs that provide hands-on experience and helps participants move quickly into high-demand life sciences careers. Launched in 2023, the Pathmaker program has supported more than 1,200 training opportunities statewide.

Designed for local residents without prior industry experience or bachelor’s degrees, the MCPHS training comprises 160 training hours and includes, lab techniques, data integrity, documentation practice, résumé building, and workplace-readiness skills for entry-level QA/QC roles in biomanufacturing.

“This program reflects MCPHS’s mission to connect education with industry and expand access to meaningful careers in the life sciences,” said Carol Lauer, Dean of the School of Professional Studies. “It’s an opportunity for residents to gain the skills employers are looking for and to enter a robust field.”

Aligning Training with Industry Needs

The Worcester program draws heavily from MCPHS’s other training and educational initiatives like Bioversity, which the University launched with MassBio. MCPHS developed the curriculum for Bioversity and the program has garnered statewide attention for its outcomes. Since opening in January 2024, Bioversity has graduated 120 participants, most of whom have moved directly into life sciences roles.

“The QA/QC program will include site visits, guest speakers from industry, and close engagement with employers, many of whom have already expressed interest in participating,” said Timur Yusufzai, Executive Director of the Center for Life Sciences at MCPHS. The program also provides introductory content from the University’s newly developed undergraduate certificates and bachelor’s degree in life sciences.

Life sciences careers in Massachusetts continue to offer strong growth potential, with entry-level QA/QC positions frequently starting around $25 per hour, according to the industry data. An analysis of more than 150 recent entry-level QA/QC job postings shows employers prioritize skills in compliance, Excel, documentation, deviation reporting, and basic lab proficiencies such as aseptic technique and gowning.

“Pretty much every industry partner we talk to is excited about this,” Yusufzai said. “That enthusiasm increases our profile and strengthens our collaborations.”