Biomedical Technician Training Program

Students should successfully complete at least one semester of college-level Chemistry and one semester of Biology for science majors with a focus on molecular and cellular topics before starting their hands-on training at Wistar. Additional pre-requisite courses in English, mathematics and computer literacy may also be required.

Laboratory Orientation

Through laboratory exercises, experiments, tutorials, and problem-solving sessions, BTT students learn and practice general biomedical laboratory skills during the first two weeks of training at The Wistar Institute. This training takes place in Wistar’s recently renovated 1,700 square-foot, dedicated training laboratory and adjacent tissue culture room.

Laboratory Experiences/Internships

In order to apply their technical skills, trainees are placed in two different laboratories for 5-week work experiences designed to expose them to the diversity of biomedical research. These internships are hosted at The Wistar Institute or one of our academic or industry collaborators including:

• University of Pennsylvania
• Fox Chase Cancer Center
• Rowan University
• Rutgers Camden
• Drexel University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Integral Molecular
• Invisible Sentinel
• BioAnalysis
• Chimeron Bio
• Vittoria Biotherapeutics
• Century Therapeutics
• Amicus Therapeutics
• Longevity Biotech
• Ocugen
• West Pharmaceutical Services

Students are paid during the laboratory training. Through these mentored laboratory experiences, they continue to develop their technical and professional skills while contributing to the goals of the laboratory.

The BTT Program has been preparing students for exciting careers in the growing field of basic and applied biomedical research for over 20 years. The BTT Program provides students with the opportunity to gain the foundational background and technical skills needed to succeed in entry-level laboratory positions. BTT Program graduates have obtained jobs in a variety of academic research institutions and at biomedical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Application link: https://eduapply.apps.wistar.org/

Create an account and then click “APPLY” under the BTT Summer Program 2025 (Community College) session.

Applications are due by Friday, February 21, 2025.

A complete application includes:

• Online application
• A personal statement that explains why you are interested in this program and how participation will advance your educational and career goals. We invite you to also share any barriers or challenges you’ve faced in pursuing your education and career goals and how this program can help you overcome those challenges. Statements should be single-spaced, 12-point font and no more than 1 page.
• Current resume or CV
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Contact information for two recommenders. We prefer at least one recommendation from a current or former science teacher. The application system will send an email with a link for each recommender to upload a letter.

COLLABORATORS