The path to becoming a chemical and pharmaceutical technologist can take the form of basic vocational training, i.e. an apprenticeship with a federal certificate, or a degree in pharmaceutical technology or chemistry.

The training company determines the focus of the vocational education and training "Chemical and pharmaceutical technologist Federal VET Diploma" before the start of training, so that prospective trainees should definitely take this criterion into account when looking for training. The following three areas of specialization can be selected: biotechnology; chemical technology; pharmaceutical technology.

A chemical and pharmaceutical technologist in life science technology with a focus on pharmaceutical technology deals with the development of medicines and the optimization of processes. They research the modes of action of substances, the optimal composition and production, ensure quality, and deal with storage and transportation technology and product registration. To this end, students attend many different courses and modules and spend a large part of their time in laboratories. Scientific and medical fundamentals are taught in the following modules, among others: General and Inorganic Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Advanced Biology, Engineering Mechanics, Anatomy / Physiology, Linear Algebra, Organic Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Calculus, Bioorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry, System. And biophysics, materials and substances, statistics and probability theory. In addition, there are modules for the area of "Communication and Entrepreneurship", such as: Management, My Future; Project and Self-Management; Communication, Language, Science. Introduction to computer science; databases and data modeling as well as programming as modules in biomedical informatics, "microsystems technology" as medical technology basics and "pharmaceutical and environmental technology-relevant separation processes" in environmental technology basics provide a broad basic knowledge.

The following modules are attended in the Pharmaceutical Technology fundamentals: Pharmacology; Biopharmacy; Fundamentals of Chemical Processes; Pharmaceutical / Life Science Industrial Processes; Clean Room Technology and Laboratory Work; Drug Discovery and Development; Pharmacology / Toxicology; a further eleven modules are to be attended within the "Pharmaceutical Technology" specialization. These are Process and Plant Technology I; Process and Plant Technology II; Plant Planning; Quality Management / Registration I; Quality Management / Registration II; Pharmaceutical and Environmental Analysis I; Pharmaceutical and Environmental Analysis II; Molecular Genetics; Packaging and Logistics; Parenteralia and Biological Active Ingredients; Chemistry and Profiling of Active Ingredients. In addition, there are English and other compulsory elective modules, details of which can be obtained from the Universities where you are training to become a chemical and pharmaceutical technologist.

The practical training takes place three and a half days a week in a development or production company in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, cosmetics, chemical or biotechnology industry.

If you have a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training as a chemical and pharmaceutical technologist and a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate, you can start a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical technology immediately after graduation without having to gain any further professional experience.