Ready to be the most knowledgeable person in the room?

Choose the experience that's right for you, all tiers include a Free Preview:

Here's what real students had to say:

“Dessi has created an excellent, well-structured course on preclinical drug development from a safety perspective. The material connects the science to real-world development decisions in a way that is practical and directly applicable. Toxicology is a broad field, and this course really hones in on the aspects most relevant to drug development. Complex topics are presented with clarity while maintaining scientific depth, and the progression makes it easy to follow as the material becomes more technical. Overall, this is a thoughtful, high-quality course that reflects both deep expertise and strong teaching. I would recommend it to anyone working in or moving into preclinical drug development. ”

Brad Hirakawa, Sr. Director Drug Safety - Aardvark Therapeutics

“As a Medicinal Chemist, I found this course incredibly valuable. It takes you from 'zero to hero' through topics like Study Design, Pharmacokinetics, and the IND Application process. The mix of clear video explanations and practical workbooks makes the step-by-step learning feel very intuitive. It’s a must-have resource for anyone looking to master the fundamentals of nonclinical toxicology.”

Farbod Salahi, Medicinal Chemist

“I've been in drug development for years and always felt like I was missing the full nonclinical picture. This course finally gave me that foundation. The way it's organized makes even the most complex concepts click. Worth every penny.”

Cassandra O'Malley, Technical Director of Nonclinical Programs

“I came into drug development from a completely different background — I had no nonclinical knowledge whatsoever. This course changed that. I can now walk into any meeting, follow the nonclinical discussion, and contribute meaningfully. In my role, understanding the science behind what my clients are going through has been a game changer for my career. ”

Andrew Parry, Director Client Relations

“I truly appreciate the effort and expertise that went into creating this course. The content is clear, engaging, and highly relevant, making it much easier to grasp complex topics in nonclinical development. It’s evident that a lot of thought was put into both the structure and delivery. This has been an incredibly helpful learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such well-crafted material.”

Yvonne Will, PhD, ATS Fellow

“This course breaks down toxicology and drug development as a whole in a seamless, comprehensive way, regardless of your background. The self-paced format made it easy to fit into my schedule, and I felt like I could really take the time to understand the material. I really couldn’t recommend this enough if you are trying to level-up in your foundational knowledge or position in the industry. This course is a must-have in your professional toolkit.”

Kayla Ellsworth, Scientific Operations Coordinator

Your Lead Instructor

Dessi McEntee, MS, DABT

Dessi McEntee

Founder, Nonclinical Academy

I've spent 15+ years guiding drug programs from discovery to IND — across oncology, immunology, rare disease, and more. I've been in the meetings where nonclinical strategy gets made, the ones where it goes wrong, and the ones where it finally clicks. I built Nonclinical Academy because nonclinical development is one of the most complex parts of drug development — and nobody teaches it. Until now. This course is everything I wish had existed when I started — and everything my clients ask me about every day.

Credentials

✓ Board-Certified Toxicologist (DABT)

✓ MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology

✓ 15+ years in nonclinical drug development

✓ Fractional Head of Toxicology

✓ Board Member & CDO, Immugen BioPharma

✓ Author, Data Is Not Strategy

✓ Trusted by 30+ biotech and pharma companies

FAQ

  • What is The Complete Guide to Nonclinical Development?

    A comprehensive self-paced online course covering nonclinical development and toxicology for pharmaceutical and drug development professionals. With 60+ hours and 500+ slides across 14 modules it is the most complete nonclinical resource available in one place.

  • Who are these courses for?

    ​Anyone working in drug development who wants to understand nonclinical development — whether you're in regulatory affairs, clinical, CMC, project management, or just starting your pharma career. No prior toxicology background required.

  • Which tier is right for me?

    ​Foundational is perfect for students and early career professionals. Professional is ideal for working pharma professionals who want lifetime access and the full course experience. Executive is for those who want direct access to expert guidance through monthly office hours and a private Slack community.

  • Can my company pay for this?

    Yes — many pharma companies have professional development budgets that cover courses like this. Check with your manager or HR department. The Free Preview in each tier includes a Course Justification Letter to download and submit for approval.

  • Do I need any prior knowledge?

    ​No. The course is designed to be accessible whether you're brand new to nonclinical development or have some experience and want to fill in the gaps.

  • How long do I have access for?

    Foundational tier has 1 year of access. Professional and Executive tiers include lifetime access with free updates forever.

  • Can I upgrade my tier after purchasing?

    Yes — just reach out directly and we'll make it happen. You'll only pay the difference between tiers.

  • What are the monthly office hours? (Executive only)

    Monthly live calls hosted in the Inner Circle Slack community where you can bring your questions, career challenges, and course topics for direct expert guidance.

  • When does the course start?

    The course is self-paced — you start when you're ready and go at your own speed.