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  • 1.  Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    Posted 28-Feb-2021 12:25
    Edited by Masami Amakawa 28-Feb-2021 18:18

    Hi all,

    I am considering pursuing the RAPS Medical Devices Certificate, but would be keen to hear the experiences of someone who has completed a RAPS certificate (Medical Device and/or Pharma). If you have taken courses through the certificate programs or have advice related to professional certificates, I would appreciate any thoughts. Specifically, I would be interested in learning how it benefits career development and contributions to teams.

    Thank you!



  • 2.  RE: Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    Posted 01-Mar-2021 01:33
    Hi Masami,

    I just took and passed the December 2020 Medical Devices Exam. Please feel free to reach out at josh.a.vanderiet@gmail.com if you want to discuss! I am happy to tell you about how I prepared for the test.

    Thanks!

    Josh

    ------------------------------
    Joshua Van De Riet
    Modi'in
    Israel
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    Posted 01-Mar-2021 05:25
    Good day Masami,

    Having taken the RAC US and EU (and now updating the certification to the Medical Devices cert) many years ago for me was advantageous.  There was 2 or 3 jobs had interviewed over the years where the hiring manager (usually the CEO/President) did not look at any resumes which did not have RAC designation.  After I was hired, they told me they removed or skipped any resumes which did not have RAC, so I was happy to have had this.

    In regards to other certificates or programs like a Masters program, I think this really depends on your career path, what you would like to accomplish, and what your ambition is for position in a company.  Getting a Masters program would be advantageous if you are looking to be in management positions, but if you enjoy doing technical work, maybe a lot of expense or time with maybe not so much return.  However, I would say any certificate or Masters program based on my own experience can provide some advantage.

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    Richard Vincins RAC
    Vice President Global Regulatory Affairs
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    Posted 01-Mar-2021 09:10
    I've taken both the medical device and pharma certificates (not certification); device approximately 8 years ago and pharma 3 years ago. I found them to be interesting from a book knowledge standpoint, but very little in the way of hands-on applied use in how to function as an effective RA professional. They may have gotten better since I took them.

    Also, the certificate is not the same as RAC, which is a certification that requires ongoing work to maintain. I've never worked for an employer that required it, but my experience is in low risk Class I / II devices and OTC drugs only. As a manager, I am more interested in your experience applying regulatory skills and ability to work with other people than certification; I would pick someone without an RAC that was a better fit for the organization than someone with an RAC that was a poor fit.


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    Joshua Lust
    Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
    Caledonia MI
    United States
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-Mar-2021 08:46
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Agreed with Joshua. At my company, work experience and skills are more heavily prioritized than the RAC or any piece of paper. There have been times I've hired candidates without the RAC over other applicants with RAC, and it was due to the work experience / projects they worked on. I would likewise observe whether the candidate is the right fit to the company culture regardless of RAC.
    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Seeking Experiences from RAPS Certificates

    Posted 02-Mar-2021 08:46
    I completed the RAPS medical device certificate a few years ago (2018 I believe). I found the courses to be decent intros/foundation for each topic, but you’ll definitely need experience as well. In terms of what RAPS could improve - the format of the courses was not user friendly, and IMO too many of the required 4 courses were more basic than I would have preferred. The electives were more interesting. It’s possible these things have improved since then.

    My 2 cents on the RAC: I don’t have the RAC, and to date I haven’t felt the need to get it. I learn and retain best through application and my work keeps me busy enough.

    ---------------------------------
    Hiral Dutia
    Regulatory Affairs Manager
    Third Pole Therapeutics
    Waltham, MA
    USA
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    Original Message


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