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Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

  • 1.  Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 29-Dec-2016 12:55

    Hi folks,

    I want to take a certificate program to gain more knowledge on Medical device submission processes and requirements in the U.S

    Has anyone taken the Medical Device Certificate program offered by RAPS before? Needed some feedback.

    What other programs would you recommend to gain knowledge in U.S regulations for Medical devices?

    Below are the other courses I found. Any feedback on these?

    http://extension.berkeley.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=17180

    http://www.ucsc-extension.edu/programs/medical-devices-certificate

    http://www.ucsc-extension.edu/programs/regulatory-affairs

    I worked for over 4 years as RA specialist(medical device) in Singapore and need to get up to speed on the regulations in the U.S 

    Thanks and regards,

    Pooja

    ------------------------------
    Pooja Mhambrey
    Foster City CA
    United States
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 31-Dec-2016 15:23

    As part of Northeastern's Graduate Programs in Regulatory Affairs I would certainly recommend you take a look at the Certificate in Medical Device Regulatory Affairs-Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to discuss further-

    Steve Amato

    s.amato@neu.edu




  • 3.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 01-Jan-2017 09:29
    Pooja

    ucsc does good programs I think.  I took a program years ago (late 80s) in Hazardous Waste Management. The instructors have practical working experience.  And we did in fact have field trips and practicum.

    The big issue with either Berkeley or UCSC is traffic. Guess it depends on where you live there, I am assuming East Bay?

    (So so jealous.....miss it way too much)!

    Happy New Year!

    Ginger Cantor, MBA, RAC
    Centaur Consulting LLC






  • 4.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 02-Jan-2017 01:08
    Again, a little biased, but we think St. Cloud State University has the best device program in the country.  You can get a Masters or pursue the certificate program. You can also do it online.   Mark DuVal, J.D
     FRAPS, President & CEO, DuVal Val Associates,  P.A.



    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone





  • 5.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 03-Jan-2017 14:17

    Thank you very much everyone for all the suggestions and help! 

    Happy new year!

    Best regards,

    Pooja.

    ------------------------------
    Pooja Mhambrey
    Foster City CA
    United States



  • 6.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 02-Jan-2017 10:40

    Hi, Pooja,

    I started with the RAPS Medical Device Certificate program and then went on to earn my RAC (US). 

    If you are looking for a certificate for employment qualifications the RAPS certificate program is a good door opener.

    If you are looking to learn US medical device regulatory material you have two good on-line options.  One is to take some of the RAPS medical device courses.  Then you have the option to continue towards you certificate and later consider studying for the RAC (US or Global).

    A good source of information for medical device training is the FDA.  CDRH Learn has beginner to intermediate web accessed courses that cover both quality and regulatory topics.  They are free and after taking a short quiz you can print a completion certificate.

    CDRH Learn

    They also have courses in Chinese and Spanish for those interested.

    Regards,

    ------------------------------
    John Minier RAC
    Sr. Regulatory Compliance Consultant
    JMC Medical, LLC
    Highland Mills NY
    United States



  • 7.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 04-Jan-2017 12:52

    Thanks John,

    I looked in to the presentations on CDRH. They are so helpful. Do you have any information on similar courses/training offered by CBER/CDER?

    Thank you,

    Nikita 

    ------------------------------
    Best Regards,
    Nikita Kathpal, MS
    Regulatory Officer II, USA & Canada

    Pharm-Olam International
    450 N. Sam Houston Parkway, E. Suite 250
    Houston, TX 77060

    Email: nikita.kathpal@pharm-olam.com
    Direct line: +1 713-559-7964
    Main: +1 713-559-7900
    Ext. 11164



  • 8.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs
    Best Answer

    Posted 04-Jan-2017 14:52

    Pooha:

    In your area, the University of California - Santa Cruz, has an excellent Medical Device Submissions Certification program.  It's based in Santa Clara, not Santa Cruz, so it's close to Foster City.

    Like Mark, I'm biased about the program, because I'm an instructor for the Medical Devices Submissions course.  Mine is the only course in the nation that requires that all students to complete an entire mock 510(k) on their own.  I has proven to be a powerful piece of evidence of your capabilities for potential employers.  Many of my students have gone on to get jobs in regulatory, some even when they are in the midst of my 8 wk course.

    Naturally there are other courses that are necessary to complete the Certification, but you'll find them all very helpful.

    ------------------------------
    Craig Coombs RAC
    President
    Coombs Medical Device Consulting
    Alameda CA
    United States



  • 9.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 05-Jan-2017 12:52

    Hi Pooja,

    Here is something to consider when choosing between on line and in-person programs. On-line programs are valuable and allow more flexibility in scheduling. However, in-person programs allow for building personal connections with people in the local industry. They also allow for exchanges of skill and experience. 

    I chose the UCSC extension program for exactly this reason. The coursework is strong, and the people I met are now colleagues and friends. If you are new to the region, I'd suggest in person coursework, whether you pursue a full certificate or not. 

    There was an additional advantage to in-person coursework. I had the chance to see where I had particular strengths and skills relative to my classmates (and vice versa.) Working with a group of classmates allows you to see what you do best as well as what you want to do most. That helps you focus your search on mutually rewarding opportunities.

    If you get the chance, take Craig's course - writing a 510(k) in 8 weeks, starting from scratch, gives you work product to show potential employers and is also a huge confidence builder.

    Good luck!

    ------------------------------
    Joanne Pelaschier RAC,PHD
    Sr. Regulatory Specialist
    Milpitas CA
    United States



  • 10.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 06-Jan-2017 09:40

    Hi Pooja,

    I agree with what Joanne has stated about the differences between online and in person regulatory training.  Additionally, I'll say that with adult responsibilities (although I miss the networking then), I don't have the time to travel to campus three+ times/week.  Thus, I wanted to highlight another program, with an alternative schedule (which I hope becomes more mainstream - if not already).  Specifically, I have completed the Purdue University Biotechnology Quality and Regulatory Compliance certificate program (https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/degrees/biotechnology-quality-and-regulatory-compliance-graduate-certificate - a Masters is offered as well).  The big advantage to me - it is a blended program.  A lot of the reading and background information is presented online; however, once a month we met for an intensive study/project presentation weekend together (where you could network).  The verbiage below is directly from the program's site, which highlights the weekend meetings' hours of operation (with two Saturday sessions from which to choose).  Although I was surprised how far many people traveled for this program (I was a State away at the time and many came further than me), this is most likely too far away for you.  Hopefully, you can find a blended program close to home though, since this type of program is the best recommendation I have for you.

    Have a good weekend!

    ----

    Course Formats

    The BQRC courses are offered in a blended format. Typically the more basic information is presented online and advanced material, difficult concepts and group projects are presented on weekends. The courses are presented on weekends (three weekends per semester) at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.  Participants attend class from 6 – 9 p.m. Fridays and 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturdays or from 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 pm on Sundays.  This will be determined prior to each semester.

    ------------------------------
    Reuben Lidster
    Regulatory Specialist
    COOK Medical - Bloomington, IN



  • 11.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 06-Jan-2017 11:16

    I agree with Joanne. I understand being very busy and  finding it difficult to physically go to classes; but, I found regular in-person meetings to be very valuable to my career. More than 7 years after the program, I am still in regular contact with some of my classmates. Also, I landed a great job through the in-person classes. One of my instructors was impressed with me and recommended me for a job with his company, which I got. 

    My opinion is that in-person is the best way to go.

    ------------------------------
    Kathryn Howland RAC
    Regulatory Affairs Specialist
    Penngrove CA
    United States



  • 12.  RE: Medical device Certificate Program - RAPS and other programs

    Posted 10-Apr-2017 14:16
    Thanks a lot, everyone for your wonderful suggestions.

    Joanne, thank you! I will definitely sign up for a classroom course. You are right, I'll help me connect with other regulatory people :)


    ------------------------------
    Pooja Mhambrey
    Foster City CA
    United States
    ------------------------------