10 things to look for in an academic Regulatory Affairs program

Signing up for a formal academic program is one way to put yourself on the fast track to a career in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) is a great clearinghouse of information.  If you’re interested in a career in regulatory affairs, it’s a great place to learn more about the role.  Membership isn’t cheap ($185), but it is significantly discounted for current students, and includes a subscription to Regulatory Focus magazine, discounts on educational programs, and access to networking opportunities. RAPS offers online courses that may help give you the knowledge you need to land an entry-level role and maintains a list of degree and certificate programs offered at academic institutions worldwide.

Their career information page includes a number of free articles about the regulatory affairs profession.  One of them explains what to look for if you’ve decided to sign up for an academic regulatory affairs program.

Regulatory Academic Programs: Deciding to Participate and Selecting a Quality Program (this is a PDF file.)

Here are 10 things the article suggests you look for:

  1. A diverse curriculum, covering not just drugs but also devices, biologics, and foods and cosmetics.
  2. A focus on the practical implementation of regulatory issues. Theory is one thing, real-world applications are another.
  3. High-caliber academic staff with extensive, recent, real-world experience in regulatory affairs.
  4. Instructional variety, incorporating not just lectures but case studies, multimedia, mock audits and team projects
  5. Networking opportunities — a chance to learn and develop connections with your fellow students and instructors.
  6. Convenience. Many programs can be completed part-time. Online courses can let you learn from home.
  7. Flexibility.
  8. Supportive administrative staff.
  9. Affordability.
  10. Reputation.  A certificate from “Joe’s Auto Lube and Reg Affairs Academy” won’t have the same value as successful completion of a program that’s known and respected by the industry.

Posted: January 13th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Industry associations, Regulatory affairs, Training | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments »

2 Comments on “10 things to look for in an academic Regulatory Affairs program”

  1. 1 shamsh.in said at 1:36 pm on June 2nd, 2017:

    Very much useful & nice content
    which gives info in detail
    is there any alert for my e-mail?

  2. 2 B.tech Govt Jobs said at 4:50 am on February 14th, 2018:

    Thanks for sharing this amazing information with us,


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