RA (Regulatory Affairs) certification & Online Internship

[sc123]

Hello, I have came across this business called IRAET or The Institute of Regulatory Affairs Education and Training at iraet.org

They offer Advanced Certificates in Regulatory Affairs. The "SL" course also includes an online internship where one can get experience with regulatory submissions. I have been looking for programs which offer online internships or experiences, rather than just a passive certification with lectures and quizzes. Has anyone taken their courses and have they had job opportunities after their online internship? Otherwise the only other place that I have found credible is RAPS but they don't offer online 'hands on' experience in their certification, it seems to only be passive learning modules. Please advise! I need to make a decision soon.

 

[Randy]

I've been doing this business a long time and have audited nearly every type of business you can imagine and seen untold certifications for this, that and the other thing but never, ever IRAET...... Caveat emptor, could be valid could be shake & bake.

Before you spend a single penny ask about references you can verify/validate.

 

[sc123]

I've been doing this business a long time and have audited nearly every type of business you can imagine and seen untold certifications for this, that and the other thing but never, ever IRAET...... Caveat emptor, could be valid could be shake & bake.

Before you spend a single penny ask about references you can verify/validate.

Thanks Randy. I am debating between spending on a pricy degree program in Reg Affairs or these online certifications. I will ask them for references. What do you think of RAPS certification? Do you find their certifications provide value for getting a new job or do they get seen as just as another certificate on a resume from your experience? I am not in the regulatory field, but I work as a scientist in drug development for several years. I thought it would be fairly easy to transition into regulatory having a degree in science but it looks like no one cares to offer me a regulatory job even still unless I have some kind of direct regulatory experience (such as internship) or maybe a degree or certificate. I don't know what companies are looking for that I am missing. I even apply to entry level roles to just get rejected. I am feeling rather down about this whole process. I want to spend my money on a program that I know will guarantee me a job in the regulatory field after I complete it.

 

[Ajit Basrur]

What do you think of RAPS certification? Do you find their certifications provide value for getting a new job or do they get seen as just as another certificate on a resume from your experience?

Absolutely … no second thoughts. RAPS is a very reputed organization in that field. See RAPS Online University

 

[sc123]

Thanks Ajit. Do you know of any online internships that RAPS does? Or is their certification more like learning the modules passively?

 

[Ajit Basrur]

I have not heard about "online internship" - probably you can check with them

 

[sc123]

I checked with the RAPS certificate program people. They don't have an online internship with hands on experience. Some of these job positions require years of experience. I don't see how to enter into the regulatory field without having to start all over again. Do you believe if I completed the RAPS certificate program will help me enter into the regulatory field? I plan to take the RAC exam when I have at least done a few years in the regulatory field, but I can't seem to enter into it in the first place (I have tried, keep getting rejections even with a Master of Science degree and being employed in another area of biotech). I also checked for RAPS mentors and there aren't any listed on the website. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on any regulatory program if people have not gotten value out of it experientially.

 

[Ajit Basrur]

Not sure about your current organization but that could be a good start - work in the RA department and get familiar with the practices first before giving any exams or certifications.

 

[Randy]

Regulatory Affairs degree, to what end? You're going to horrendously limit your opportunities with such a narrow field degree. Think over it twice, take a deep breath and think over it again.

 

[sc123]

Regulatory Affairs degree, to what end? You're going to horrendously limit your opportunities with such a narrow field degree. Think over it twice, take a deep breath and think over it again.

I have now decided against an RA degree. I am mostly focused on certification and how much value for job opportunities will a passive certificate from RAPS or another online institute provide. If you have any recommendations about certificate programs or online internships, please post.