Medical Device Regulatory Affairs and Operations
Certificate
Sonraí an Chúrsa
Course Code | SG_SMEDO_E08 |
---|---|
Céim | 8 |
Fad ama | 1 year |
Creidmheasanna | 30 |
Modh Seachadta | Online |
Suímh campais | Sligo |
Modh Seachadta | Páirtaimseartha |
Forbhreathnú Cúrsa
This programme (SG_SMEDO_E08) has been designed to meet the growing requirements of Irish Medical Technology companies in filling regulatory and quality assurance roles, introducing a focus on operations. The impetus for the development of this specialist programme emerged from industry needs and the content has been developed jointly by NUI Galway and ATU Sligo in conjunction with selected external professionals and industry practitioners who have all the required expertise, knowledge, skills and experience to deliver the education and training required to the highest international standards.
The course will enable Regulatory Affairs and quality personnel in the Medical Technology industry to understand all current device and diagnostic regulations and to develop the skills necessary to address and prepare for the ever-changing global environment of regulatory affairs, current and future knowledge of strategic operations including Industry 4.0, MedTech 4.0, and Smart Operations engineering and management in the context of a GMP environment. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants receive an NFQ Level 8 award of 30 credits.
Programme aims are
Provide participants with a fundamental grounding in medical device regulatory structures and requirements.
Provide the training necessary to convert personnel employed in the Medical Technologies sector with life sciences qualifications (Level 6, Level 7, or Level 8) to transition into specialist roles in the medical technology quality assurance and/or regulatory affairs functions and to upskill medical technology professionals in the regulatory framework in their existing roles.
Foster the participant’s intellectual development in academic and industrial environments.
Develop participant’s skills to work and communicate with appropriate autonomy and effectively through various media.
The programme objectives are
To produce graduates with the essential breadth and kind of knowledge, skills set and competencies required to function in specialist roles in the medical technology regulatory affairs function, to upskill medical technology professionals in the regulatory framework in their existing roles and to be capable of contribution to regulatory projects and projects with a regulatory element in a medical device company environment.
To ensure that participants have sufficient skills and knowledge to employ a fundamental level of data analysing, sythesising, summarising and writing skills in a regulatory environment.
To ensure that participants can communicate and defend scientific data and findings in a variety of forms to regulatory agencies, medical care systems, internal personnel and the public.
To ensure participants have the skills and ability to function within, and adapt to, a changing technical work environment and evolving regulatory frameworks.
To ensure the participants can provide appropriate input and support for working within regulations to expedite the development and delivery of safe and effective healthcare products to people around the world.
Who teaches this course?
The programme will be delivered by academic staff from University of Galway and ATU Sligo, with expertise in Regulatory Affairs, with guest lectures and workshops involving Regulatory Affairs experts from the Medical technology industry sector.
Sonraí an Chúrsa
Bliain 1
Seimeastar | Sonraí an Mhodúil | Creidmheasanna | Éigeantach / Roghnach |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Fundamentals of Global Medical Device RegulationsThis module aims to provide students with an introduction to and a fundamental understanding of applicable legislation to medical devices in key markets outside EU and US such as Canada, Australia, Japan and emerging markets. The module will provide students with an understanding of the semantics of each classification system and potential regulatory pathways for placing medical devices on the market in global markets. The module will outline and the legal basis for the use of a Notary Public and documents such as Certs of Free Sale, legalised and consularised documentation. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Recognise and describe the reason for use of The Hague Convention, Notary Public, Legalisation and Consularisation of documentation 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basics of applicable legislation in each market 4. Demonstrate an understanding of each regulatory system such that one can facilitate regulatory submissions in each market |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sterilisation and BiocompatabilityThe aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the importance of sterilisation of medical devices in order to insure there is no risk of microbial contamination following use. The most commonly used sterilisation methods will be discussed, detailing the theory behind the method, advantages and disadvantages and applications of each. Students will also learn about disease causing pathogens, virulence factors and associated risks to public health. This module also introduces the students to biocompatibility testing of medical devices according to the ISO guidelines, highlighting the aims and requirements for a number of assays. An overview of human anatomy, toxicology and pharmacology will also be given to ensure students are aware of the importance and risks associated with poor biocompatibility of medical devices i.e. patient morbidity, immune system response and associated diseases. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Explain and predict the risks associated with medical device contamination, routes of contamination, microbial pathogenicity and prevention methods. 4. Show an ability to interpret biocompatibility testing data generated following testing and to use this to determine a materials level of compatibility. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Operations Management and GMPThis module aims to provide students with an introduction to current and future knowledge of strategic operations including Industry 4.0, MedTech 4.0, and Smart Operations engineering and management in the context of a GMP environment. Torthaí Foghlama 1. DebateManufacturing & Operations Engineering functions and the importance of Operations Engineering Strategy in Product and Service design, Process Technology and Quality Control. 2. Recognise and Define GMP, Manufacturing types and layouts and describe how to balance a line 4. Explain Industry 4.0 in the context of MedTech 4.0; definition, technologies, various Operations strategies in the context of a GMP organisation. 5. Summarise and explainOperational Excellence; Lean philosophy, Six Sigma;AgileProject Planning in the context of GMP Operations Management. 6. Illustratedata analytics; tools and techniques and calculations to demonstrate understanding and application of the learning outcomes. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Fundamentals of Medical Device Clinical TrialsThis module aims to provide students with an introduction to and a fundamental understanding of how clinical trials are designed to address questions regarding the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. This course addresses the practical issues in the design of medical device trials and protocol development, as well as broader issues related to clinical trial design and interaction between the regulators and sponsors. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Outline and evaluatethe reason for current regulations regarding the conduct of clinical trials 2. Recognise and describe theFDA IDE regulations and the ISO14155 requirements 3. Debatethe key roles of individuals involved in clinical research and Describe the key elements of clinical trial design and ICH GCP 4. Evaluatethe key types of clinical trials and Describe the key elements of clinical trial design and ICH GCP 5. Relate Ethical principles and human subject protection and Informed Consent requirements |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Introduction to Market Vigilance and LabellingThis module introduces the students to labelling and post market requirements for medical devices. It aims to develop the students understanding of what a post market surveillance plan is and how to collect, analyse and respond to data on device safety and performance after market approval. It also aims to provide students with knowledge of the labelling requirements for medical devices. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Interpret and explain global statutory reporting requirements including local interpretation and current expectations |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Technical Report WritingThis module will enable students to acquire the research and study skills necessary for successful completion of the Higher Diploma in MedTech Regulatory Affairs and Quality. The module will help students construct technical reports and will develop skills in clear use of language and grammar to ensure compliance. The module will help students develop skills in literature searching, referencing and critiquing peer reviewed literature including data analysis. The module will help students connect the importance of good report writing skills to the workplace and wider society. Torthaí Foghlama 1. Demonstrate good writing style in a technical document with correct referencing style 5. Compare methods for data analysis and the presentation of results and compare different methods when presenting different results |
05 | Mandatory |
Uaireanta Staidéir Molta in aghaidh na seachtaine
Scrúdú agus Measúnú
Dul chun cinn
Following completion of the one year Level 8 Certificate in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Operations (30 credits) students are eligible to continue for a second Year to complete a Level 8 Higher Diploma in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality (60 credits).Graduates with the Higher Diploma award will be eligible to apply to undertake the MSc. in Medical Technologies Regulatory Affairs, a part-time distance learning Level 9 programme jointly delivered by University of Galway and ATU Sligo.
Download a prospectus
Riachtanais Iontrála
Progression
Students who successfully complete the Level 8 Certificate in MedTech Regulatory Affairs and Operations may progress onto a follow on Year 2 programme to obtain a Level 8 Higher Diploma award (this can also be done by completing the other Level 8 Certificate in MedTech Regulatory Affairs and Quality).
Graduates who have a level 7 qualification in a relevant area of Science, Engineering or Technology are eligible to apply for this programme. Applications from candidates who hold a Level 7 primary degree in a non-technical subject, and who have at least two years medical technology industry experience in quality and /or regulatory affairs will be considered. Candidate interviews may be used to assess candidates suitability for the programme.
Students applying on the basis of formal qualifications and supplementary accredited prior learning (APL) for core pre-requisites will be required to submit full details and references to the Programme Board for consideration of educational equivalencies. Prior experiential learning will be assessed using guidelines recommended by the Academic Council of ATU Sligo and University of Galway.
Táillí
Total Fees EU: €4890
Next Level Skillnet funding may be available to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria
Tuilleadh eolais faoi tháillíGairmeacha
This programme will equip graduates with essential knowledge and skills to work in a Regulatory Affairs or Quality environment within the highly successful and growing Irish Medical Technology industry sector.
The Level 8 Higher Diploma, Certificate in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Operations and also the Certificate in Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs and Quality programme has been specifically designed to meet the growing requirements of medical technology companies in filling regulatory and quality assurance roles. The impetus for the development of this specialist programme emerged from industry needs and the content has been developed in conjunction with a taskforce comprised of regulatory experts from industry, industry practitioners and representatives from the regional skills for a west and north west.
The Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) states “The medical technology sector in Ireland is recognised as one of the five global emerging hubs. The sector employs over 29,000 people in Ireland and is the second largest employer of medtech professionals in Europe. Ireland is one of the largest exported of medical products in Europe with annual exports of €12.6 billion and companies here directly export to over 100 countries worldwide. As many as 18 of the world’s top 25 medical technology companies have a base in Ireland and 50% of the 450 medtech companies based here are indigenous.”
Senior business leaders were asked to identify the current number of employees required to meet their current skills demand, as well as the forecasted number of employees required in each function of their organisation up to 2020. An estimated 4,000 additional jobs are planned by 2020, Key areas are: Regulatory 54 additional jobs (43% increase from 2016) Quality 287 additional jobs (17% increase from 2016)
The sector is, by its nature, highly regulated; all disciplines involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of a medical device are controlled by medical device regulations. Given the unique need for regulatory affairs knowledge and understanding at all stages of a medical device product lifecycle there is a strong need for the medical technology industry to have available to it appropriate courses to satisfy this information and skills need. The Forfás National Skills Bulletin 20162 further supports this need as it identified a skills shortage for regulatory professionals and quality control engineers
1 Source: Irish Medtech Association Skills Needs Assessment Stakeholder Survey. “Future skills needs analysis for the medical technology sector in Ireland to 2020″
Further Information
Cé Ba Chóir Iarratas a Dhéanamh?
This course will enable Regulatory Affairs and quality personnel in the Medical Technology industry to understand all current device and diagnostic regulations and to develop the skills necessary to address and prepare for the ever-changing global environment of regulatory affairs.
Eolas Teagmhála
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Life Sciences