Regulatory Affairs professionals come from all kinds of educational and professional backgrounds. No set educational or career path must be followed. Although several university programs are being developed, there currently are only limited opportunities to earn an advanced degree in regulatory affairs. This means that regulatory affairs knowledge must come from experience.
A casual glance through vacancies for regulatory professionals prove that a bachelor's degree is required for most positions. When a specific educational background is noted, most companies require a degree in a scientific or technical field. However, a lingering question whether the educational background would affect one’s performance as a Regulatory Affairs professional depends on the organization one works for.
There have been instances of Regulatory Affairs managers in medical device companies who prefer hiring individuals with engineering degrees because they believe these candidates' technical knowledge greatly assists them in performing their daily functions. Likewise, regulatory professionals in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields may be more likely to have a background in one of the sciences such as biology or chemistry. Some companies lean toward hiring nurses and clinicians in their clinical affairs departments.
Although many Regulatory Affairs professionals are likely to have a degree in a scientific or technical field, a specific educational background does not appear to guarantee a successful career in regulatory affairs. Whereas a degree in engineering or the life sciences may seem more applicable to most regulated industry positions; individuals with business or liberal arts degrees also are successful Regulatory Affairs professionals.
A casual glance through vacancies for regulatory professionals prove that a bachelor's degree is required for most positions. When a specific educational background is noted, most companies require a degree in a scientific or technical field. However, a lingering question whether the educational background would affect one’s performance as a Regulatory Affairs professional depends on the organization one works for.
There have been instances of Regulatory Affairs managers in medical device companies who prefer hiring individuals with engineering degrees because they believe these candidates' technical knowledge greatly assists them in performing their daily functions. Likewise, regulatory professionals in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields may be more likely to have a background in one of the sciences such as biology or chemistry. Some companies lean toward hiring nurses and clinicians in their clinical affairs departments.
Although many Regulatory Affairs professionals are likely to have a degree in a scientific or technical field, a specific educational background does not appear to guarantee a successful career in regulatory affairs. Whereas a degree in engineering or the life sciences may seem more applicable to most regulated industry positions; individuals with business or liberal arts degrees also are successful Regulatory Affairs professionals.