Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Vs. Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Canada

I just started researching studies on the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Pharmaceutical Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs about 3 weeks ago. Through the research, I learned that Regulatory Affairs (RA) is all about paper work, how the drugs are being approved, safety standard, information database, and have no lab work. According to Seneca, students in their RA/QO program do not have lab practices in the courses. Meanwhile, Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) are more practical and hands-on with the lab equipments (e.g. HPLC, Dissolution). I believe this process take place before RA stage, where the pills are being tested and analyzed. Given that information, I decided to go for QA/QC due to my higher interest in testing and analyzing rather than reading and writing. (Note: I have not registered for any program yet, still @ deciding stage.)

In terms of school, I’ve looked at some public (Seneca & Humber) and private (TIPT & AAPS) colleges. It turns out that both public colleges only provide the RA, paper work courses; while the private colleges have both types of programs. Thus, it would make sense to choose TIPT or AAPS since they are the ones that own and train students with the lab equipments.

I have visited both open houses. TIPT has more history with large facility (more equipments and larger lab areas). AAPS is newer and has a smaller facility (about ½ of TIPT); however, their instructors are current employees of the pharmaceutical companies. Meaning AAPS students can receive more update information and connections from their teachers. Course wise, both schools provide and cover pretty much the same materials.

I ran out of space, continue on the next post...

The downsides of private colleges are: very expensive (double or triple the public colleges’) and they are not as well known to the employers. So I start searching similar programs from the 28 public colleges in Ontario but I find none. If anyone knows there is one, and I have missed out please do tell me about it.

Secondly, it would be great if I can get some feedback from someone or who knows someone else that have taken or is taking courses at AAPS. I collected lots of information about TIPT from my self-search and the previous link “Regulatory Affairs training in Canada”, just not very much on AAPS. I would like to know whether students from AAPS are happy with their programs and anything about AAPS that you would like to share with me. I would very much appreciate your help, thanks.

I am sorry that the post is a bit long and off topic but I can't find any where else that could receive better feedback.

Regards,
Viv

Do these public colleges helps us to find jobs in pharmaceutical industry?

Hi Naren,

I have completed my course from Seneca in 2008. I am working as a regulatory affairs specialist currently. I had given test and interview for selection in Humber College too and had visited TIPT for the course purpose too.

First thing for my choice towards Seneca was due to the FEES, in TIPT the fees are the highest and they seem to find a target to sale their degree and I found it awkward and felt that they were not concerned for my future.

Second thing was about the reputation of the college. Humber and Seneca are well-known and big colleges in terms of number of students, success of the programs after study, job prospects for the graduates from these colleges in comparison to TIPT. TIPT is a very small college and their Formulation students are more required in the job market than any other course.

Third thing was about the Co-op terms available with Seneca and Humber. They love to help their students for getting co-op. Their students are well in demand from the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, in Seneca they have a facility to transfer from FULLTIME TO PARTTIME classes if you found the co-op for one year or more. While TIPT doesn’t offer any co-op or any help in terms of job related information.

Hi nisha,
This is nag from dublin. I'm planning to move to canada for the reg. affairs course in humber because seneca is not offering this course for international students.

Can you please give me your suggestion?

Thanks
nag

@Nag Yes, Seneca is not taking international students as they say that Seneca has many more Ontario and/or Canadian applicants than they have space in the program.

Have u applied to humber as well?

Thanks for the reply sneha, No I didn't apply to humber first I wanted to make sure about seneca then I'll apply to humber. I'm seeing some disappointing responses about RA openings there, is that true? please write me??

Is that worth coming over there to humber?? in terms of job and career??

Actually I did masters in pharma here.

what do you do??
once again thanks for the info.

-Nag

Hey, I just got in to seneca and I was wondering if anybody knows how much the internships generally pay. Are they all minimum wage or are they higher pay because they are already hiring people with degrees?

Hi, I graduated from the Humber program in 2008 and I landed an amazing internship with a well know pharmaceutical company. They payed 23/hr but I heard most people get payed between 16-18/hr. It all depends on where you get your internship.

Nick in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario said: Hey, I just got in to seneca and I was wondering if anybody knows how much the internships generally pay. Are they all minimum wage or are they higher pay because they are already hiring people with degrees?

Hey there, I saw you posted this a month ago. I am also very interested in this program. However, I am kinda concerned about the admission and selection process. can u fill me in ?

Thanks

Re: Christy Yau
All I had to do for admission was write a reading
Comprehension test and answer a few short answer
Essay questions. Some people that are in the
Proram now had group interviews. I have no clue
Why. The test consisted mostly of grammer but the
Profile was graded heavily on your ability to
Follow instructions. I should also mention that more then half the
Student admitted were people on the wait list so
Don't be discouraged if ur waitlisted or get
Some cryptic message on ur application. Hope this
Helps everyone reading this forum.

Re: Christy Yau
All I had to do for admission was write a reading
Comprehension test and answer a few short answer
Essay questions. Some people that are in the
Proram now had group interviews. I have no clue
Why. The test consisted mostly of grammer but the
Profile was graded heavily on your ability to
Follow instructions. I should also mention that more then half the
Student admitted were people on the wait list so
Don't be discouraged if ur waitlisted or get
Some cryptic message on ur application. Hope this
Helps everyone reading this forum.

Hi, I am a first year general sciences student in edmonton looking into regulatory affairs and I was wondering what the best types of majors for my bachelors degree would be to gain enrolment at seneca or humber.

...
Hi "Viv in Richmond Hill", I am Naz from Toronto. It was funny that I came across this forum accidentally;I was searching the internet to find the differences between RA which is offered in public schools and QA/QC that is offered by TIPT. I really do not know whether I should attend the private schools or not in terms of the value of their diploma as well as job opportunities after graduation. I see that your post is from 14 months ago, so I am hoping that by now you have chosen the right school and hopefully you can advise me on that.

Hi,

I am an international student.I found that getting into Seneca is not possible bec iam international student and in Humber its difficult.Now this two colleges offer certificate in qa,qc or reg affair whereas tipt and aaps offer diploma..I went to both tipt and aaps and there is third college called pharmaceutical science college of canada.

I am confused in which private college to go and do this private college course have value inmarket?

Hey Everyone.

I am looking for some information about RA programs in Seneca and Humber college. I am planning to apply to both colleges for fall 2011. I have a few questions regarding this, if anyone who has graduated or is in this program can reply me.
Is there any passing and failing scores for these tests that are required?
How is the job opportunities for these programs?
Did the co-op help you with your job search ? I heard normally one gets hired where one does the co-op.

Also, I want to know if anyone has taken or is in Clinical Research program? I want to know if it is beneficial program in terms of job opportunities.
Your help is highly appreciated.

Nick in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario said: Hey, I just got in to seneca and I was wondering if anybody knows how much the internships generally pay. Are they all minimum wage or are they higher pay because they are already hiring people with degrees?

Hi Nick,

They generally starts with the minimum salary, as they have the degree but are lacking for the onhand experience. Its not hard to be promoted soon enough if you show your interest and enthusiasm.

Hope this will help.

Regards,
Nisha

Ghezal in Milton, Ontario said: Hey Everyone.

I am looking for some information about RA programs in Seneca and Humber college. I am planning to apply to both colleges for fall 2011. I have a few questions regarding this, if anyone who has graduated or is in this program can reply me.
Is there any passing and failing scores for these tests that are required?
How is the job opportunities for these programs?
Did the co-op help you with your job search ? I heard normally one gets hired where one does the co-op.

Also, I want to know if anyone has taken or is in Clinical Research program? I want to know if it is beneficial program in terms of job opportunities.
Your help is highly appreciated.

Hi Ghezal,

Please see some of the responses from above and you will be able to figure out about the course with Humber college for RA. The passing is must obviously as the course is designed to indicate how well did you do to learn that competency. Generally speaking you have to pass with "C" Grade and above.

For Job opportunities in RA, if possible try to concentrate on Food, Medical device, Biotechnology industry rather than only the pharmaceutical or generic industry.

For Clinical Research course, it is nice as well, and you can join any CRO for the Clinical research team. It is a nice course as well.

Let me know if you have more questions or concerns.

Regards,
Nisha

Trushna Dubey in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi,

I am an international student.I found that getting into Seneca is not possible bec iam international student and in Humber its difficult.Now this two colleges offer certificate in qa,qc or reg affair whereas tipt and aaps offer diploma..I went to both tipt and aaps and there is third college called pharmaceutical science college of canada.

I am confused in which private college to go and do this private college course have value inmarket?

Hi Trushna,

Please choose the Seneca or Humber. Seneca offers part-time course as well. I would suggest to go for these college due to the fee structure and the coop help plus the reputation.

Hope this will help.

Regards,
Nisha

i completed diploma in pharmacy and bachelor in pharmacy and I have three years of pharmaceutical quality assurance experience From india And now I would like to take admission in regulatory dept.so I would like to know, is it right step,which college is better for me,Which course is better for me either QA/Regulatory affair,p’se guide me

Viv in Richmond Hill, Ontario said: The downsides of private colleges are: very expensive (double or triple the public colleges’) and they are not as well known to the employers. So I start searching similar programs from the 28 public colleges in Ontario but I find none. If anyone knows there is one, and I have missed out please do tell me about it.

Secondly, it would be great if I can get some feedback from someone or who knows someone else that have taken or is taking courses at AAPS. I collected lots of information about TIPT from my self-search and the previous link “Regulatory Affairs training in Canada”, just not very much on AAPS. I would like to know whether students from AAPS are happy with their programs and anything about AAPS that you would like to share with me. I would very much appreciate your help, thanks.

I am sorry that the post is a bit long and off topic but I can't find any where else that could receive better feedback.

Regards,
Viv

Hi Viv, I was wondering if you've started any program and what your opinion is of the schools you looked into.. Thanks!

Hello, another question I have is what is th average salary range for quality assurance officers versus regulatory affairs? Thanks in advance.

Viv in Richmond Hill, Ontario said: The downsides of private colleges are: very expensive (double or triple the public colleges’) and they are not as well known to the employers. So I start searching similar programs from the 28 public colleges in Ontario but I find none. If anyone knows there is one, and I have missed out please do tell me about it.

Secondly, it would be great if I can get some feedback from someone or who knows someone else that have taken or is taking courses at AAPS. I collected lots of information about TIPT from my self-search and the previous link “Regulatory Affairs training in Canada”, just not very much on AAPS. I would like to know whether students from AAPS are happy with their programs and anything about AAPS that you would like to share with me. I would very much appreciate your help, thanks.

I am sorry that the post is a bit long and off topic but I can't find any where else that could receive better feedback.

Regards,
Viv

Hi Viv,
Did you figure out which school offers the best QC/QA program?
Please let me know as I am interested in QC program as well.
Thanks

Nisha in Toronto, Ontario said: Hi Trushna,

Please choose the Seneca or Humber. Seneca offers part-time course as well. I would suggest to go for these college due to the fee structure and the coop help plus the reputation.

Hope this will help.

Regards,
Nisha

Hi

Hi

Hello buddies,
If any one of you want to do one year advance diploma in pharmaceutical quality assurance then he/she can go to Red river college which is based in Winnipeg Manitoba. TIPT, APSS, Seneca and Humber is not the only world for pharmaceutical courses. Specially for international students, it is easy to get admission there.
Visit www.rrc.mb.ca for more courses.

Best Regards,

Sher Shah

Hello guys,

It is easy to get admission in red river college especially for international students so pls also consider red river college based in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the graduate diploma in pharmaceutical quality assurance. However this diploma require BSc degree in biology for admission. Alternatively the students can also search diploma courses by visiting www.rrc.mb.ca.

Regards,

Sher Shah

Siddhu_pharma010 in Jamnagar, India said: i completed diploma in pharmacy and bachelor in pharmacy and I have three years of pharmaceutical quality assurance experience From india And now I would like to take admission in regulatory dept.so I would like to know, is it right step,which college is better for me,Which course is better for me either QA/Regulatory affair,p’se guide me

I think for u the best option is TIPT and also red river college of Manitoba which is not so expensive as compared to TIPT and offer one year graduate diploma in pharmaceutical quality assurance which is relevant to you because you have already undergrad degree so u can apply by visiting www.rrc.mb.ca.

Regards,

Sher

Hi there everybody

I'm about to complete my Masters in Quality Assurance within 4 months and I want to do Ph.D in canada. Are there any private examinations to be cleared other than IELTS & TOEFL required by the canadian pharmacy board for international students.

What is all it takes to obtain an admission for Ph.D

which universities are providing Ph.D courses rather than Pharm.D

An advice from the fellow pharmacist would be much appreciated

Regards
NaveenReddy

Hello Naveen,
You can check the eligibility requirements directly by visiting the university websites which offer Ph.D in pharmacy so there is no neeed to ask other people.

Sher Shah, from Edinburgh in Heriot, United Kingdom said: Hello guys,

It is easy to get admission in red river college especially for international students so pls also consider red river college based in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the graduate diploma in pharmaceutical quality assurance. However this diploma require BSc degree in biology for admission. Alternatively the students can also search diploma courses by visiting www.rrc.mb.ca .

Regards,

Sher Shah

Hi, I have done my b.pharm from India and have applied to red river college fr the qa qc program.I heard that jobs are not available in Canada and also that a diploma holds no value... is this true ? pls guide me

Hi
Thank you very much to all who posted their valuable suggestion in this forum. I would like to know regarding the procedure of admission at Humber for Regulatory Affairs. I found that Humber needs Resume and Cover letter as a part of their admission procedures. Does it mean that if someone doesn't have related work experience will not qualify to be admited?
Please reply to the post if you have answer. I have some research experience on some drugs working on nervous system, while I did my Masters in Bioscience and Biotechnology but no direct work experience. May I write my research experience in my Resume only. Will it be effective?
Thanks in advance
Apurba

Nisha in Brampton, Ontario said: Hi Naren,

I have completed my course from Seneca in 2008. I am working as a regulatory affairs specialist currently. I had given test and interview for selection in Humber College too and had visited TIPT for the course purpose too.

First thing for my choice towards Seneca was due to the FEES, in TIPT the fees are the highest and they seem to find a target to sale their degree and I found it awkward and felt that they were not concerned for my future.

Second thing was about the reputation of the college. Humber and Seneca are well-known and big colleges in terms of number of students, success of the programs after study, job prospects for the graduates from these colleges in comparison to TIPT. TIPT is a very small college and their Formulation students are more required in the job market than any other course.

Third thing was about the Co-op terms available with Seneca and Humber. They love to help their students for getting co-op. Their students are well in demand from the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, in Seneca they have a facility to transfer from FULLTIME TO PARTTIME classes if you found the co-op for one year or more. While TIPT doesn’t offer any co-op or any help in terms of job related information.

I graduated from U.S.A. (BSPS-Pharmaceutics). I am Indian citizen. I have applied to Humber & Seneca in Ontario and Red River college in Winnepeg Manitoba. I know that Seneca doesn't offer program to any International students but havinbg graduated from U.S.A I took a chance. Do you think there are any chances of getting admitted there? Humber college is already full so they said they are unable to give me admission. And one last thins, How is Red River college, I have applied to QC/QA Pharmaceutical manufacturing program.

Any help would be duly honored

Thank you

Hi Nisha

I am Giri Venkiteela, got admission in Humber college for Regulatory Affairs for 2012 sep.

I am following your replies for a while, Can you please suggest me about opportunities after completion of the regulatory affairs programme.

Please suggest me, Anticipation for your valuable reply

Giri Venkiteela
Girivenkiteela@hotmail.com

Hello every one i hav done b.pharmacy n m nw planning to go for canada for qc and qc but m in dilemma for choosing the best colleges offering the above course nd jus giv me feedback abt redriver and oxford colleges in canada n i do heard that aaps and tipt offer similiar courses with high fee respectively please provide me the feedback which would be affordable and career n job oppurtunities as well.

Any help would be duly honored

Thank you

Giri Venkiteela in Swindon, United Kingdom said: Hi Nisha

I am Giri Venkiteela, got admission in Humber college for Regulatory Affairs for 2012 sep.

I am following your replies for a while, Can you please suggest me about opportunities after completion of the regulatory affairs programme.

Please suggest me, Anticipation for your valuable reply

Giri Venkiteela
Girivenkiteela@hotmail.com

Hey Giri! How hard is it to get into the regulatory affairs program at Humber? Do they look at ur gpa as well? How was the english test? Also, how are you finding the program now? Any tips/recommendation?

Hello Everyone! I recently graduated with a degree in Biology and interested in the Regulatory Affairs program from Humber and Seneca. I know you have to provide a resume and cover letter and do some comprehension tests. Can anyone provide any tips regarding the admission process including writing an effective cover letter, comprehension tests, interview, etc.

As a recent grad, I don't have work experience related to this particular field but I really want to get in. How could I increase my chances?

Any feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!

Nisha in Brampton, Ontario said: Hi Naren,

I have completed my course from Seneca in 2008. I am working as a regulatory affairs specialist currently. I had given test and interview for selection in Humber College too and had visited TIPT for the course purpose too.

First thing for my choice towards Seneca was due to the FEES, in TIPT the fees are the highest and they seem to find a target to sale their degree and I found it awkward and felt that they were not concerned for my future.

Second thing was about the reputation of the college. Humber and Seneca are well-known and big colleges in terms of number of students, success of the programs after study, job prospects for the graduates from these colleges in comparison to TIPT. TIPT is a very small college and their Formulation students are more required in the job market than any other course.

Third thing was about the Co-op terms available with Seneca and Humber. They love to help their students for getting co-op. Their students are well in demand from the pharmaceutical industry. Plus, in Seneca they have a facility to transfer from FULLTIME TO PARTTIME classes if you found the co-op for one year or more. While TIPT doesn’t offer any co-op or any help in terms of job related information.

Hey Nisha! How hard is it to get into the regulatory affairs program at Seneca? Do they look at ur gpa as well? How was the english test? What can I do to prepare for it. Any tips/recommendation? Are you liking ur job nowÉ

Nick in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario said: Hey, I just got in to seneca and I was wondering if anybody knows how much the internships generally pay. Are they all minimum wage or are they higher pay because they are already hiring people with degrees?

Hello Nick,
How hard is it to get into the regulatory affairs program at Seneca? Do they look at ur gpa as well? How was the english test? Any tips/recommendation? Do u like ur job nowÉ

Giri Venkiteela in Swindon, United Kingdom said: Hi Nisha

I am Giri Venkiteela, got admission in Humber college for Regulatory Affairs for 2012 sep.

I am following your replies for a while, Can you please suggest me about opportunities after completion of the regulatory affairs programme.

Please suggest me, Anticipation for your valuable reply

Giri Venkiteela
Girivenkiteela@hotmail.com

Hey Giri,
I'm also planning to apply in Humber for RA course. I know I'm already late as I'm preparing for IELTS,IS THERE ANY CHANCE TO GET ADMISSION THIS YEAR. I have 2.7 years of job exp. as Q.C Incharge + Microbiologist in medical device mfg company, where I handle all regulatory work.
Thanking you.
Awaiting for your kind reply.

Hi, "Viv in Richmond Hill, Ontario", I am Tina from Toronto, I am currently searching for the QA/QC programs too, I went to TIPT and talked to one of their representative there, the cost for QA/QC prog. there is high and they do not provide any co-op or placement, they told me its "build-in" co-op which means they have their own labs that mimics the real company setting. I was considering Pharmacy Technician afterward since the major concern for me is the co-op part. But today, I found another college called "Oxford college" in Toronto, they told me the same thing AND they also have the 3 months placement for QA/QC in some well-known hospitals. For you, I suggested go search for "Oxford College" since they have the placement.
For me, I am still deciding "pharmacy tech" vs "QA/QC"... "pharmacy tech" is diploma, QA/QC is post-diploma, so there is a level difference and I am a current a graduate from University of Toronto-St. George, my maj. are Human Bio health & disease and Chemistry, is there anyone who can tell me which one is better for the career in future?

Hi Guys,
I am going to start clinical research diploma in oxford college soon in parallel I am planning to apply for the part time regulatory affairs and quality operations in Seneca, do you have more information about it? also, is it worth to take 2 programs one in clinical research and the other in quality and regulatory?. I am a newcomer medical doctor with 5 years of clinical research experience overseas and I am planning to study as much as I can so that I be back one day to my home country with as much certificates/diplomas as I can, we do not have these programs available at colleges/universities overthere

Raed Hanna in Mississauga, Ontario said: Hi Guys,
I am going to start clinical research diploma in oxford college soon in parallel I am planning to apply for the part time regulatory affairs and quality operations in Seneca, do you have more information about it? also, is it worth to take 2 programs one in clinical research and the other in quality and regulatory?. I am a newcomer medical doctor with 5 years of clinical research experience overseas and I am planning to study as much as I can so that I be back one day to my home country with as much certificates/diplomas as I can, we do not have these programs available at colleges/universities overthere

seneca still offers part-tie regulatory course?

Maya, yes they do, I have a question for you, it is regarding the clinical research program, I have been accepted to study clinical research program in 2 places and I am confused which one to choose, the first place is McMaster university, they offer part time CCRA program (evening class) for around 5000 dollars, the other place is Oxford college which is a private college offers full time program with 3 months of internship at one of Toronto area hospitals for around 17000 dollars.
I am not sure which one to choose, McMaster is a University with a good reputation but no internship, Oxford is private college and might not be known to many employers however there is internship and I did not yet practice clinical research inside Canada.

Raed Hanna in Mississauga, Ontario said: Maya, yes they do, I have a question for you, it is regarding the clinical research program, I have been accepted to study clinical research program in 2 places and I am confused which one to choose, the first place is McMaster university, they offer part time CCRA program (evening class) for around 5000 dollars, the other place is Oxford college which is a private college offers full time program with 3 months of internship at one of Toronto area hospitals for around 17000 dollars.
I am not sure which one to choose, McMaster is a University with a good reputation but no internship, Oxford is private college and might not be known to many employers however there is internship and I did not yet practice clinical research inside Canada.

I dont see part-time regulatory affairs and quality operations at Seneca on their site, do u have the link for it? and I would definitely choose McMaster over Oxford college.

www.senecacollege.ca/ce/community/health-care/pharma-reg-affairs-quality-operations-grad-certificate.html#Overview

Good luck
Raed