The Medical Device Development Bootcamp (MDD) at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, is an experiential learning opportunity for students interested in learning the process of designing and manufacturing medical devices. It is offered in two formats—a two-week synchronous online program, and a four-week in-person program at the KGI campus.

Participants will learn how to assess user needs and generate ideas for devices that meet those needs. Additional workshops will cover topics such as risk management, manufacturing and quality, and regulatory affairs. During the program, visitors from the industry will share their experiences. Participants will work in teams with faculty advisors to translate those ideas into designs. On-campus participants will create prototypes of their designs in the Medical and Assistive Device Lab.

MDD is a great entry into KGI’s Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program.

2021 Dates:

  • Session #1 (online): June 21-July 2, 2021
  • Session #2 (in-person): July 5-30, 2021

Apply Now

The program is delivered in three concurrent parts that are integrated to enhance each other. 

Technical Skills Development 

Technical skills workshops provide instruction on practical skills through short, interactive sessions. Each workshop introduces concepts and is accompanied with team activities to directly apply and practice the skill. Online participants will be mailed a kit to perform several activities in their home. 

Application to Team-Based Project 

Participants work in teams of 4-5 throughout the program with faculty advisors on applied medical device and diagnostic projects. 

Industry Exposure 

Industry experts are invited to zoom lunch-and-learn conversations to discuss their experiences in the medical device industry and provide advice in response to participants’ questions.  

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify user needs for medical devices through primary and secondary research.
  2. Combine product needs with fundamental science and engineering to develop a prototype medical device for the benefit of society.
  3. Understand and apply best practices in manufacturing, assembly, quality, and operations for commercialization of medical devices.
  4. Contribute productively on an interdisciplinary team tackling complex design and engineering problems

Download the Program Info Sheet

Sample Schedule

Week 1
Morning (9 a.m.-12 p.m. PST)
Lunch (12-1 p.m. PST)
Afternoon (1-4 p.m. PST)
Monday
Welcome / Team Building / Intros
 
Project Intro
Tuesday
User Needs and Usability
Industry Conversations
Projects
Wednesday
Presentation Skills
Industry Conversations
Projects
Thursday
Design Thinking
Industry Conversations
Projects
Friday
Computer Aided Design
Industry Conversations
Projects + Problem Statement

 

Week 2
Morning (9 a.m.-12 p.m. PST)
Lunch (12-1 p.m. PST)
Afternoon (1-4 p.m. PST)
Monday
Electronics and Sensors
Industry Conversations
Projects
Tuesday
User Interface Design / HFE / Risk Management
Industry Conversations
Projects
Wednesday
Manufacturing and Quality
Industry Conversations
Projects
Thursday
Regulatory
Industry Conversations
Projects
Friday
Presentation Prep
 
Presentations / Celebration

Application Procedures and Requirements

  • Apply Now

    To return to a previously started application, click here.

    Application Deadline

    • June 1 for Session #1 (online)
    • June 15 for Session #2 (in-person)

    Application Requirements 

    An online application form is required that contains questions about your personal and educational background. Additional requirements (below) can be submitted along with your online application or separately:

    • Personal Statement
      • Please respond to the following prompts, limiting each response to one page:
        • Why are you interested in the program?
        • Describe a project you have worked on (in school or as a hobby).
        • Describe a medical technology that interests you and why
    • Resume
    • Letter of Recommendation
      • Contact information for one recommender is required during the online application process. This person should be able to evaluate your qualification and potential for success in our program. You can choose to use a professional or academic reference. Only one recommendation is required but additional recommendations may be submitted if desired.
      • Recommenders will be contacted via email to submit their recommendation online. If they prefer otherwise they can email or mail a copy to the Admissions Office along with this recommendation form. 
    • Transcripts
      • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes. Official transcripts are not required for admission but may be substituted for unofficial transcripts for admission review.

    Application Review

    We will review applications on a rolling basis. We take a holistic look at each applicant, and place great importance on letters of recommendation and your personal statement. We will strive to notify you about the status of your application as soon as possible.

    Note for prospective international students: KGI has filed a petition update to Form I-17 “Petition For Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student” for this program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Upon approval, KGI will be able to issue I-20s to students wishing to apply for an F-1 student visa.

  • Sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students interested in medical device development currently enrolled in a STEM program.

  • There is a $20 application fee.

 

Interested in Grad School? Learn About the MS in Medical Device Engineering