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, prototyping, and manufacturing medical devices.

It is offered in two formats; a two-week online program leading to a certificate in medical device design, and a five-week in-person program leading to a certificate in medical device prototype development.

In the first two weeks, all participants will take part in morning online workshops on: assessing user needs, generating ideas, risk management, manufacturing and quality, regulatory affairs, and more. In addition, visitors from the industry will share their experiences.

In the afternoons, online session participants will work on group projects remotely with the support of a faculty advisor leading to the design of a hypothetical medical device. In-person participants will work on group projects with faculty using resources on campus to conduct laboratory research and build prototypes. In-person participants will get additional workshops on electronics and prototyping methods such as laser cutting and 3D printing.

Students who completed an online version of the program in the past are encouraged to apply for the in-person experience. MDD is a great entry into KGI’s Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering (MSMDE) program. By successfully completing either of these sessions, elements of the application into the master’s program are waived. For program information, contact Dr. Anna Hickerson at anna_hickerson@kgi.edu. For admissions information, contact admissions@kgi.edu.

2023 Dates:

  • Online Session: June 20 – June 30 2023 (2 weeks)
  • In-person Session: June 20 – July 21 2023 (5 weeks)

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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.

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.  In-person participants will visit industry sites.

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 the commercialization of medical devices.
  4. Contribute productively on an interdisciplinary team tackling complex design and engineering problems

Download the Program Info Sheet

Application Procedures and Requirements

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    Application Deadline

    • May 1

    Priority Deadline

    • March 1

    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 your response to one page total:
        • 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 (optional)
      • Contact information for one recommender is optional during the application process. This person should be able to evaluate your qualification and potential for success in our program (such as an instructor, advisor, mentor, etc). More than one recommender can be submitted but is not required. 
      • 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.

    If you are in need of an application fee waiver, please contact admissions@kgi.edu.

    Students participating in the in-person program sessions are financially responsible for their transportation, housing, and food throughout the program.

 

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