To work as a regulatory affairs specialist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most regulatory affairs specialists have a bachelor's degree. You need a degree in a life science, typically biology, to work in the medical industry. To work in manufacturing, you need a degree in engineering or even business.

On-the-job training

Many large firms provide training to new employees. You usually work with experienced specialists or managers on smaller projects or standard regulatory submission work, such as preparing updates for regulatory agencies. This type of training can last anywhere from one month to a year.

Consider participating in an internship while you are in college. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.