The Orthopaedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs (ORCA) graduate program at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., graduated its first cohort on May 19. Thirty ORCA students received their degrees in the college’s annual commencement ceremony after completing a rigorous year of study in twelve courses designed by and for professionals in the orthopaedic industry.

This graduate program is targeted to professionals who desire a thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations mandated by the federal government, especially the FDA, as they apply to orthopaedic products. Grace College partnered with OrthoWorx to launch this program one year ago, and it has since enjoyed-wide industry support. Of the 30 students enrolled, 22 come directly from local orthopaedic firms such as Zimmer, DePuy, Biomet, Medtronic, Paragon Medical, and Orthopediatrics.

David Fawley, a Clinical Intern at DePuy Orthopaedics and ORCA graduate, said, “This program provided a challenge and on-target subject material that really stretched me and helped me to grow as I began working in orthopaedics shortly after beginning classes. I found that what I was learning in the classroom translated very appropriately into real-world application.”

In addition to David, two other non-industry ORCA students have been accepted to long-term internships at local companies, with one of those resulting in a permanent position in clinical affairs. Three other students have taken on new responsibilities at their current companies because of the knowledge they’ve gained through the ORCA program.

Program information and application materials can be accessed at www.grace.edu/orca. Grace College is a member of the North Central Association, and its programs are accredited by the Commission on Higher Learning.