Human Factors in Medical Devices and Systems

• Medical technology development
• Human factors methods for medical devices
• Usability engineering planning
• Function and task analysis

• User interface requirements and design
• Design verification
• Design validation through usability testing
• Medical device assessment and evaluation

The Certificate in Human Factors in Medical Devices and Systems is offered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The program connects engineering design with the study of how people interact with medical technology. Students develop knowledge relevant to evaluating device usability, supporting safe and effective interaction, and designing systems around user needs in health-related contexts.

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Focused Study in Medical Technology Usability

Students study human factors methods specifically in the context of medical devices and systems. Coursework addresses the development, assessment, usability, verification, and validation of technology used in health care settings.
 

Interdisciplinary Learning

The certificate is supported by Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, and Occupational Therapy. This interdisciplinary structure helps students consider engineering requirements, human behavior, user capabilities, and health-related applications together.

Applied Human Factors Methods

Students build knowledge in activities relevant to medical technology design and evaluation, including task analysis, user interface requirements, interface design, simulation, usability testing, design verification, and design validation.
 

Pathway to Further Graduate Study

Students interested in continuing their education may be able to apply eligible certificate coursework toward the M.S. in Human Factors Engineering at Tufts, subject to admission and applicable academic policies.

• Medical device human factors
• Usability engineering
• Medical technology assessment
• User interface design for health technology

• Design verification and validation
• Product development for medical devices and systems
• Human-centered design in health care settings
• Further graduate study in human factors engineering

What Background is Appropriate for this Program?

Applicants should hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or have relevant industry experience. The program may be especially relevant for professionals in human factors, user interface design, engineering, product development, health technology, or the medical device industry.
 

Can Certificate Courses Be Applied Toward a Master’s Degree at Tufts?

Students interested in continuing their education may be able to apply eligible certificate coursework toward the M.S. in Human Factors Engineering at Tufts, subject to admission and applicable academic policies.

Are Scholarships Available?

The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
 

How Do I Apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.