How to Become a Clinical Trial Manager

Career

May 12

Clinical trial managers are one of the most important roles when it comes to the development of new medicines. They ensure the safety of the human subjects that are involved in a clinical trial. Apart from that, they also weigh and validate the outcomes of the trial against industry standards. Do you like the idea of being a clinical trial manager? Then here’s how to become a clinical trial manager.

The steps are quite simple. In preparing to become a clinical trial manager, you should obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in clinical sciences, life sciences, or other health sciences related fields. Get a post-baccalaureate certificate from CCRPS, and get administered by the Academy of Clinical Research Professionals.

A good clinical trial manager course should include enrollment into at least 6 required courses (site management, good clinical practices (ICH-GCP), drug development procedures, clinical research writing, and statistical analysis) and 1 elective to earn your clinical trial manager certification. You are also required to take some computer science courses to have knowledge of Clinical Trial Management System and Oracle Clinic, programs you will need to know for the job.

This job entails receiving accurate information, decision making, and problem-solving organizing skills. This means that you must be familiar with planning, work updates, establishing interpersonal relationship skills, and maintaining interpersonal relationships.

As a clinical trial manager you tend to be a working manager for smaller staff (this makes you a part of the research process). However, you could be a working manager with larger staff (this makes you stay in a supervisory role). Whatever the case might be, CTMs coordinate the activities of their unit with other units and makes sure that the financial, production, and marketing specialist are fully equipped with supplies, equipment, and materials. They are in charge of directing the activities related to the research, development, and coordination of clinical trials.

As a CTM you will:

hire, supervise, and evaluate technicians, staff members, and scientists
ensure that the laboratories are fully stocked and equipped with supplies and equipment
provide technical support to scientists and technicians
monitor the progress of projects
draft out operational reports
review all performed research and
report all researched results accurately
establish and make sure that administrative procedures, standard, and policies, are duly complied to and followed
direct and coordinate the development of project products, production activities, and scientific research activities (improving the process of manufacturing)

The average salary earned is between the range of $100,289 - $150,874, though that may vary based on location. Job boards are a great way to check on positions available near you.

Get a course at CCRP and get certified to become a Certified Clinical Trial Manager.

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