How to Get into Clinical Research

StudentsCareer

May 31

If you want to get into the clinical research, there are a few steps you will have to go through. In this article, we'll be taking you through the steps and some common questions.

What does Clinical Research entail?

Clinical research entails testing medicines or products for safety and effectiveness. It involves working with patients during extended experiments to record and quantify the effect that different medicines produce. It is a highly regulated field due to the use of human subjects.

Salary earned ranges from $39,000 to $87,000. However, the more one acquires certifications and qualifications, the more opportunities you have. That means you can choose the best position and salary for you.

The first step is to get an education.

Earning a bachelor's degree in a life science or health related discipline by taking specific courses like medicine, pharmacology, biology, molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, biotechnology, nursing, physiology, chemistry, or bioengineering will equip you with the necessary and relevant medical knowledge, science, and technicalities to qualify you into practicing as a clinical research.

Taking courses that are relevant to the clinical research that will give you the necessary experience and knowledge that are relevant to clinical research conducts. Applying for the courses offered at your university or from professional organizations like Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRPS) and Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) are a great place to start. These courses will include topics such as study designs, Good Clinical Practices (GCP), research ethics, drug development cycle, regulatory affairs and U.S as well as international requirements.

You can get a certification from a reputable organization, such as CCRPS, ACRPS, and Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA), as long as you have a Bachelor's design and at least one year of experience in clinical research. This certification allows you gain more access into the clinical research industry.

When you are taking your courses, make sure you study the ICH GCP guidelines and ethics thoroughly. Training in the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practices (GCP) ethics and guidelines improves your chances of getting hired greatly.

Remember to keep proper documented records of your certifications as well as your education. This will save you a lot of time and stress.

The next step is to gather experience.

The following are ways you can gather experience;

Volunteer - Look for volunteering opportunities around your area and volunteer to help with the projects that will be carried out in the clinical research industry. This helps you get closer to the professionals as well as what to expect at the job. You might be chanced to start out as a clerical worker or a data entry staff, but not to worry, you'll be able to work your way up the ladder. Once you are in the field, you can discuss the possibility of applying for a position with the place you are working at in the future. Employers will be more likely to consider you when there is someone in the company vouching for you.

You can volunteer at clinical research professionals organizations related to the clinical research field or medical field, medical centers or hospitals, International Review Boards (IRB) or Research Ethics Committees.

Research Projects - Most entry level jobs require around two years of experience. Taking up clinical research monitoring projects for a few years can really help you get the experience you need. You can also conduct research studies with human subjects during your pursuit of a bachelor's degree or graduate degree.

Internships - Seek out an internship with medical firms, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies while you're still in college. You may or may not get paid as an intern but it's nothing compared to the experience you'll gain that will be needed for your venture into clinical research.

Finally, the last step is to apply for entry-level positions.

This is the last step that will get you right into the world of clinical research. After all your education and gathered experience, you cam apply for an entry-level position as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) or a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA). Both positions only require around two years of experience and they are the ones that you can qualify for. Applying for high-level positions you don’t qualify for yet will only waste your time.

Generally, you should apply for positions at smaller firms. It's okay to aim for positions at the biggest pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organisations (CROs), but as a newcomer, the competition may just be too high. So, why not just apply for positions at smaller firms and work your way to the top?

Take courses from CCRPS and learn more on how to become a clinical research professional.

Featured