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How to Become a Clinical Research Assistant: A Complete Guide to Becoming A CTA with No Experience on Resume

How To Become A Clinical Research Assistant

A Complete Guide To Becoming A Clinical Trial Assistant With No Experience On Resume

Clinical Research Assistant

The work of a clinical trial/research assistant (CTA) in clinical research can never be overstated. It is an important career that requires a lot of interest and dedication in order to be successful. If you have developed interest in becoming a CTA, there are certain questions that you must ask yourself. Are you really cut out for this career path? Are you eager to take up more responsibilities in a work place? Can you monitor the trial subject and ensure that the trial is conducted in a safe and ethical manner? If your answers to this questions are yes, then you might just be cut out for the job of a clinical trial assistant. 

CCRPS offers the only accredited 5-day, on-demand advanced clinical research assistant certification (ACRAC) course available to help your learn and apply knowledge and increase your chances of 1) getting a job 2) being efficient and successful in your career.

Responsibilities of a Clinical Research Assistant

A clinical trial assistant have a lot of responsibilities and roles to fulfill within a clinical research institute to ensure the success of a project. Some of these responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining the standard operating procedures (SOP). 

  • Provide regular report updates of the progress of clinical studies to the appropriate personnel. 

  • Planning and conducting of pre-study site evaluation. 

  • Conduct clinical site feasibility and are as well involved in study visibility. 

  • Assess the study subjects to ensure that the appropriate clinical protocols are observed and the trial is in sync with laid down regulations. 

Research Assistant Job Description

Participate in the design, administration and monitoring of clinical trials. Analyze and evaluate clinical data gathered during research. Ensure compliance with protocol and overall clinical objectives.

May require a BS, RN, or BSN degree or equivalent and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements is required. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field. Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Work under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Minimum Education Requirements For Clinical Trial Assistant

Requirements:

  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis

    High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

The educational requirement for a clinical research assistant is at the very least a high school diploma or associate degree in a health science. That's the least requirement, although more employers now prefer a B.Sc degree. Even if you don’t have a health science degree. if you took sciences related courses like nursing, life sciences, medical science, biotechnology, you should absolutely let the companies you are applying to know.

Another avenue you can become a clinical trial assistant is through certification. This is possible and is most common for people without formal education in the fields mentioned. Certification can be very demanding as it requires a lot of administrative knowledge in the area of clinical research. Many CTAs move on to become CRCs, CRAs, and administrators.

Skills You Need To Show On Your Research Assistant Resume

To be successful as a clinical research assistant, there are certain skill sets that are required. 

  • A knowledge of the challenges and restrictions involved in the implementation and retention of databases. 

  • A complete understanding of the responsibilities and liabilities involved in the use of humans for trial tests. 

  • An ability to make excellent clinical development plan. 

  • Must be able to ensure that data gotten from clinical trials are accurate and reliable and the legal rights and privacy of the subjects are protected. 

Having these above listed skills and being efficient in them make the job of a clinical trial assistant easier and more interesting. 
Responsibilities:

  • Conduct literature reviews

  • Collect and analyze data

  • Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations

  • Prepare interview questions

  • Recruit and/or interview subjects

  • Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary

  • Summarize interviews

  • Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor

  • Request or acquire equipment or supplies necessary for the project

  • Manage and respond to project related email

  • Prepare, maintain and update website materials

  • Supervise undergraduate students working on the research project (maintaining records on assignment completion, acting as liaison/mediator between the undergraduate students and the faculty researcher)

  • Attend project meetings

  • Attend area seminars and other meetings as necessary

  • Summarize project results

  • Prepare progress reports

  • Prepare other articles, reports and presentations

  • Monitor the project budget

  • Travel to field sites to collect and record data and/or samples as appropriate to the specific objectives of the study

  • As appropriate to the specified position, code and verify data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis

  • Develop or assist in the development of interview schedules; contact potential subjects to introduce and explain study objectives and protocol and to arrange interviews, either in person or by telephone

  • Identify and compile lists of potential research subjects in accordance with study objectives and parameters, as appropriate to the individual position

  • Conduct and record face-to-face and/or telephone interviews with subjects, in accordance with predetermined interview protocol, data collection procedures and documentation standards

  • Review and edit data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follow up with subjects to resolve problems or clarify data collected

  • May set up, calibrate and maintain laboratory and/or field research equipment, as specified by the requirements of the study

  • May lead or guide the work of student employees

  • Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

  • Prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management

  • Write and contribute to publications

  • Develop research protocols

  • Track progress over time

  • Assist with preparation of all educational and training workshops and evaluation strategies

  • Engage clinical and community partners in research

  • Market training and technical assistance resources to clinical partners and academic investigators

  • Develop assessment and evaluation tools

  • Compile data for progress reports

Where To Reach Out For Trial Assistant Experiences And Internships

Landing that first trial assistant experience or internship can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in clinical research. In this blog, we'll explore various avenues to find these valuable opportunities and launch your journey in this dynamic field.

Education and Certification:

While not always mandatory, a degree in a life sciences field like biology, health sciences, or nursing can be beneficial. However, even without a degree, you can break into the field. Consider pursuing a certification program offered by organizations like the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment.

Finding Trial Assistant Opportunities:

  • Industry-Specific Platforms: Leverage job boards frequented by the clinical research community. Look for platforms like Society for Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) or ACRP job boards. These boards often list internship and entry-level positions specifically for Clinical Trial Assistants (CTAs).

  • General Job Boards: Don't neglect popular job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. Utilize relevant keywords like "clinical trial assistant internship" or "research assistant" to filter your search and uncover a wider range of opportunities.

University Resources:

  • Career Services Departments: Many universities have dedicated career centers that assist students in finding internships. Connect with your career advisor to discuss your interest in clinical research and explore internship opportunities within the university or with partnering institutions.

  • Research Departments: Universities often conduct their own clinical trials. Reach out to professors or research departments to inquire about potential research assistant positions. This can provide valuable hands-on experience.

Government Websites:

  • Regulatory Agencies: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers student volunteer programs ([resources for getting experience in clinical research]).

Networking:

  • Professional Associations: Join associations like ACRP or SOCRA. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with professionals, learn about the field, and discover potential internship or job openings.

  • LinkedIn: Build your professional profile on LinkedIn and connect with individuals working in clinical research. Reach out to them politely and express your interest in gaining experience. Show genuine curiosity and highlight your transferable skills.

Local Directories:

  • CTAs can leverage online directories to target their search. After obtaining your certification, reach out to request experiences or internships at:

    • Clinical research organizations (CROs)

    • Pharmaceutical companies

    • Biotechnology companies

These directories can be found through professional association websites or a simple online search using terms like "USA clinical trial directory" or "USA CRO directory". Here are some examples:

  • ClinicalTrials.gov (a comprehensive listing of clinical trials registered in the US)

  • CRO Directory (searchable directory of contract research organizations)

  • BioPharmCatalyst (industry resource with listings of clinical trials and CROs)

Volunteering:

  • Hospitals and Research Institutions: Volunteer at hospitals or research institutions involved in clinical trials. This can provide valuable firsthand experience and build connections with professionals in the field.

Additional Tips:

  • Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant coursework, volunteer experiences, and any transferable skills that demonstrate your aptitude for the role. Research the specific company or institution you're applying to and tailor your application to their needs.

  • Be Proactive: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Research companies conducting trials in your area and directly contact their clinical research departments. Express your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

By exploring these avenues and demonstrating your enthusiasm, you'll increase your chances of landing a trial assistant experience or internship and taking that crucial first step towards a fulfilling career in clinical research.

Clinical Trial Assistant Training

Unlike the hundreds of CTAs who apply to a position, you can give your resume and interview a huge advantage by having certification. CCRPS' offers complete clinical trial assistant training and certification by the ACCRE through our clinical trial assistant training course. Certification as a CTA can help you show competency to work and apply for roles; many students use the course as a way to update their resume and land the interview at the site they desire. If you plan to continue a career in clinical research, ask our 24/7 chat and phone advisors for partial scholarships. We also offer up to 4 month payment plans ($100 per month).

Advanced Clinical Trial Assistant Training: CTA Syllabus CCRPS

DEMO COURSE

Introduction 

Ethical Research In Vulnerable Populations

Trial Management, Data Handling, And Record Retention

  • Trial Management – Data Handling and Record Retention

  • a) Common Terminology Used In Clinical Research

  • b) Commonly Used Abbreviations and Terms in Clinical Research

Clinical Trials - Advanced Review

Subject Recruitment, Retention, And Compliance

  • Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials 

  • Patient Engagement and Retention in Clinical Trials 

  • Patient Adherence and Compliance in Clinical Trials 

Misconduct And Fraud 

  • Scientific Misconduct and Fraud 

  • Detecting Falsification

Clinical Trial Assistant Certification Exam

  • ICH GCP Clinical Trials Assistant Exam (30 Questions)

What To Know For Clinical Trial Assistant Interview Questions

The work of a clinical research assistant is one of extreme importance to the clinical research institute, and employers will to testing to see if you understand what position entails.

Clinical research assistants is to test new medications, therapies and types of treatment and new medical devices to be sure of the safety of their use and the efficacy or efficiency of their work. These clinical trials are very much regulated and seriously monitored to ensure that they comply with the laid down regulations. The need to keep various records, in order to meet up with compliance requirements can be a burden. That is where clinical research assistants come in.

Clinical research assistant are responsible for performing the different safety and quality checks within their unit. Some of these checks are routinely carried out daily, weekly or monthly.  The daily checks are usually the first thing they carry out on resuming to work everyday. This is to ensure the safety of all the staffs and volunteers within the clinical research institute and as well improve the quality of the data collected and the results.  

The job of a clinical research assistant is to help in finding subjects that can be used for clinical trials, they are responsible for collecting and analyzing the data gotten from clinical tests and trials and they also evaluate the result. They are the ones that keep all the record of activities in the clinical research institute for the purpose of references. They practically ensure that the clinical trial activities are in line with laid down regulations. The amount of data to be collected, evaluated and stored form the trials make this job an important one. That means it is a job in high demand.

Their importance means that there are a variety of places where they can work. Clinical research assistants can work at clinical research institutes, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and a whole host of other medically and clinically inclined organizations. 

The standard equipment like freezers and fridges are checked at least twice daily. This is important because they are used for storing specific research samples and other medications that needs to be kept in controlled temperature and a slight deviation from that can affect the validity of the result and the research. The emergency equipment are also checked regularly on a daily basis.

Part of a clinical research assistant's job is to assist all members of the team and deal with different queries from members of the public. It is also their duty to control all medical stock used in their unit, prepare materials for screening visits, prepare consent forms, questionnaires and information sheets and keeping study files while archiving the files for completed studies.

In the midst of these many duties, it is very important that the clinical research assistant is very capable of multitasking. A good communication skill (both written and verbal) is very important to do this work successfully. One thing that is a must for anyone aspiring to take up this job is to have a keen eye for details. It is also important to be able to ask the right question and develop your knowledge base as much as possible. If you can demonstrate that you have these skills in your interview, you should be all set to go.

Clinical Research Assistant Salary

Per Payscale

The salary of a clinical research assistant can vary depending on different factors like location, institution or employer etc. However, the average yearly salary is $41,000 at an hourly average of $17. It can rise as high as $55,000 or as low as $32,000.

If you'll like to apply for the post of a clinical research assistant, it makes it easier for you if you have B.Sc in life science or social science related courses. If you don't, go enroll for a bachelor's degree and get experiences by volunteering in clinical trials

The purpose of clinical research is to test new medications, therapies, and new medical devices to be sure of the safety of their use and their efficiency. These clinical trials are very much regulated and seriously monitored to ensure that they comply with the laid down regulations. The need to keep various records, in order to meet up with compliance requirements can be a burden.

That is where clinical research assistants come in….

The job of a clinical research assistant is to help in finding subjects that can be used for clinical trials, collecting and analyzing the data from clinical tests, and they also evaluate the result.

They are the ones who keep all the record of activities in the clinical research institute for future references. They practically ensure that the clinical trial activities are in line with laid down regulations. The amount of data to be collected, evaluated and stored form the trials make this job an important one. That means it is a job in high demand.

Their importance means that there are a variety of places where they can work. Clinical research assistants can work at clinical research institutes, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and a whole host of other medically and clinically inclined organizations.

The educational requirements required to work as a clinical research assistant includes a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a doctorate degree in life sciences or other medical related sciences.

These are just basic educational requirements, if you are interested in getting into clinical research, you need more than just degrees in life science. Not because they are not important but because they do not offer you the core knowledge and experience needed to be successful in this career. Based on your chosen discipline in clinical research, you can choose to offer courses related to your discipline and you will be taught by seasoned and experience lecturers in the industry keen to pass on their knowledge and experience. You can also register to be a member of clinical research based associations at CCRPS and find more expert information on the clinical research field. All you need to have a rapid career is right here.

CCRPS offers the only accredited 5-day, on-demand clinical research assistant certification (ACRAC) course available to help your learn and apply knowledge and increase your chances of 1) getting a job 2) being efficient and successful in your career.

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Zhi Zeng Zhi Zeng

7 Reasons Why You Should Start a Career in Clinical Research

begin a Career in Clinical Research

How you ever thought that there’s a perfect job out there for you, but you just haven’t found it yet? If you are motivated, informed, and interested in a science and medical career, you might have just found your answer. Many clinical research professionals say this is the golden ticket to a great career in the science field.  

Why Clinical Research as a Career

The clinical research industry is a highly lucrative and expanding field. The global clinical trials market has been estimated at $46.8 billion in 2019.

As the push for new vaccines and therapeutics continues to get stronger, the field is expected to grow even more in value. Experts predict that the global market will hit $69.9 billion by 2027. The future in clinical research is bright, and it is one that you will want to be a part of.

Contrary to popular belief, working in clinical research doesn’t have to mean you have to stay in a lab. There are demands and opportunities for every skill set, if you know how to find them. Below, I have put together an in-depth guide on why you should get into clinical research.

Working in Clinical Research

  1. You like a job that’s flexible

Don’t like working in a cubical? How about heading to the airport every morning instead? If you like a job that keeps you moving, then becoming a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and working in clinical trials might be the right move for you. Learn more about becoming a CRA with this CRA Certification Course.

CRAs, contrary to what most people believe, don’t collect data or interact with patients. A CRA’s day-to-day job is to travel between different research sites and verify data transcription (i.e., data management). CRAs can also become part of the project management as a clinical trial manager of an entire trial.

They are also called “monitors” and a part of "regulatory affairs", because it is also their job and clinical experience to ensure that every site is following proper compliance and protocols.

There are two types of CRAs: home base or in-house. Home base CRAs work remotely. That means they work and travel from home. Most CRAs work for contract research organizations who are hired by sponsors to conduct their multi-site trials.

If you get tired of working home base, you can become an in-house CRA. In-house CRAs stay in one site and work together with a home base CRA to keep each other updated with what is happening at their site.

  1. You like working with people

Have you ever been told that you are a people person with great communication skills? If talking to someone about how you can change their health for the better sounds like something you’d enjoy, you should definitely look into becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). Explore our Clinical Research Coordinator Course to get started.

CRCs are the backbones to every project. They conduct patient visits, input source documents into the electronic data capture (EDC), and ensure that every trial is following compliance. They are also responsible for handling regulatory documents and updating the Principal Investigator (PI) with trial results.

CRCs conduct a variety of tasks, all of which impact the progress and development of the trial. Every successful clinical trials team needs is a good CRC. So, if you have strong interpersonal skills and know how to stay organized, you will be an indispensable part of the team.

  1. You are detail-oriented and tech-savvy

Are you a self-proclaimed techie? Perhaps you’ve dabbled in coding, pick up computer programs easily, and maybe even have a background in IT. Technology is the future. If you think you have a knack for organizing data, you should look into becoming a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA). Check out our Clinical Trials Assistant Training to learn more.

CTAs, also known as Clinical Research Assistants, manage the Trial Master File (TMF). They file, archive, and maintain trial documents and study files. They are also responsible for closing inquiries from the CRA, as well as providing administrative support to the research team. Every important step in clinical research, pre-clinical research, study startup, site management, needs a dependable CTA.

While most jobs in clinical research require some understanding of technology, it is especially important for the CTA to know what they are doing when it comes to managing trial documents and study files. In addition, it is equally important that the CTA is organized and knows how to pay attention to detail.

Working in Clinical Trials

  1. Means you like a good salary...with room for promotion

Though there are many career paths within clinical research, most people begin their career as CTAs or CRCs in entry-level positions. Depending on your skill set and what kind of experiences you can bring to the table, either position will help you get your feet through the door.

According to salary.com, a CTA’s average salary in 2020 is $63,000. They generally earn between a range of $54,300 and $73,000, and are provided with benefits such as healthcare and social security.

If being more hands-on in the research process appeals to you, you might be a good fit for a CRC. Similarly, CRCs are making an average of $63,117 in 2020. Most make between a range of $54,210 and $72,902, plus employee benefits.

While numbers tend to fluctuate between cities and states, there’s no denying that these are great salaries for an entry position. Since according to one of the largest global job recruitment sites, Glassdoor, the average base salary in America is $40,000. Starting with an annual salary of $60,000 is considered uncommon and on the high end of the spectrum.

After one to two years of experience on the job, most companies provide CTAs and CRCs opportunities for professional development and promotion. Many become Clinical Research Associates, or CRAs. Indeed reports that the average salary of a CRA with one to two years of experience is $72,358. After building at least 6 years experience, a seasoned CRA should expect to earn $110,102 a year. If you would like to make more money, you can consider becoming an individual contractor CRAs. They can earn up to $300,000 in a year.

  1. You are a science professional wanting to change careers and don’t want to go back to school

In clinical research, experience is often valued over degrees. Rather than what you didn’t study in college, hiring managers are more interested in what you have done in the past and how they can integrate you into their company.

This includes getting certified through clinical research courses, but more so what you learn from the courses you take. CCRPS offers the most in-depth CRA and CRC training so that there's tons to talk about during the interview and a working bank of knowledge during the first few months of the job. Explore more specialized certifications like ICH-GCP, Advanced Clinical Research Project Manager Certification, and Advanced Principal Investigator Physician Certification to further enhance your qualifications.

While graduate programs can help point you in the right direction, you don’t need a master’s degree to succeed in clinical research. In fact, certain positions don’t even require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree; they have certification in clinical research.

Applying to CRC and CTA positions are one of the most common segways into higher positions in clinical research. CRCs don’t need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree to get their foot in the door. While both CTA and CRA positions require a bachelor’s degree, they don’t have to be in the life sciences.

One of the best ways to gain experience and stand out from the crowd is to have on-site experience. If you need advice on how, Dan Sfera, the CEO of DSCS CRO Clinical Research Services, recommends getting started by interning or volunteering at clinics and research sites to build connections and experience.

Sometimes, the easiest way to get involved is to offer services like patient recruitment and social media management in exchange for opportunities to build your CV. By appealing to a site’s needs, this will help you get your foot in the door and build the connections and resume you need.

Another great way of adding experience to your resume is by training throughcertification courses. When employers see that you have taken the time and effort to understand how to be the best in their field, they are more far likely to hire you. At CCRPS.org, we offer seven courses and certification trainings to give you an advantage. Most of our students are hired within the first month of taking the course. We are accredited by the Accreditation Council For Clinical Research Education (ACCRE) and Joint Commission by the AMA, ANCC, and various other organizations to provide 17.5 CME credits through our CRA Certification and CRC Certification.

6. You are switching careers

Switching career fields can be nerve wracking. However, it is also an opportunity for you to be a unique candidate. Whether you come from a closely-related background, like medicine or nursing, or something completely different, there are ways you can advocate for yourself in front of employers.

If you already have a background in medicine (nonclinical doctor, unmatched MD), your knowledge of healthcare and your passion for patient health will make for a smooth translation into clinical research. In addition, your RN or MD degrees will help you gain a competitive edge and allow you to climb higher positions, such as the PI, who is the primary researcher of an operation. 

On the other hand, if you come from a less relevant field but feel passionate, you can still leverage yourself to be exactly what the clinical research field needs. For example, if you are a teacher, your communication and interpersonal skills will be your keys to success. If you are a lawyer, your ability to draft and read papers will far surpass the average candidate.

If you studied mathematics, you are a skilled problem solver. If you are a translator, your language skills are valuable and will help you get into roles that require it. In short, whatever skills helped you succeed in your previous positions, you can bring it with you to clinical research. 

7. You want to make a difference in disease outcomes and patient care

There are two types of people in the world: ones who accept the world as it is, and ones who strive to change it. In the last 50 years, science and medicine have gone through a series of drastic changes. However, anyone who works behind the scenes will tell you that medical breakthroughs are not miracles. Clinical research is the culmination of human effort and intelligence.

The fruits and labor of the ever-expanding industry are proof that if enough people care about the world, then they can change it. While there are many good reasons to work in clinical research, if you want the privilege to enrich the lives of others, there is a place for you in this field.

If you want to take a sneak peak at employers and opportunities near you, jobs sites like Indeed are a great resource. 

Here are links for aspiring CRAs, for CRCs, and for CTAs. (Note: CTAs are often referred to Clinical Research Assistants, not to be confused for Clinical Research Associates)

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