7 Reasons Why You Should Start a Career in Clinical Research
Have you ever wondered if there's a perfect job out there just waiting for you? If you're eager, well-informed, and keen on a career in science and medicine, you might have found your perfect match. Many experts in clinical research believe this field is a fantastic way to build a successful career in science.
Why Clinical Research as a Career?
The clinical research industry is booming and offers lucrative opportunities. In 2019, the global clinical trials market was valued at $46.8 billion.
With ongoing advancements in vaccines and therapies, this industry is expected to grow substantially, reaching an estimated $69.9 billion by 2027. A career in clinical research promises a bright future, making it an attractive field to join.
Contrary to common misconceptions, a career in clinical research isn't limited to lab work. There are opportunities for a variety of skills, provided you know where to look. In the following guide, I'll explain why you should consider a career in clinical research.
Working in Clinical Research
Do you like a job that’s flexible?
Tired of the cubicle life? Consider becoming a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) if you're looking for a job that keeps you on the move. CRAs work in clinical trials and their daily routine involves traveling between various research sites, not just collecting data or interacting with patients as many assume. They ensure accurate data transcription and manage compliance with protocols, earning them the titles of "monitors" and experts in "regulatory affairs."
CRAs can specialize as home-based or in-house. Home-based CRAs enjoy the flexibility of working remotely, often traveling from their home base, while in-house CRAs are stationed at a single site, coordinating closely with their home-based counterparts to monitor ongoing trials. Both roles are crucial in ensuring the success of multi-site trials managed by contract research organizations hired by sponsors.
If you're interested in this dynamic career path, consider enrolling in a CRA Certification Course to learn more about what it takes to succeed as a CRA. Whether you choose to work from home or in-house, a career as a CRA offers variety and the chance to be part of cutting-edge medical research.
Do you like working with people?
Have you ever been described as a people person with excellent communication skills? If you enjoy discussing how you can positively impact someone's health, consider a career as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). Start with our Clinical Research Coordinator Course to learn the ropes.
CRCs are essential to every clinical trial, handling patient visits, managing electronic data entry, and ensuring trials comply with regulations. They are also responsible for maintaining regulatory documents and keeping the Principal Investigator informed about trial outcomes.
With a role involving diverse tasks that are crucial to the progress and success of clinical trials, CRCs are invaluable members of any clinical research team. If you possess strong interpersonal skills and organizational abilities, becoming a CRC could be a perfect fit, enabling you to make a significant impact in the field of medical research.
You are detail-oriented and tech-savvy
Are you a tech enthusiast? Maybe you've experimented with coding, quickly grasp computer programs, or have an IT background. As technology continues to shape the future, consider leveraging your skills by becoming a Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA). To find out more, enroll in our Clinical Trials Assistant Training.
CTAs, also known as Clinical Research Assistants, play a crucial role in managing the Trial Master File (TMF). Their responsibilities include filing, archiving, and maintaining trial documents and study files. They also handle inquiries from Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and provide administrative support to the research team. Every critical phase in clinical research—from pre-clinical studies and study startups to site management—relies on a competent CTA.
A strong understanding of technology is essential in clinical research, particularly for a CTA tasked with managing sensitive trial documents and study files. Furthermore, being organized and detail-oriented are key qualities that help a CTA succeed in this vital role.
Working in Clinical Trials
Do you like a good salary...with room for promotion?
While there are various career paths in clinical research, most people start as Clinical Trial Assistants (CTAs) or Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) in entry-level positions. Depending on your skills and experiences, either role can be a gateway into the field.
According to salary.com, the average salary for a CTA in 2020 was $63,000, typically ranging from $54,300 to $73,000, with benefits like healthcare and social security included. If you prefer a more hands-on role in research, a position as a CRC might suit you better. In 2020, CRCs also earned an average salary of $63,117, with most salaries falling between $54,210 and $72,902, plus benefits.
Although salary variations exist between different cities and states, these figures are impressive for entry-level positions, especially considering that the average base salary in America, as reported by Glassdoor, is around $40,000. Starting salaries around $60,000 are considered high and are not common in many other fields.
With one to two years of experience, many CTAs and CRCs receive opportunities for professional development and promotion. A common next step is to become a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), where, according to Indeed, the average salary for CRAs with one to two years of experience is $72,358. With six years of experience, CRAs can expect to earn around $110,102 annually. For those looking to maximize their earnings, becoming an independent contractor as a CRA can be highly lucrative, with potential earnings up to $300,000 per year.
Are you 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.
Are You 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.
Do 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)
FAQs
What is clinical research?
Clinical research involves studying the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens intended for human use. These may be used for prevention, treatment, diagnosis, or for relieving symptoms of a disease.
What does a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) do?
A CRC oversees clinical trials. They manage the daily operations of the trial, coordinate the activities of the trial site, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Their responsibilities include managing patient data, overseeing trial subjects, and ensuring all trial activities are conducted according to the study protocol.
What qualifications are needed to become a Clinical Research Associate (CRA)?
Typically, a CRA needs at least a bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field, along with experience in clinical research. This role requires knowledge of clinical trial processes and regulatory compliance standards. Training or certification in clinical research is highly beneficial.
How much can you earn in a clinical research career?
Salaries in clinical research vary widely depending on the role, experience, and geographical location. Entry-level positions like CTAs may earn between $54,000 and $73,000 annually, while experienced CRAs can earn upwards of $110,000 per year. Independent contractor CRAs may earn up to $300,000 annually.
What career progression looks like in clinical research?
Career progression in clinical research can move from entry-level positions such as Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA) to Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), and then to Clinical Research Associate (CRA). With further experience and education, one can advance to senior roles like Clinical Project Manager or Director of Clinical Operations.
Are there different types of clinical research jobs?
Yes, there are several roles within clinical research, including but not limited to, Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA), Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Data Manager, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and Clinical Project Manager. Each role focuses on different aspects of clinical trials and regulatory processes.