Clinical Research Education & Training
Clinical research associates (CRA) generally assist with and oversee clinical trials. CRAs typically receive on-site training as part of a degree program, which can include a variety of tasks, from cleaning laboratory equipment to interviewing clinical test subjects. CRAs do not need to be licensed in all states, but employers often require they be certified.
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History
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CRA career training was previously conducted on-site and supervised by the scientist or physician leading the study. As of 2010, the website Education-Portal.com says in recent years associate degree and certificate programs have emerged as the preferred training route. They offer a broader, more consistent skill set than on-the-job training alone. The courses offered in these programs include research protocols, federal regulations, professional ethics, clinical terminology, site management and data management.
Additional Education
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, bachelor's degree programs in mathematics, statistics, chemistry and biology offer specialized courses for students considering clinical research careers. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences provides full accreditation for nearly 500 programs nationwide. The Department of Labor notes it is still possible to qualify for entry-level positions with specialized training, regardless of educational credentials. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act requires at least an associate degree for technologists who perform extremely complex clinical trials.
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Trainee Duties
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Throughout a CRA training program, students can expect to perform a number of laboratory duties. They will have to set up and take down equipment in the testing area, recruit and enroll clinical test subjects and explain test procedures to those subjects. Education-Portal.com says trainees may also be responsible for administering experimental medicines, monitoring, recording and reporting test subject responses and presenting findings and procedures to review boards and inspectors.
Licensing and Certification
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, laboratory personnel must be licensed in some states, which usually requires a bachelor's degree and passing a state exam. Requirements vary by state and career path. Even without a license, employers typically prefer applicants certified by professional associations. The American Society for Clinical Pathology, The Society of Clinical Research Associates, The Association of Clinical Research Professionals and The American Medical Technologists offer certification. After the initial exam, CRAs generally have to maintain certification by earning continuing education credits and taking recertification exams.
Employment
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The Department of Labor lists the five industries employing the most medical and clinical laboratory technicians a hospitals, colleges and professional schools, physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories and other health care services. The website Medical Research Management notes that many CRAs are also employed by pharmaceutical companies seeking FDA approval for marketing.
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References
- Photo Credit test tubes image by Ruta Saulyte from Fotolia.com
