Two programs I’ll focus on Include programs at some local Community Colleges such as Durham Tech in North Carolina and a program offered completely online by The University of Delaware’s Professional and Continuing Studies Department.
Durham Tech offers an Associate Degree in Clinical Trials Research Associate.
The Clinical Trials Research Associate curriculum prepares individuals to assist physicians and clinical researchers in the initiation, administration, coordination, and management of clinical research studies for the development of new drugs, clinical products, and treatment regimens.
Course work includes in-depth study of drug development, Federal regulations, and clinical research processes. Supervised fieldwork provides skill application in subject recruitment, regulatory compliance, accountability for drugs/devices, and documentation of subject involvement in clinical research studies.
Graduates may be eligible to sit for national certification examinations. Research employment opportunities may include medical centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, clinics, research facilities, biotechnology or device companies, and physicians’ offices.
The University of Delaware’s Professional and Continuing Studies Department offers:
The Clinical Trials Management Online Certificate is offered 100% online and provides a broad overview of key competencies necessary for a successful understanding and conduct of the new product development process in today’s environment. Course topics include:
- Clinical trials process, roles, and responsibilities
- U.S. regulatory compliance
- Ethical and safety considerations
- Data management and coding principles
- Monitoring and oversight of clinical trials
- New product introduction, branding, and marketing
Opportunities in the field are many and varied, ranging from the principal role of an investigator to the supportive tasks surrounding regulatory compliance, scientific writing, marketing, data management, and more. Employment settings include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device companies, contract research, hospitals, educational institutions, and independent contractors.
Clinical Trials is an excellent career opportunity which offers rewarding work and very good compensation.
More people of color need to enter this exciting Biotechnology field.
