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How To Become A Clinical Research Associate - A New Scientist Careers Guide

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What does a clinical research associate do?

Clinical research associates (CRAs) are responsible for running clinical research, which consists of trials designed to test new or current drugs/immunisations and analyse their effectiveness, risks, benefits and safety of use. 

CRAs play an important role in the healthcare industry and public health development by helping to design and test new medications, vaccinations and other therapeutic agents.

CRAs can be involved at any stage of a drug development trial, including planning, coordinating and supervising. It is their responsibility to ensure a drug has been appropriately examined and all its risks have been evaluated before it is released to be used publicly.

CRAs most commonly work for pharmaceutical companies or contract research organisations. They might also have to spend some time working in a hospital setting to collect data about the drugs they are analysing. They might also work for universities or public/global health organisations. 

As a CRA, you may have a range of responsibilities depending on your employer, project and level of experience. Typically, CRAs will need to complete tasks such as:

• Designing and writing trial protocols and standard operating procedures
• Presenting protocols and procedures to steering committees
• Designing data collection forms
• Requesting ethics approvals and working with ethics committees
• Liaising with staff conducting the trials, such as doctors or consultants
• Training local staff based on trial-specific standards
• Monitoring operations during clinical trial data collection
• Collecting completed data collection forms
• Performing data management and analysis, and discussing the results
• Closing trials and finalising reports with the help of a statistician

CRAs will work in a team of other research professionals, including contract organisation or sponsor staff, principal investigators and clinical research coordinators.

How to become a clinical research associate

To become a CRA, you need to obtain a degree in medical sciences, life sciences or nursing. This can be in subjects such as biomedical science , anatomy, physiology, immunology , pharmacology or broader degree subjects like chemistry and biology .

Alternatively, you can access a career as a CRA by acquiring a higher national diploma (HND). This is a qualification equivalent to the second year of a bachelor’s degree. HNDs can be beneficial to those who want to enter more practical fields, clinical research included.

Occasionally, you can enter a CRA role from an administrative background. For instance, if you begin working as a clinical trials administrator/assistant and decide you would prefer the role of a CRA, you can complete additional qualifications to do this. However, this will take some time and can be difficult.

Most employees view undergraduate qualifications as sufficient, but in some cases a postgraduate degree may be beneficial. Master’s degrees and PhDs can gain you an advantage when applying for competitive positions, and help you gain more experience in research .

Work experience is key to securing a clinical research job. You can get this at any point in your training, and some universities may help with this. The types of work experience most useful for a CRA role include:

• Academic research
• Pharmaceutical research (e.g. via a pharmaceutical industry placement during your degree)
• Laboratory work
• Nursing or care work
• Work in a pharmacy or medical sales
• Other, similar activities

How long does it take to become a clinical research associate?

Becoming a CRA will usually take around three to four years, depending on the access pathway you choose.

If you opt to complete an undergraduate degree, this can take three to four years. You can then apply to job positions as a CRA straight away. However, if you don’t have sufficient work experience, you may need to start at a lower-level position such as a more administrative job. From here, you can gain more experience and reapply for a higher-level position.

If you choose to obtain a HND qualification, this will take two years. Provided you have sufficient experience, you can then apply for a graduate post as a CRA, but again you may need to gain some extra experience/qualifications in some cases.

If you opt to do a postgraduate degree first, this may take an additional one to three years depending on whether it is a master’s degree or a PhD. Many CRA job positions also allow for completion of postgraduate qualifications alongside the job.

A day in the life of a clinical research associate

Most CRAs work about 40 hours a week, during weekdays. There may be an out-of-hours commitment, for instance if working in a hospital setting monitoring a new drug, but this is dependent on your employer and role.

CRAs can work on multiple trials at a time, in multiple different sites. This will depend on the complexity of each trial and what stage each of the trials is in. Therefore, the role may entail some travelling at times, while other times most of your work will be concentrated on one site.

As a CRA, you will carry out a wide variety of tasks. Some days may be spent writing reports. On other days, you will work on site with healthcare staff , or you might go into your office and attend meetings.

No matter your experience level or how senior your role is, as a CRA, you will need to work in a team with other research and healthcare professionals. You will be communicating with research nurses, doctors, health consultants, investigators and managerial and administrative staff from the company requesting the trial.

The role requires good communication skills, as well as good time management and organisation skills, because carrying out a few different studies at once may mean some tasks clash with one another and you need to prioritise the most important ones.

Clinical research associate: Career options

As with most clinical roles, CRAs undergo lots of continuing professional development (CPD) within their role. There are many training courses available to CRAs to build on their existing skills and develop new competencies.

Most training courses are organised by external bodies, and many are paid for by the employer. One of the organisations that runs training courses is the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR). It provides training in areas such as effective project management for clinical trials and advanced clinical trial monitoring, among several others.

The ICR also offers certificates and a diploma that you can complete to evidence your skills in clinical research. Becoming an ICR member and obtaining courses and qualifications from it can also be beneficial to career development, as you will meet other prominent professionals in your field through interacting with this organisation.

You can also opt to complete a postgraduate qualification, such as a PhD or master’s degree in several different areas, including clinical research and clinical pharmacology .

As mentioned, you may need to climb up the professional ladder to become a CRA, and many people start off as clinical trial administrators or junior CRAs. Within these roles, you might complete tasks such as handling documentation and correspondence or helping to set up trial sites. 

From here, you can move on to becoming a senior CRA as you gain experience. At this point, you will have more advanced responsibilities, such as project management of whole trials and designing case report forms.

If you develop sufficient experience and gain contacts in the field, there is a possibility of self-employment if you want to become a freelance CRA. 

Salary: How much does a clinical research associate earn in the UK and US?

In the UK, starting salaries for CRAs range between £26,000 and £34,000 per year. As a more senior CRA, you might earn between £35,000 and £50,000, and in the most senior positions involving managerial tasks, you might earn upwards of £55,000.

Salaries will vary between regions and employers, as well as depending on your level of experience and responsibilities. Some companies offer additional benefits.

In the US, the average salary for a CRA is $70,000 per year. The range is between $60,200 and $80,900. This can vary depending on the region you work in, your education and experience levels and any additional qualifications you have.

Salaries will also be different as a freelance CRA, and this will depend on the number of clients you have and any business-related expenses you need to cover.

• Prospects. Clinical research associate. Available from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/clinical-research-associate (accessed Apr 2024)
• CK Group. Clinical research associate (CRA) job profile. Available from: https://ckgroup.co.uk/candidate/job-profiles/clinical-research-associate-cra-job-profile/ (accessed Apr 2024)
• Nikolova, T. The CRA Wizard. How to become a CRA for dummies in 7 steps (or less). Available from: https://www.thecrawizard.com/how-to-become-a-cra-for-dummies (accessed Apr 2024)
• Glassdoor. Clinical research associate career. Available from: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Career/how-to-become-clinical-research-associate_KO14,41.htm (accessed Apr 2024)
• Coursera. How to become a clinical research associate. Published Nov 2023. Available from: https://www.coursera.org/articles/clinical-research-associate
• Walters, L. Pharmiweb.jobs. 8 ways to advance your career as a clinical research associate (CRA). Published Sept 2023. Available from: https://www.pharmiweb.jobs/article/8-ways-to-advance-your-career-as-a-clinical-research-associate-cra- (accessed Apr 2024)
• Salary.com. Clinical research assistant salary in the United States. Available from: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/clinical-research-assistant-salary (available from Apr 2024)

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How To Get Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Experience

• by Kunal Sampat
• July 5, 2018
• in Clinical Operations

Do you want to start a career in clinical research? Do you want to get a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) job in ANY organization? 

Well, you’ve landed in the right place.

There are a ton of CRA jobs out there. But there is one major concern most employers have with entry-level candidates.

Employers want applicants to have relevant CRA experience. Your resume doesn’t even make it to the hiring manager’s desk because you don’t have two years of CRA experience.

How are you able to get CRA experience when they don’t really teach you to become a CRA in college?

• You’ve gone through four years of college education and have a degree engineering, science or management
• You’ve spent years working as a foreign doctor or even had your own private practice as a clinician
• You’ve successfully completed a certification in clinical trial management

You certainly have the right skills for a CRA role. But you’re finding it almost impossible to get your foot in the door.

And let’s be honest. Most people in clinical research learn how to be a CRA on the job. Through some mysterious way, they get hired and trained to become a CRA.

In this article, I’ll share with you everything I know that will help you build your clinical research resume. Pick 1-2 opportunities from this list below and follow all the steps in my BEAVER Method – Get A Clinical Research Job and you’re golden!

Ultimately, my goal is for you to get a paid CRA job in any organization of your choice.

So let’s get started

• Hospital or Clinic Volunteer

This is my favorite strategy to get CRA experience. It’s also exactly how I got my first break in the industry.

Believe it or not, most large hospital or clinics have an official volunteering program. The volunteer program mainly geared towards retired individuals who want to give back to the community. But that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify.

There are two ways you can volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. I’ll cover each one in-depth.

Traditional Volunteer

This is the type of volunteering role where you’re cleaning hospital beds and putting new sheets after the patient leaves.

Or you may be tasked to move patients from the emergency room to the radiology department for a CT scan or X-Ray.

Or you may be simply stuffing envelopes with letters to hospital donors.

There is no research involved. However, these internships are equally for someone who has close to zero experience in the medical field.

Such volunteer roles are quite easy to secure. All you have to do is fill out the volunteering application form to indicate your interested and availability to serve as a volunteer. Make sure you fill the forms accurately.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to commit at least 4-6 hours each week and be willing to serve the community and patients. It’s not about you or your desire to get CRA experience. It’s about the patients.

You volunteering application will be accepted in a few days. Next, you’ll be asked to complete simple medical exams to ensure you’re a safe human being with no diseases that pose a threat to the patients.

Once your test results are in and you’re all clear, you’ll get volunteer badge and become an official volunteer.

It’s really that simple.

Now you’re wondering, “How does being a hospital volunteer help me become a CRA?”

My short answer: The foundation of any clinical research job is to serve patients.

By working closely with patients, physicians and nurses, you’re unknowingly absorbing clinical knowledge that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so.

You’re also building a valuable skill of being able to work with doctors and nurses. These are the same individuals that serve as site investigators and research coordinators on clinical studies.

Once you’ve been a traditional volunteer for 3-4 months, you’ll have relevant clinical experience that you can list on your resume.

You want the recruiter and hiring managers to get a sense of how your volunteering work had an impact on the clinical practice, the things you learned or observed and the influence you had on patient’s lives.

Clinical Research Volunteer

I consider this as a special and lesser known volunteer path.

Many practicing physicians have a deep desire to conduct research. But they don’t end up publishing research papers or presenting at conferences.

Because seeing patients is a full-time job. For instance, a family practice physician in the United States has to see a minimum of 18-22 patients in an 8-hour day. This leaves little or no time to conduct research.

The doctors don’t have enough time on their hands to write a protocol, make an IRB submission, review medical records or charts, or perform analysis on the clinical data.

But this is where you come into rescue. Follow these five simple steps and get relevant clinical research experience.

Step 1: Determine which therapeutic areas you’re interested in. If you’re not sure, I’d recommend cardiology, oncology or diabetes.

Step 2: Next, you want to identify doctors working in those specialties. You can find these doctors by looking at the local hospital website.

Step 3: After identifying potential doctors you want to work with, send each of them a personalized email an expressing your interest in being a research volunteer.

Step 4: After a few email exchanges and probably an in-person interview with the doctor, you’ll land with you dream clinical research volunteer role.

I’ve actually followed this exact process and was able to get one publication and one presentation on neonatal care.

Step 5: Once your research paper or presentation is complete, you can add it to your resume and brag about it to recruiters and hiring managers.

• Intern at a Fortune 500 Company

Most of us understand the value of an internship. It’s a great way to get relevant clinical experience and probably making a bit of money on the side.

Internship at a Fortune 500 healthcare company such as Pfizer, Abbott, Merck, Apple and even Google (yes, Apple and Google have healthcare products) can be a very rewarding experience.

These are also most sought-after internships. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get in.

Pros/Cons of Internship Roles at Fortune 500 Companies

• Excellent clinical training opportunity. You get to learn and implement standard operating procedures, application of GCP in real-world studies, working with cross-functional teams and more
• You will most likely get paid for your time as an intern
• A structured application process requires advanced planning. You will generally to apply 9-12 months prior to the target internship start date
• The internship program is mostly geared towards full time or part-time students
• Highly competitive (but hey, competition can make things better)

Resources: Fortune 500 Healthcare Company Internship and Coop Programs

Here is the current list of Fortune 500 companies .

You can apply filters such as “Industry – Pharmaceuticals” to identify healthcare companies.

Links to a few Co-op and Internship Programs at Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Medical Device Companies

Johnson & Johnson

Pfizer’s US Summer Student Intern Program

Merck’s career program for interns, coops and recent grads

AbbVie’s US Student Internship Program

Gilead Sciences Internships

Eli-Lilly Student Opportunities

Amgen Internships and Coops

Bristol-Myers Squibb Internship Programs

Biogen Internship and Coop Programs

Abbott Internships and Development Programs

• Work at a Healthcare Start-up

This strategy is an extension of securing an internship role at Fortune 500 healthcare companies.

When most people think of jobs or internships, multinational corporations come to the top of our mind. However, the Fortune 500 list is limited to the top companies.

There are thousands of other companies that operate in the healthcare space but do not make it to the Fortune 500 list.

A quick search on Angel.co revels that there are at least 18,956 healthcare startups . This list doesn’t even account for established companies that don’t make it to the Fortune 500 list.

A position at a healthcare startup that sells medical products or services is an excellent opportunity to not only learn more about healthcare space but have a greater impact in society.

Here is why I think a healthcare startup will love you:

• Most start-up companies are resource strapped. Resources could be money, time, or people. Therefore, if a startup can acquire an extraordinary talent such as yourself, they can save one or more of these resources
• Most start-ups are trying to grow and spread their message. If you can contribute towards the company’s goals and help them get one step closer to the finish line, they have no choice but to fall in love with your passion and commitment towards their organization.

Pros/cons of working at a healthcare startup

• You get to wear different hats at a healthcare start-up. One day you’ll be working on a new clinical trial and the next day you’ll be packing boxes to ship medical products to a clinical trial site. Such experience is of much value to companies hiring for CRA positions
• You’ll be presented with opportunities to work on important problems. If you can jump on these opportunities and show that you can execute and deliver results, you can accelerate your clinical research career
• Unlike Fortune 500 healthcare companies, start-ups are lesser known to job seekers. This makes it relatively easy to secure an internship, full-time or part-time position
• Your work objectives may not be as structured as a Fortune 500 company. You will probably be on your own and will need to figure things out by asking questions to people or finding clinical resources on government websites such as FDA.gov .
• There won’t be an established internship application process. You’ll need to email and call the CEO or head of clinical or R&D to get your foot in the door
• Your role may not be limited to clinical research. You’ll be expected to work on non-clinical tasks or goals
• You may or may not get paid. It depends on what you can negotiate

Resources: Working for Healthcare Startups

My favorite resource to research healthcare companies is biospace.com . It is a comprehensive list of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. Similarly, you can look up healthcare companies on angel.co .

Just start going through the company websites one-by-one, find out the CEO or vice president of clinical and begin contacting them for potential internship opportunities.

I know it’s a tedious process.

Plus there is a fear-factor of sending cold emails to people you don’t know. That’s precisely why very few people are doing this.

But if you want to become a CRA, this is your best shot to become one.

• Work for a Clinical Research Site or Site Network

Similar to a volunteer at a hospital or clinic, you can apply to work at a clinical research site or a clinical research site network.

To begin, let’s get some definitions out of the way.

A clinical research site is a location where a clinical trial is conducted.

It is generally a place where the site investigator and research coordinators see potential and current clinical trial patients, store regulatory binders, maintain patient medical records, place where CRA performs monitoring activities and more.

A research site can be independent, standalone office or part of a larger hospital system.

Many current clinical research professionals, which includes CRAs, started their careers as a clinical research coordinator (CRC) at a trial site.

Hospitals and clinics are looking for CRCs to enroll clinical trial patients, perform medical chart review or perform tasks such as data entry in clinical databases. This experience is in many ways the foundation of many CRAs in the industry.

It is important to note that although many CRCs are Registered Nurses (RN), you don’t need to be an RN to become a CRC.

On the other hand, a clinical research site network, is a network of sites and it means just that.

Sites will form networks or belong to paid networks to reduce fixed costs such as marketing and business development, provide a consistent experience to trial sponsors and CROs, and/or meet the highest level of clinical research standards.

Pros/cons of working at clinical research sites or site networks

• One of the best ways to understand the inner workings of a clinical research site
• Opportunity to work with multiples sponsors, CROs and patients. You’ll not only gain valuable experience but also grow your network, which can ultimately help you secure a full-time CRA job
• Highly sought-after experience for companies looking for CRA or CRA assistant candidates
• Given the academic and research-driven focus, internship stipends or salaries may be lower than industry jobs (sponsor/ CRO)
• If you’re an intern, you may not be able to work directly with patients due to privacy reasons or site policy. Instead, you’ll be assigned menial jobs such as filing regulatory documents or subject case report forms, all of which you should undertake with pride

Resources: How do you find a clinical research site?

Finding clinical research sites is a bit tricky.

For independent clinical research sites, you’ll have to rely on Google search or word of mouth.

Search of the terms “clinical research site + [your city/state/country].” If the site has a web presence, you will likely find them.

Large hospitals, particularly medical schools, are involved in clinical trials and have a clinical research department.

You basically contact the director of their clinical research or human resources (HR) department and ask them about career opportunities in their department.

Resources: How do you find a clinical research site network?

There are quite a few site networks but the sites that participate in these networks are sometimes not publicly available.

Well, because some site networks charge sites a flat annual fee to belong to their site research network or the site network charges sponsors get access to their sites. Someone has to pay for this information, it’s either the sites or sponsors.

Clinical Research Network has a public listing of sites in their network. You can reach out to some or all of these sites and ask them about potential career opportunities in research.

Center Watch also has a list of sites by geographic location

Research Match is an NIH funded initiative that connects patients and researchers. There are some big institutional names here. You can reach out to any of these sites and see if they are looking to hire or get volunteer help.

Platinum Research is another website where you can find a list of site research networks. Click on the “company websites” to get information on research sites in your area.

• Work at a Site Management Organization (SMO)

Similar to other career options we’ve discussed so far, working at a SMO is a great way to secure CRA experience.

A SMO is responsible for managing day-to-day trial management activities at a research site. Simply stated, the role of the SMO is to fill the gaps at a site.

For instance, a site may not have a dedicated research coordinator. This is where the SMO comes in play. Some sites have their own preferred SMO whereas other sites may be assigned a SMO by the clinical trial sponsor or clinical research organization (CRO).

Working at an SMO is in many ways similar to working at the site as described earlier.  12 – 24 months of SMO experience will generally be sufficient to meet the “two-year” CRA experience most sponsors or CROs require.

Pros/cons of working at a SMO

• Lesser known career opportunities, so your chances of getting hired are quite good
• Opportunity to truly understand the challenges faced by clinical research sites. This experience is valuable for anyone interested in becoming a CRA
• SMOs are more common in Asian countries such as Japan, India, Taiwan, and China. If you’re looking for international clinical research experience, this might be one the best ways to get it
• US-based SMOs are not as common and it can be challenging to come across a SMO closer to where you currently live
• Many SMOs are regional as they serve sites in their area

Resources: How to find a Site Management Organization?

Below are a few U.S. based SMOs

CMX Research Partner

PMG Research

CSSi Lifesciences

Consolidated Clinical Trials

• Work at a Clinical Research Organization (CRO)

A CRO provides clinical research services to sponsors. They are also known as Contract Research Organizations.

Today CROs are more popular than ever. Many Sponsor companies, large and small, don’t have the in-house clinical expertise to conduct a study. This is where a CRO comes into the picture.

A CRO provides the Sponsor the clinical resources i.e. people needed to execute on a clinical strategy. By hiring a CRO, the Sponsor isn’t stuck with permanent headcount, should they decide to abandon a medical product or terminate a clinical trial.

CRO size and specialty can vary. For instance, there are niche CROs that only serve certain therapies, regions, or types medical products such as a CRO specializing in medical device research.  

Pros/cons of working at a CRO

• More likely to hire individuals with little or no clinical research experience
• Opportunity to work on multiple therapeutic areas, medical products, and Sponsor companies
• Many CROs offer on the job training programs to help you with your professional development
• Service-based nature of CROs can lead to a stressful work environment when working with demanding Sponsors
• CRO personnel assignments are generally reviewed and approved by Sponsors. You may not get to work on your dream project if a Sponsor things you are not qualified, especially if you’re a newbie
• Pay for entry-level positions will likely be low. But if you truly care about CRA experience, the pay shouldn’t matter when you’re starting out. Build CRA relevant experience and then take on another opportunity within or outside the CRO
• Job descriptions may list a minimum two-year experience requirement, but I encourage you to apply to these junior level positions such as CRA assistant or clinical site coordinator/associate

Resources: How to find a Clinical Research Organizations?

Below are a few global CROs for you to consider:

PRA Health Sciences

Another option for finding CROs is First Clinical’s Supplier Directory , that lists several the companies that provide contract clinical research services.

• Intern at a Government (Regulatory) Agency

Government agencies play a crucial role in clinical research. They review and approve medical products. Their primary concern is patient safety.

Such organizations include the US Food and Drug Administration , competent authorities in the European Union such as Germany’s BfArM or China FDA .

Government laws and regulations form the foundation for any company wanting to obtain medical product approval for commercialization. The laws and regulations also apply to service-based companies such as CROs and SMOs and clinical trial sites conducting research.

Every clinical organization must follow the law and stay compliant. This is what makes working for government agencies exciting. You can learn things that truly matter when it comes to clinical research. You can then apply these learning as you advance in your clinical research career.

Pros/cons of an internship at a Government (Regulatory) Agency

• You’ll learn a lot about health care regulations, patient safety and how decisions are made inside government agencies. This is an incredibly valuable experience to have early on in your career
• Highly regarded among CRA hiring managers and recruiters
• Many opportunities will be unpaid or may come with a small stipend. If your primary objective is to gain valuable research experience, taking on volunteer opportunities within government organization is a great way to build your resume
• Certain organizations may require you to be a citizen of the country you’re interested in working for

Resources: Government (Regulatory) Agencies

Check your local country, state, county or city website to find out which department or division of the government is responsible for overseeing healthcare projects such as clinical trials.

Food and Drug Administration has an unpaid student volunteer program . I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this program is open for non-US citizens including permanent residents and visa holders.

You can also volunteer at FDA field offices, so you don’t need to relocate to Maryland. But if you can work at the FDA headquarters, that is probably the best as you’ll have access to more people and resources.

Other notable government or government-funded organizations are as follows:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a program for students and recent graduates
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an amazing program for students and college graduates
• U.S. National Library of Medicine has career opportunities for you to consider
• World Health Organization (WHO) , an agency part of the United Nation also has an internship program
• Work For A Nonprofit Focused On Healthcare Initiatives

Nonprofit organizations existing to fill gaps that the private and public sector do not or are unable to address. Nonprofits are mission-driven organizations.

There are thousands of nonprofits in the United States that are focused on healthcare initiatives and medical research. Such nonprofits include clinical research associations such as Association of Clinical Research Professionals , and American Heart Association .

Many people looking for CRA experienced are focused on CROs and Sponsor companies. But there are many lesser-known nonprofits that are looking for people like to you to work in the healthcare sector.

Your first job at these nonprofits will probably not a CRA position but you’ll gain valuable experience that will allow you to transition to a CRA position in the future.

Pros/cons of working at a nonprofit

• Nonprofits are generally looking for motivated individuals to support their mission
• Prior clinical research experience won’t be required in most organizations
• Excellent opportunity to take on meaningful work that isn’t focused on the financial bottom line. For-profit organizations are primarily driven by money and the work itself may not be as fulfilling
• A nonprofit may not be able to afford high salaries. You may be given a stipend or just enough money to survive

Resources: How to find Nonprofits with Healthcare Initiatives?

• First Clinical has one of the most comprehensive clinical research association directory listing . Many of these industry associations are probably nonprofits. Just start going through these associations one by one, reach out the Executive Director of each of these organizations and inquire about volunteering, full-time or part-time opportunities
• Guidestar is the world’s most comprehensive database for nonprofits. You can search for nonprofits in “Medical Research” or “Health” category and sort by “Gross Receipts”. If you start with organizations that have funding, they are more likely to hire you for a paid position
• Similar to Guidestar, there is Charity Navigator , where you can perform an Advanced Search for nonprofits in the Health → Medical Research category
• Health Finder , which was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services has a listing of nonprofit organizations in the healthcare field
• Invest In Your Learning

One of the best ways to get CRA experience is to invest in your learning. You can take on a certification program with organizations such as ACRP or SOCRA .

There are also paid and free online courses that you can take with ACRP , free GCP certification with NDAT CTN Training, or clinical research courses on Coursera .

However, knowledge through certifications or courses in and by itself is not sufficient to get a CRA role. You need to “learn” through practical experience.

You can also consider attending or volunteering at clinical research conferences hosted by companies such as ExL events , CBI events , ACRP or SOCRA . Such conferences allow you to network with like-minded people, which in turn creates opportunities for you and everyone else attending these events.

Finally, I would do a disservice to this article if I did not mention the important soft skills you need to master on your way to becoming a CRA. Some soft skills include negotiation, active listening, not complaining, empathy and self-awareness.

We’ve covered 9 different ways you can gain CRA experience. Pick 1-2 opportunities from this list, and pursue them with your full focus and energy.

Apply the foundational principles I share in the BEAVER Method – How to Get A Clinical Research Job and you’ll be on your way to getting your dream clinical research position in any organization.

What are you planning to do next? Let me know if the comments section below.

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Extreme Night Owl

Very good information. Thank you!

Kunal Sampat

Thank you@E@extremenightowl:disqus Let me know if you have any specific questions. Happy to help.

Gunturu .Neeharika

Hi kunal, I’ve been reading articles about volunteer research work online and I just got ended up here. Firstly, thanks for this simple and detailed information . I’m an ent surgeon from India but settled in Sydney as my husband is an Australian citizen. Im on my visitors visa now for next 5 months and I do want to utilize this time gaining experience in / learning research work while waiting for my medical registration here in Australia. I want to enrol as a volunteer in clinical trials or research work and I’m new to this area so, it would be great if you could help me with this ( any idea about opportunities in Sydney) .Thanks neeharika .

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Glad to hear you find the information useful. I’m happy to help you and will send you an email with details.

kunal i have questiion. I am base sas certified, currently living in atlanta. last ten years i was busy looking after my kids and family. now i want to work as clinical sas progrmmer. i want to know the job prospects especially in atlanta. can you help me.

Hi Asma, Have you tried to apply the BEAVER Method towards your job search efforts? https://clinicaltrialpodcast.com/get-a-clinical-research-job/ What is your #1 challenge with identifying potential opportunities? – Kunal

Hi Kunal, Thank you for your great information. I am a medical school applicant doing my msc in medical physics. I was thinking of part time joining a clinical research group as well. I also would love to publish some papers on clinical research area as well. I am very skilled in data analysis and working with people. My background is biophysics and math. Do you have any idea how I could go about that? Thank you,

Hi Adina, Thank you for reaching out. Yes, I think there are many ways for you publish papers in clinical research. One recommendation I have for you is that you reach out to some medical doctors that are actively conducting clinical trials at a teaching hospital near your home. You can then collaborate with them on a research project as volunteer. Since you’re proficient at data analysis, you can help the medical doctor collect and analyze clinical data. This can be retrospective data. The doctor will know where to publish etc. and he/she will add you as an author on the paper. This is how I got my very first paper in clinical research. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any additional questions.

Hi Kunal, I am research professional with experience of 8 yrs in clinical trials in laboratory, quality assurance and recent role which was in data management /administration. (volunteer).Despite of such a strong professional experience can’t get a break through in the field. Because of recent volunteer role get some interview calls but don’t have ethics application experience holds me back. I am desperately looking and applying for clinical research assistant role but could not get it.Have a good references too but don’t know where I’m lagging behind as feedback of interviewers says they have more experienced candidates who has recently done the program or role. Kindly share some advice. Thanks . Pradeep

Hi Pradeep,

Have you checked out my other blog on “How to Get A Clinical Research Job” Here is the link to the blog post. https://clinicaltrialpodcast.com/get-a-clinical-research-job/

Please give this method a try and let me know if you have any additional questions.

Hi kunal, Thanks for these important tips. I am graduate as dentist from India and then i completed my post graduate diploma in clinical research from Institute of Clinical Research India. Post completion of this course, I had 6 months training as clinical research manager at a CRO and then worked as CRA at PGIMER, Chandigarh, India on an oncology trial for 6 months. Currently I am on visitor visa in Melbourne, Australia with my husband who is PR here. I want to utilize this time in some training or education for 3 months as i cant work on visitor visa. Kindly guide me with best of your knowledge and experience. Email is [email address removed]

Wasim Kamate

Hii Neha, we too have completed MDS and postgraduate diploma course in clinical research in Maharashtra India..Please guide me further as to what can I do to get experience in clinical research and post of clinical research manager in India, more comfortably in Maharashtra. Please guide us on email: [email protected]

Hi Kunal,,, Please guide me….I am Dr. Wasim Kamate, MDS with postgraduate diploma course in clinical research in Maharashtra India..Please guide me further as to what can I do to get experience in clinical research and post of clinical research manager in India, more comfortably in Maharashtra

thanks for sharing great article with us keep doing great work

Thank you, Preeti

Hi Kunal! Thank you for the valuable information.Prior to reading this article, I graduated with a bachelors degree in science and have been trying to get clinical research coordinator positions but to no avail. Hence I took up a clinical research internship with a Therapeutics company that focuses on immunotherapy for cancer.I figured getting experience from this internship would help me with attaining a CRC position in the future. I have thought long about whether what I did was right as I know I won’t be fully focusing on research after this internship. Your article has truly given me hope 🙂 Thank you!

Glad to hear Anisha. Don’t give up hope but take action towards your goal. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

Wow what an incredible resource and well written article. I thank you very much Kunal!

Hi Kunal, I am a Commerce graduate and I did MBA in Finance and Supply chain management in 2011. I have changed my area of expertise a couple of times ranging from Banking and Finance, Retail, HR (compliance) and then ventured into data science in 2016 with a certificate in Big Data. I have been literally struggling to get a break in clinical SAS programming since this is my area of interest for a Full-time career option. I don’t know where to start. I appeared for an interview at PPD in March but did not clear it. I am due to appear for Clinical SAS programmer exam in the month of November but I am finding it extremely difficult to study the subject matter. I want a break in a CRO asap but dunno how and where to start. PPD had said that they are going to come up with a fresher opening where adequate training would be given but there has been no response. Please guide me. Many thanks. KG

Thanks for reaching out. A couple of things to consider: 1. I would reach out to the hiring managers at the various companies and jobs you’re interested in and feel qualified. You’ll need to use LinkedIn to find hiring managers. It is important that you contact people who are responsible for making hiring decisions. Don’t contact recruiters. 2. Get super organized around your job search. Focus on 10 job openings at a given time. You should consider creating a spreadsheet that lists this jobs and the name and phone number of the hiring managers. Then call those hiring managers and let them know you want to work for them. Get their advice and listen to their feedback. If you hear “no’s” change your job search strategy based on the hiring manager’s feedback.

To summarize, you need to focus on 10 positions at a given time and talk to the hiring managers. Your goal should be to get a “Yes” or a “No” from them. Don’t rely on PPD only.

Koyel Ghosh

Hi Kunal, I am writing to you to inform you that I am struggling to get a break in CRO for the last six months. I am BCom graduate and I have done MBA in Finance. I have experience in varied fields ranging from Finance, Banking, Retail, and finally Data science. I worked as a data scientist in a startup for 3months and I decided to pursue Clinical SAS as a career option. I have taken various training online Edex and Course-Era. I also completed certificate training from NIH and secured 88%. I am due to appear for clinical SAS exam in November. I am finding it extremely hard to secure a job in clinical SAS given the fact that I don’t have a life sciences background. Getting an internship is also so difficult. Please guide me.

Hi Kunal, Thank you very much for this incredible article, I’m a Foreing Medical Doctor and I have more than 2 years working as a CRC, I want to became a monitor,what do you advise to me to do.??… I would appreciate it very much!!..

AbeerSarwar

Hi, This article is so well written , i am a foreign medical graduate in usa , and i tried many of the resources mentioned in this article , all the websites i went to mostly required enrolled students in usa universities, what would be the best bet in this scenario , i live in florida and i asked around in hospitals near me where i couldn’t find anyone to be in research. thank you

biospherecro

Thanks for sharing it

Hi Kunal, thanks a lot for the tips and Information. I am a German. I have a masters degree in pharmaceutical biotechnology in Germany. Had to stay at home after that because of my kids. Because I wanted to work on my career, I decided to do the CRA course in Germany which I comleted in June 2018 in addition to a GCP-ICH Training. I just moved to Canada last December. I don’t really know how to go about job search here in Canada in the CRA field. Will be grateful if you can be of help. Sincerely yours

Hi Kunal, Thanks for this informative article regarding clinical research industry. I’m an international medical graduate in Sydney and l’m looking for a clinical research experience so that i can make an entry into this field, can you please guide me the options i can avail here in Sydney? Thanks!

Hi, I Would like to thank you for useful information before addressing my questions. The information which was mentioned is really helpful and informative. Coming to my queries, I need a guidance for getting into the Clinical research training. I have visited the sites who are providing training but unfortunately few applications are closed for summer. I stay in USA , I have a Post Graduate Degree in Pharmaceutical’s and I have a 2 years experience in India. But when I’m looking for opportunities here, I’m unable to get into the right path. Please guide me in choosing a right platform. Thanks & Regards, Anu

SRILAXMI KADAMBALA

Hi Kunal, Thanks a lot for useful information. I have done Masters in organic chemistry from kakatiya University , India.Here in Texas ,have worked as research assistant at Texas University for very short period. Drug chemistry and clinical trials are main major subjects in my studies. I am looking for CRA position and also attended 2 interviews, but all are asking for experience with patients and doctors. This article is very helpful to me. I will try to follow this. Thank you. Regards, Srilaxmi.

Hi Srilaxmi – great! keep me posted on your progress. Thanks! Kunal

Hi Kunal, Great article. Can you let me know your thoughts on the CRA online training provided by ccrpcourse dot com/? I am a research scientist and my company is giving me the opportunity to work on our upcoming trials. They will pay for the training course and I am trying to find one that is most inclusive, instead of 7 or 8 courses that will give me the experience. Please let me know your thoughts!

It is great and excellent article by you now I’ll chose some tips n tricks from this article that will help me out to get a cra job in india. Thank you so much. I have some query see I’m in india right now and want to wark in UAE as clinical research (crc/cra) if you have any idea about that how i go there and get an opportunity in good cro smo or hospitals and any article related it please share by mail. Thank you so much

Priyanka Thalluri

Thank you so much kunal

Ashwin Krishnamoorthy

Hi I am a medical graduate from India. I am looking for a medical field related job while I’m studying for the USMLE. What are the possibilities?

Hi Ashwin, You have multiple options to choose from. Check out this blog on the various roles in clinical research https://clinicaltrialpodcast.com/clinical-research/ . Find companies/ organizations that are hiring for the role you’re most interested in and then apply for the jobs.

Purval Yele

Hi Kunal This is very nice article which would certainly help all the people out there. I am thankful to you for the guidance. I am pursuing 2nd year Msc Clinical Research. Pls guide me whether to go for Phd? Which University would be good?

I’m a CVICU RN with a BSN and 5 years experience in healthcare plus previous 8 years of accounting experience. What would you suggest as the best route to break into the CRA profession. Every position I’m seeing is requiring 2 years of experience which I don’t have. Thank you.

Hi Liz, Your experience in the CVICU is SUPER-VALUABLE! And knowing about accounting (finance) is an equally valuable skill in clinical research. My question to you, “Why do you want to be a CRA?” I would recommend other roles such as clinical educator at a sponsor company where you’ll explain how a medical product works, clinical research scientist, clinical safety associate. These would be relatively easier opportunities for you to get your foot in the door. Hope this helps. Kunal

I just want to know how to initiate a clinical research? I am not a doctor or nurse or have any desire to become one I just think I may have discovered something and know that it if I am correct in my theory would benefit countless scores of women! Is there any way for me to suggest something be conducted or can I just throw my idea out to social media and get ppl to volunteer that way? It can b done at home no need for any exams or preemptive measures just a commitment to make one simple lifestyle change.

Hi Kelly, Starting a research study is an involved process. At a minimum, you will need IRB approval at the medical center where you plan to conduct research. You will likely also need a medical doctor as a site investigator to ensure there is patient safety and adequate study oversight. You can read more about clinical trials at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/clinical-trials-guidance-documents . Take care, Kunal

Denise A MarulloCook

Great informative article…I now have a place to begin for Clinical Research Assistant. I have 35 yrs experience as a Psychiatric Nurse ( LVN) and a Certified Nursing Assistant. My licences have since expired, but my background is still relevant. I have done research for doctors for many years. Do I need a certificate for this? Will my medical background help me up the ladder? My age (61) seems to be a deterrent as it’s always part of an application. I am very organized, great at details, love research and earned a BA degree in English; I am excelent at written tasks. I’m also a published author. I really want this career and know I’m perfect for it. I do live in a small town which is dominated by Military bases and affiliations. I live in NC, but it’s far from the more prominent towns where big hospitals and universities prevail. Any suggestions??

palak patel

Hi, I m doing a job as a clinical research coordinator from India’s reputed hospital now i will move in USA so what should i do ? kindly request you to guide me. in India i did my B.pham. so please guide me.

Hi Palak, I’ve just sent you an email. Talk soon!

Paradzai C Tirivashoma

Hi. This article was a true eye opener. I’m a 36 year old Zimbabwean trained physiotherapist living in South Africa. I have tried in vain to obtain registration as a physiotherapist. It is government policy here to exclude recruitment from developing countries. I have developed an interest in clinical research and my prospects look promising once I get my foot in the door. What is the best way available to me to enter into this field?

Paradzai Tirivashoma

Hi Paradzai – Just start implementing one or more strategies I share in this post.

Hi..This article is more informative for students who are looking career in Clinical Research Industry. Thank You!

You are welcome!

Hi Kunal, thank you for such detailed information. I am a dental graduate from India and have recently moved to Canada few months back. I am looking for a medical/dental field research related job while I’m studying for my equilvalency exams. If you could suggest some possibilities?

Dear Kunal, Thank you so much for a great and very helpful article. It is awesome! I have MS degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Saint-Petersburg State University, Russia. I have been in States since 2006 (I am a citizen). I worked as biochemist at university, QC technician and R&D scientist/supervisor for a small biotech company, my last job was R/D scientist in start up pharma company (unfortunately they ran out of money). I am really interested in becoming CRC or CRA. I always was inspired by this field. Should I join a training program first? I am just trying to do my research and find the best way to start my carrier in Clinical Research. Please advice. Thank you again and best regards, Anna

Hema Ramaswamy

Very informative! I need some advice / confirmation if I’m in the right path. I have done MS in (OB/GYN) from India and have close to 10 yrs break due to family commitments. I’m not interested in USMLE. I’m looking to restart my career. My plan is to do a certification in clinical research, followed by internship or volunteering, thereafter do a CRA certification course. Does this sound ok? Any advice would be great. Thanks

Mehar Sulthana

I am a physician from India,with MD anatomy post graduation.At present residing in USA for 4yrs.Due to family circumstances unable to pursue my career here.Now planning to do CRA certification course.Have you heard of fast track clinical research in Arizona.Through google I learnt about their course and contacted them.Is it reliable to join.Any adivce plz?

Dear Kunal, Very informative article. thank you for sharing all this information. I am Ph.D. in Organic chemistry from India and currently working as an Assistant professor of Chemistry at a US University, but interested in making a transition to full-time research jobs. Clinical research seems a very interesting research field, as I am doing computer-aided drug designing research, so transitioning from the preliminary step to the final step of the drug discovery spectrum is fascinating. After relocating to Pittsburgh, I was just searching for volunteer opportunities and came across your blog. Very helpful information. Any personal advice to step foot in with my background will be highly appreciated. Thank you!!

Hi Kunal , My name is Gabriel from Ghana. I have a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. I am very interested in becoming a clinical research professional. I read your article recently about CRA and I am very interested . I am currently unemployed. I would be very glad to know you more and to contact you. Kindly give me the opportunity to get in touch with you and learn more from you. I need information on clinical research and I have some pressing issues. I received an admission to enroll in a course, but I am still not very clear about it. Please help me 🙏. Thank you in advance for your kindness. I hope to hear from you soon.

Hi Gabby, What specific questions do you have for me?

Hi Kunal, This is a very thorough article and I tend to revisit it whenever I’m in doubt. However, I needed some more guidance/ expert opinion with respect to my career path ,It’d be great if we could get in touch to discuss this. On a side note, what do you think of Masters programs in Clinical Research ( e.g. Master of applied clinical research St.cloud state university) ? How effective are they (in the US/ worldwide) in terms of clinical research education and for a clinical research job profile (specifically CRA) ?

If you invest your hard earned cash on any program and put in the work, you’ll see the results.

Salunke Ganesh

Hi Kunal I m MBBS dch md in pediatric from Mumbai I m practicing since 2002 I want to make my own CRO how much investment I need where can get complete information in mumbai for making CRO I do ve investors too is it lucrative than making hospital set up of 50 beded in mumbai please guide me Thanking you

Hi, i am a psychology major who just graduated this august 2021. How do I get my foot in the door? this was very helpful but for someone like me what is my best bet?

Wow. This is most comprehensive, yet simplistic and very-well explained. I feel like I am in a unique position, but after reading this I have so much more confidence in going forward with my educational plans and pursuing my dream career. I am a student again, after receiving a long-awaited kidney transplant. I was asymptomatic when diagnosed so for this reason, over time, I became extremely interested in learning how kidney disease and other life-altering diseases are diagnosed and treated. The week following my transplant, I enrolled in a AS degreed program for Clinical Research Professional., which comes with a CRC certificate as well. I am nervous that I won’t start my career with a BS degree, but with so many contacts in healthcare, I am quite confident that between my physicians and The Nat’l Kidney Foundation, which I have been working with and for whom I have been fundraising over the last few years, will help me in the area of experience while volunteering. After years of working in Customer Service and management, I am so excited to finally find a career that is a true fit for me. My question is will I be able to eventually transition into a CRA position after a certain amount of years of experience, or do I absolutely need to go back to school for a BS? I am planning to get into as many Professional Associations as I can and get certified wherever possible as well. Again, I am saving this article and I am looking forward to reading all of your insight on Clinical Research Careers. Sincerely, K. Araya

Getting a bachelors degree in your safest bet to being able to considered for the CRA role. It will open up many opportunities for you. Just look through some of the open opportunities for CRA roles, I bet many require a Bachelors degree. If that is the case, consider getting a Bachelors degree sooner than later.

Nethia Mohana Kumaran

Hi Kunal, I am in Perth, Australia and eagerly looking for either CTA or CTC positions. I am also open to volunteering. Could you please help with any opportunities? Thank you

Thanks for this wonderful Article, I have read and expanded my learning skills, but still find it difficult to get a CRA job. I am open for volunteers. I live in Atlanta Georgia. I will be glad if you can be of help. Thanks

This is so helpful. I call this the ABC of entry level to any profession, Well appreciated

You’re welcome, Chris!

Thank you for this wonderful resource into the field of clinical research. Current MD candidate looking for CRC/CRA roles.

IS THERE ANY AGE LIMIT TO START A CAREERIN CLINICAL RESEARCH?

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How to Get Research Experience

New section.

Working in a research setting can help make you a competitive medical school applicant and help you to determine if a career in medicine or medical research is right for you

How do I find a research position?

If you’re currently in college, check with your institution’s science or undergraduate research websites for opportunities to assist with faculty research projects. You can also review faculty bio pages and lab websites for more information. Next, reach out to your immediate network: express your interest in assisting with a research project to your science professors, academic advisor, and your pre-health advisor.

Try exchanging ideas with your peers and upper-classmen for advice on research opportunities at your institution. You can also ask peer advisors, resident advisors, or any fellow premedical students for introductions to principal investigators (PIs). You might even try the “Undergrad-Grad-PI” method. This is where you first reach out to undergraduate students in research labs to learn about their responsibilities; they oftentimes are more responsive. Then, reach out to the graduate or post-doc students to learn about the research question being investigated. After this, read the most recent paper or abstract the lab published. Once you complete these steps, you can approach the PI more confidently and more effectively demonstrate your commitment to and understanding of their project.

Your school’s career center or student employment office may know about research job openings, and they can also offer resume help and go over interview tips and techniques. Remember, opportunities may be on or off campus, full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, or part of a summer program. Once you find a position, you can connect with your school’s fellowships or awards office to inquire about research funding opportunities.

If you’ve already graduated, consider looking into open positions. Research hospitals, universities, and biotech companies are always looking for lab technicians or clinical research coordinators (CRC). Job opportunities are typically posted on the career pages of their websites.

When should I begin gaining research experience in college?

Some premedical students begin their research experiences during their first year of college, and others begin research positions after they have already graduated. On average, most students secure a research position junior or senior year. There are three big factors that will impact this:

• Your level of interest in pursuing research. If you are really excited to investigate a question under a mentor, you might find yourself reaching out to professors early and often. Other students may focus on gaining clinical experience, and therefore wait later in their academic career to start research.
• Readiness for the research project. Different PIs will have different expectations for preparation. A research project might require you to first take coursework in basic lab sciences, statistics, or another advanced topic specific to the project. Other PIs may prefer to train you “on-the-job” through their graduate or post-doc students. This will impact when you are ready to join a project.
• Finding the right research project. There is a process of reviewing different PIs and research projects to find the right fit for you. What subject do you want to investigate? Do you want your research project to take place in a lab or non-lab setting? Is there an independent question you want to investigate with the help of a mentor?

When is the best time to look for a position?

According to Kate Stutz, Ph.D., Director of Pre-Health Advising at Brandeis University, if you’re interested a research position during the academic year, the best time to look for positions is at the very beginning of the semester. There also tend to be a lot of research opportunities in the summer, both paid and volunteer, through set programs like the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs). It’s best to start applying for summer research positions in December-February for the upcoming summer. Remember, typically there are more applicants than available spots so get your applications in early. Each undergraduate institution will be different, therefore make sure to connect with your advisors and peers for feedback on when to start looking.

What’s the best way to apply?

The outreach email message that you send to potential research faculty is very important. This message should include a formal introduction of yourself, evidence that you are familiar with their research project(s), and a clear, specific ask. Identify what you hope to contribute to the project. Do you want to clean the glassware or analyze lab findings? Consider attaching your resume as well. Dr. Stutz stresses that networking and persistence are crucial to finding a position. Make sure you’re using all of your network, including your peers and professors, to find open positions. Don’t be afraid to send follow up emails; faculty are very busy and often overlook emails. Sometimes, it can be even more effective to stop by a professor’s office hours to hand deliver your materials and indicate your interest in person.

How should I prepare for an interview?

With any interview, it’s important to make a good impression. Be sure to dress appropriately. Come prepared with a resume. Use your campus career center for advice on proper attire and resume best practices.

Often during interviews, you’ll be asked about your career goals. It’s helpful to be able to speak about the steps you plan to take to meet those goals. Talk about classes you’ve taken, especially upper-level science courses. Speak about your skills, your knowledge of techniques, and the equipment you’ve used throughout your coursework. Be prepared to discuss the lab experiments you’ve completed. If you’ve done any sort of research—even in your coursework—keep track of it. This shows you have experience. Lastly, interviewers often ask candidates if they have any questions. Dr. Stutz suggests asking something that indicates you’ve done your own research into their project. You could ask where they see their research going in the next three years or what challenges they anticipate. You could also ask about expectations for undergraduate researchers; do they expect you to work 20+ hours a week? Full time over the summer? Do they require you to have work study or to sign up for research credits? Asking these questions ahead of time can help you plan ahead and determine if this position is the best fit for you. Check out these  interview resources  for more tips.

Does research experience have to be in a wet lab?

No! Research can be performed in any field or subject. We’ve had successful applicants with research in classics, sociology, history, and policy, as well as applicants with research in biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. Medical schools value all types of research. Research can take place in a scientific lab that requires advanced devices and procedures to obtain data for analysis. Research can also take place in the humanities or social sciences where participant interviews or surveys are needed to obtain an individual's life perspective. The clinical research field is constantly investigating patient outcomes and how to improve care through clinical trials or analysis of patient data. As a premedical student, consider what question you want to investigate further. Do you want to learn more about how health inequities impact disadvantaged communities in your area, or perhaps you want to know more about the protein channels involved in memory cognition? Once you choose a direction, you can then partner with a research PI for guidance on how to navigate your question. Sierra Perez, Pre-Health Advisor at Brandeis University, shares not to be afraid to get creative with your research question. She has been impressed by the medical school applicants who have created independent questions that address the community needs. “Applicants are recognizing the critical needs of specific populations, such as homelessness, LGBTQ+, veterans, youth with disabilities, etc.,” she stated. “There is also a demand for translational researchers, or individuals who can take complicated bench topics and apply it to the clinical world.”

Is research experience required to be accepted to medical school? 

It depends. Some medical schools are very research focused; they may require a research thesis or have research time built into the curriculum. Other schools are more community or clinically focused; they would rather have an applicant work in a healthcare setting or volunteer at their local soup kitchen than be at the bench moving clear liquids from one test tube to another. Research experience (in whatever discipline) is helpful for developing some of the Premed Competencies , such as critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, as well as teamwork and oral communication skills. How much you should engage in research depends on how much you enjoy it once you try it!

The majority of accepted medical school applicants have some form of academic or clinical research at the time they apply. Competence in research has become increasingly important in the medical field to improve patient care outcomes.

You can also review medical school mission statements to see if research is a focus at a particular school. You can read each school’s mission, and the number of accepted students in their most recent class who had research experience, in the  Medical School Admission Requirements . Remember, it’s best to pursue experiences that you’re genuinely interested in, rather than just to check a box, but you may not know if research is for you until you give it a try.  

Providing courses, products & services so Clinical Research Professionals can thrive & achieve fulfilling careers.

How to Get into Clinical Research

by ClinEssentials Team | Feb 7, 2024 | Clinical Research Careers , Clinical Research Coordinators , Clinical Trial Assistants , Tips for Research Professionals | 2 comments

Clinical Research is an exciting, rapidly growing field, but figuring out what you want to do and how to find a job can be challenging! 

If you want to break into the Clinical Research industry, it is helpful to learn the fundamentals and where you can get beneficial experience that will lead you to the best role for you.

This article goes over what Clinical Research is, what it takes to secure a job in the Clinical Research industry, and how to find the right job based on your skills and experience.

What is Clinical Research?

The primary goal of Clinical Research is to develop new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat diseases and other medical conditions. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Clinical Research is vital to the NIH mission of enhancing health, lengthening life, and reducing the burdens of illness and disability.”

A team of Clinical Research Professionals works on each clinical trial. Each research team member has a specific role, and the overall goals are to prioritize patient safety, maintain compliance, adhere to the study protocol, and provide quality data on time and within budget.

Clinical Research is rewarding work because of its potential to make advancements in preventing, treating, curing, and improving quality of life. 

How can I get a job in Clinical Research?

The education and experience credentials needed to become a Clinical Research Professional vary based on the specific role. 

A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), for example, can be an entry-level position. A high school diploma or GED is required for the CRC role, and zero to two years of Clinical Research experience is ideal. A college degree is not a requirement; however, a four-year bachelor’s degree in a health-related field may be helpful for CRCs who want to continue to level up in the industry. Being familiar with medical terminology is also a plus.

The role of a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is a very sought-after job but is not entry-level. Most CRAs have a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in a health-related field. Experience as a CRC or CTA will help prepare you to be a CRA. Individuals typically move into the CRA role after 1-2 years of monitoring or other relevant experience. 

An advanced degree in Clinical Research, biological sciences, or a related field can help you distinguish yourself from other applicants. 

Employment in Clinical Research is highly competitive. However, if you are open to starting at an entry-level position, you can gain experience through your work, take advantage of training courses, and use this to apply for job openings. Pursuing specific courses and certifications also helps you gain opportunities and a helpful advantage.

What are the different types of roles in the Clinical Research industry?

It is important to note that there are many different roles in the Clinical Research industry. It is helpful to understand how each role fits into the overall picture.

For this article, we focus on three of the most well-known and desired roles in Clinical Research: Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Clinical Research Associate (CRA), and Clinical Trial Manager (CTM). We encourage you to research other positions outside of these three as well to see which role best resonates with your ultimate career goals. We also recommend choosing your area of interest based on your skill set, educational background, and experience. 

Clinical Research Coordinators 

CRCs typically work on-site and are under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). CRCs support, facilitate, and organize daily clinical trial activities for one or more trials at their research site. They work directly with patients.

Typical daily responsibilities of a CRC include:

• Assist with patient recruitment
• Conduct study procedures as outlined in the protocol
• Follow up on action items
• Collect vitals, ECGs, and patient labs
• Communicate with team members and/or study participants
• Provide updates to the PI and CRA
• And much more!

Experienced CRCs who excel in the role can advance to the CRA role. Additional training will be required when advancing from the CRC to the CRA role. 

Clinical Research Associates 

CRAs, also called Study Monitors, are typically employed by a Sponsor, aka Pharmaceutical company or Clinical Research Organization (CRO). Some CRAs are also independent contractors.

CRAs manage clinical trials to ensure the safety of new medications, devices, or procedures. A CRA’s primary responsibility is to monitor the progress of an ongoing clinical trial and verify compliance with the trial study protocol and ensure patient safety. Most CRAs manage multiple clinical trials simultaneously.

Typical monitoring responsibilities for a CRA include:

• Asses Serious Adverse Events (SAEs), Adverse Events (AEs), and Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESIs)
• Verify patient eligibility
• Follow up on and create new action items
• Review study documents
• Communicate with the site staff and answer questions
• Confirm the integrity of the data
• Provide training for site personnel
• Write monitoring visit reports

CRAs generally travel to assigned sites for monitoring approximately eight to ten days per month. Most CRAs work out of a home office when they are not traveling. 

You can read about the similarities and differences between CRCs and CRAs here . 

Similar to CRCs being promoted to CRAs, the next progression for a CRA is to the Clinical Trial Manager role.

Clinical Trial Managers 

A CTM is a challenging role that comes with a lot of responsibility. As leaders of a Clinical Research Team, CTMs are accountable for the success of their studies. Different from other Clinical Research roles, CTMs are involved in each stage of a clinical study – from Study Start-Up to Study Close-Out. A Clinical Trial Manager typically oversees day-to-day clinical activities and drives study timelines. 

Typical responsibilities for a CTM are:

• Review monitoring visit reports
• Develop recruitment and retention methods
• Train and manage the Clinical Research Associates
• Communicate relevant information and issues to the Sponsor
• Ensure the trial runs smoothly
• Manage study vendors
• Analyze and approve invoices

Clinical Trial Managers are in meetings for at least half of their workday, have limited travel, and generally complete most of their work from their home office. This blog post offers a comprehensive look at the CTM role.

The next level for a CTM is becoming a Project Manager (PM) or Associate Director of Clinical Operations.  

Where can I find training opportunities for research professionals?

Companies may offer training opportunities, but you can also find more comprehensive training and certification courses outside of your company.

Here are a few organizations to check out and see if the training they offer is right for you:

• Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
• Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
• Aspiring CRA
• The CRA Academy
• The CRA Helper

*Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. Instead, it gives you a few websites to check. A simple Google search will result in additional options.

The ClinEssentials CTM Training Course

The ClinEssentials CTM Training Course is for aspiring and current Clinical Trial Managers who feel underprepared, overwhelmed, or intrigued about the CTM role. 

The All Access + LIVE Course is for individuals with at least 1-2 years of Clinical Research experience. Participants receive over 12 hours of direct access to the instructor and learn via live training sessions that include practical application of concepts learned and self-paced learning modules.

The Self-Paced Course is for more experienced individuals with at least four years of Clinical Research experience. Self-paced participants can learn at their own pace, as their schedule allows, and can join the live Q&A Sessions to have the instructor answer questions and learn from others.

Click here to learn more about and register for CTM Training and receive the education, skills, resources, and support to help you become a leader in your field!

How can I find relevant experience for a job in Clinical Research?

Internships are offered at most clinical research companies.

Look for internship opportunities at Pharmaceutical companies or CROs. Many provide internships to undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in Clinical Research. This is a great way to get in the door, work your way up, and take advantage of the available opportunities for gaining experience.

Volunteer or work in a hospital

Consider volunteering at a local hospital or medical center. Working directly with patients and other healthcare workers in a medical setting provides a valuable experience that is a helpful addition to your resume.

Networking with people currently employed in Clinical Research is a great way to learn and understand what it takes to have a successful career. This also may lead to connections for job leads and opportunities. 

Along with joining local networking groups, consider becoming active in an online community. Ask questions, add comments, and show your interest. 

Take it further by following industry leaders like Dan Sfera and Tiffany Ashton on LinkedIn. Read their posts (don’t forget to read the comments!), watch their videos, and you will learn valuable information that may give you an edge in your career.

If you are already working in Clinical Research and want to move to the next level, share your intentions with your boss. Ask for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities to help you learn and gain experience in the role.

For example, if you are a CRC who wants to become a CRA, ask if you can shadow the CRA during their next monitoring visit. Or, if you are a CRA who wants to become a CTM, ask if you can plan a Kick-Off Meeting, provide training for other CRAs, or take on another CTM task. 

You can talk about your experience and demonstrate that you showed initiative in your interviews, which is a great way to stand out from other candidates.

Next steps for aspiring Clinical Research Professionals

Clinical Research is a gratifying career. Take time to develop some skills needed to succeed in the industry. 

ClinEssentials created the Introduction to Clinical Research Guidebook for anyone who is new to or interested in pursuing a career in the Clinical Research industry. The Guide features fundamental facts, a 10-step plan to start your career journey, trusted websites, free resources, and more. 

Click here to purchase the Guidebook – and jump-start your career with the information you need to know.

Read the guide, research, do your “homework,” and look for ways to get experience to be prepared with a well-planned and effective strategy to land your dream job. Also, be sure to write an effective and focused resume that helps you stand out. 

PRO TIP: Be careful of resume writing services that are not familiar with the Clinical Research industry. They may offer good suggestions, but not necessarily suggestions that will help you stand out in the Clinical Research job market.

You can Book a Call with a Clinical Research Career Expert from ClinEssentials who knows what employers are looking for. You’ll start with the basics and conclude with actionable steps to keep you moving forward. Click here to schedule a 60-m inute cal l – and receive four fantastic freebies to use as you continue on your career path.

Tiffany Ashton, MAS, CCRA, has over twenty years of experience as a Clinical Research Professional. Tiffany is the Director of Operations for ClinEssentials, a consultant in the Clinical Trial Manager role, and the expert instructor for the CTM Training Course.

Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

This article is an excellent guide for anyone looking to enter the clinical research field. Networking and gaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights!

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How to get a job in clinical research

Need some guidance on how to get a job in clinical research?

Clinical research is a dynamic and rewarding field that transcends borders, offering professionals worldwide the chance to contribute to medical advancements and improve patient outcomes.

If you're considering a career in clinical research and want to explore global opportunities, follow this comprehensive guide to help you embark on a fulfilling journey focusing on opportunities in Europe and the UK.

Step 1: Lay the educational foundation

Your journey into global clinical research begins with a strong educational background. 

Most positions in the field require at least a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a relevant discipline such as biology, pharmacology, nursing, pharmacy, or a related field. To excel and access advanced roles, consider pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree.

Step 2: Gain practical experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable in clinical research. As a global leader in clinical research, IQVIA could be your gateway to exciting international roles in this thriving industry.

If you’re new to the field, start by seeking internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level clinical research assistant positions within clinical settings, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or hospitals across Europe and the UK. 

This real-world exposure will equip you with the skills and insights necessary for a successful career.

Step 3: Explore diverse roles

Explore common job titles in the field to understand what’s out there and where your strengths lie.

Global clinical research offers various roles, from clinical research coordinator to data manager, clinical research associate, and principal investigator.

Explore various positions to identify the one that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. Starting as a clinical research coordinator can provide an excellent entry point with opportunities for career progression.

Step 4: Develop essential skills

Success in clinical research demands a diverse skill set, including:

● Attention to detail: Precise data collection and analysis are essential for accurate results.

● Effective communication: Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for collaboration with international teams, patients, and sponsors.

● Ethical conduct: Upholding ethical standards ensures patient safety and data integrity.

● Data management: Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and management tools is essential in trials and research.

● Regulatory knowledge: Familiarise yourself with global and country-specific regulations governing clinical research, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) , an internationally recognized set of ethical and scientific quality requirements for conducting clinical trials.

Step 5: Build a global network

Establishing a professional network is key to your global clinical research career. Attend international conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet industry experts, connect with fellow professionals, and stay updated on global developments.

Consider joining organizations like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) for access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Step 6: Stay informed on global trends

The clinical research landscape is continually evolving worldwide. Stay informed about emerging technologies, innovative methodologies, and global regulatory updates by reading industry publications, participating in international webinars, and engaging in ongoing education programs.

Remaining well-informed positions you as a valuable asset in the global clinical research field.

Step 7: Prepare for international interviews

When applying for clinical research positions globally, prepare for interviews that may include questions about your international experience, ethical considerations, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of global regulatory requirements.

Showcase your relevant skills and experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

If you’re based in a country different from the role you’re applying for and have been invited to an online interview, prepare just as you would for an in-person interview.

Here are some bitesize tips to help you ace a video interview:

● Tech check: Download needed apps/software for smooth video interviews. To mitigate technology disruptions, provide your recruiter a back-up phone number in advance

● Know-how: Research the organization beforehand and have your resume ready. For example, if you’re interviewing at IQVIA, go beyond the ”about us” page, follow us on social media to get a sense of life at IQVIA, or read our blogs for valuable insights.

● Question ready: Prepare for common questions and have your own ready.

● Distraction-free zone: Find good lighting, silence your phone, declutter your background, and have water handy.

● Dress the part: Dress as you would for an in-person interview.

● Early bird: Log in 5 mins early to ensure everything's set.

● Confidence is key: Smile, stay centered, and maintain focus during the interview.

● Manage interruptions: If disrupted, ask for a moment, put yourself on mute, and resolve.

Step 8: Discover global opportunities with IQVIA

At IQVIA, we offer exciting international opportunities for professionals like you. With a presence in over 100 countries, we provide a platform to work on groundbreaking studies, collaborate with esteemed researchers, and drive innovations in healthcare on a global scale.

Explore the diverse global clinical research jobs available with us today. Whether you are based in Europe, the UK, or anywhere in the world, IQVIA offers a gateway to a fulfilling international career in clinical research.

Join the IQVIA team and be part of a global community dedicated to advancing medical science and improving patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to be a clinical researcher.

A minimum educational requirement to be a clinical researcher is usually a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, medicine, or nursing. 

Many clinical researchers pursue advanced degrees (master's or PhD) for specialized roles. Additionally, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in research is valuable.

How do I move into clinical research?

Transitioning into clinical research involves acquiring relevant qualifications and experience. 

Consider pursuing a degree in a related field, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, and networking within the clinical research community. Building a strong understanding of research methodologies is key.

Is clinical research in demand?

Yes, clinical research is in demand, particularly as advancements in healthcare and medical treatments continue. 

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and academic and healthcare institutions actively seek skilled clinical researchers. The demand is driven by the need for evidence-based practices and the development of new medical interventions.

Find out more about life at IQVIA

Did you know IQVIA has

Countless development opportunities

for personal and professional growth

86,000+ employees

from clinicians to data scientists each transforming healthcare in 100+ countries

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including statisticians and analytics developers

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Just following on from the amazing news I got yesterday I wanted to say a really special thank you for all the help and support you have provided throughout the entire recruitment process.

Once again I cannot thank you enough for not only approaching me with this opportunity but also for all the support you’ve given me along the way!

IQVIA has been behind my development to become a MSL. The contracts that I have worked on have allowed me to push clinical projects with a recent opportunity to manage a pilot scheme integrating e-detailing into an established field based team. The result was an increase in sales.

A quick note to say thank you for your time this morning discussing my future career options. As you know I was feeling very conflicted about the right decision. Discussing the role with you gave me chance to clarify what is important to me.

Since joining IQVIA I have had unrivalled support and development from my manager to enable me to aspire to move into secondary care. I feel like my career is strongly supported by my manager in order to maximise my potential.

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How to become a clinical research associate (CRA)

Clinical research is an important step in developing and evaluating new medical products. For people with qualifications or experience within life sciences , a career in clinical research can offer many rewarding, interesting and varied opportunities and career paths . With the demand for new prevention methods and treatments ever increasing, clinical research associates are needed by pharma, biotech, medical device companies and CROs around the world. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking to kick-start a career in clinical research and how to become a clinical research associate:

What is a clinical research associate?

'A clinical research associate (CRA) is someone who monitors the running of clinical trials. A CRA may be involved in some or all stages of the clinical trials process depending on the type of position or the employer.

What are the responsibilities of a clinical research associate?

Typically, the key responsibilities of a CRA will include monitoring study sites and clinical activities, updating study documentation, maintaining clinical data systems and coordinating research procedures.

If you are a field-based CRA, you will spend most of your time travelling to different locations, dealing with medical professionals in trial centres, healthcare practices, or hospitals. The remainder of your time may be spent either office-based or working from home, but this will depend on the company. Some companies will have in-house CRA roles who just focus on document review and management and will make site visits only occasionally.

What is the demand for clinical research associates?

Driven by a rise in the number of healthcare facilities, increasing healthcare expenditure, technological and research capabilities, and an aging population, the need for new treatments has increased exponentially in recent times. This has led to a rise in the number of companies hiring for new clinical research jobs and this is likely to keep gaining momentum in the years to come.

What qualifications or training do I need to get a clinical research associate job?

A degree in a life science or other health-related discipline is usually needed to start a career in clinical research. However, there are courses and training available that can help you get a foot in the door if you haven’t got the desired qualifications.

Qualifications:

Although not usually necessary, a Master's degree (MSc. or equivalent) or a PhD can be advantageous and could give you valuable experience in clinical research. A relevant PhD can also be beneficial, as some companies will see this as relevant work experience and count it towards reaching promotions to more senior positions.

Certifications:

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers a certification exam to become a Certified CRA. Even though, for most CRA roles, this is not a requirement, being CCRA certified is a real advantage. The exam covers everything a CRA will need to know from scientific concepts and research design to product development and regulation, to data management.

There are lots of courses out there that can provide you with a detailed understanding of what it takes to a be CRA. Before you sign up to anything, make sure it is a recognised training course that is recommended by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA).

How do I get the right experience for a clinical research associate job?

Getting your first job in clinical research can be challenging, and many graduates at the start of their clinical research career can become frustrated by the 'catch 22' scenario: they can't find work because of a lack of experience and they can't get experience because they can't find work.

Without relevant work experience, you will be more likely to secure a job as a clinical trials assistant (CTA). A CTA role will help support all processes of the trial and give you the required experience to move into a clinical research assistant role.

Generally, larger companies are far better equipped to take-on inexperienced graduates and are more likely to offer programmes such as graduate assessment days and internships. Research who the top pharmaceutical companies , medical device manufacturers and contract research organisations are, and look out for opportunities on their career websites. Their social media pages are also great places to find out about graduate programmes, so keep a close eye on them too.

You might be able to gain experience by working on academic projects or working within a healthcare body. Although these are good ways to gain experience, moving into a commercial environment later can be quite different and you might have to take a more junior position with a lower salary than you are used to.

Tips for applying to clinical research jobs            

Even with all the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that you need to become a clinical research associate, there can still be challenges in landing your perfect clinical research job . A few simple changes to your approach can give your CV a better chance of success .

Be realistic

Be realistic about the types of jobs that you can attain. If you don’t have industry experience, you are unlikely to be hired for anything above an entry level role. Don't apply to senior CRA jobs or clinical project manager roles unless you have been working as a CRA for some time already and have the required experience. Save yourself the time and effort in making lots of speculative applications and take a more targeted approach.

Highlight your relevant experience

If you are applying for a clinical research associate job , ensure that you read each job description carefully and highlight on your CV the relevant experience that matches the specific description. Your cover letter should be personalised to the specific company and describe why you want to work for that company and which of your skills match the specific requirements of the role. Employers and life sciences recruitment consultants are looking for the most relevant applications and will readily discard those that have put little effort into personalising it.

Make sure you network

Remember, not every company will advertise all its vacancies so you should consider other approaches too. Networking with recruiters and hiring managers and uploading your CV to a database are two great ways that employers and recruiters with CRA jobs can find you.

What are the different career paths you can take?

There are a variety of ways to progress your career in clinical research , with pharma, biotech, and medical device companies and CROs all offering opportunities. Roles will vary from company to company but typically CRAs will progress to be a senior clinical research associate. With the right experience, CRAs will have the potential to progress all the way to clinical director or even VP level.

Once a CRA has reached senior level, there are typically three main routes a career in clinical research can take. You will either be a manager of the trial process, a manager of people or a project manager.

Clinical trial management:

Usually responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing various aspects of the trial. Typical duties will involve supervising staff, implementing study tools and documents, overseeing trial budgets and providing strategic input into trials.

Clinical team management:

Responsible for acting as the direct line manager to associates. Clinical team managers will manage and support team members, ensure staff are trained effectively, review the effectiveness of business processes and plan professional development activities.

Clinical project management:

Involved with the planning and directing of clinical trials and is also responsible for evaluating clinical data. Day-to-day tasks include, maintaining study records, ensuring activities are being delivered on time and on budget, interpreting study data and developing trial plans.

Are you already a CRA professional or looking to start your career in clinical research? We might have something that is the right fit for you. We are looking for experienced professionals for a broad and extensive range of clinical research positions. Take a look at our latest clinical research jobs and apply today.

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How to Get into Clinical Research

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.

Discover more from Clinical Research Training | Certified Clinical Research Professionals Course

Clinical Research vs Clinical Trial

Joining the ich-gcp clinical research program.

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Nih clinical research trials and you, finding a clinical trial, around the nation and worldwide.

NIH conducts clinical research trials for many diseases and conditions, including cancer , Alzheimer’s disease , allergy and infectious diseases , and neurological disorders . To search for other diseases and conditions, you can visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

ClinicalTrials.gov [ How to Use Search ] This is a searchable registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.

Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read the disclaimer on ClinicalTrials.gov for details.

Before participating in a study, talk to your health care provider and learn about the risks and potential benefits.

At the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

Search NIH Clinical Research Studies The NIH maintains an online database of clinical research studies taking place at its Clinical Center, which is located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Studies are conducted by most of the institutes and centers across the NIH. The Clinical Center hosts a wide range of studies from rare diseases to chronic health conditions, as well as studies for healthy volunteers. Visitors can search by diagnosis, sign, symptom or other key words.

Join a National Registry of Research Volunteers

ResearchMatch This is an NIH-funded initiative to connect 1) people who are trying to find research studies, and 2) researchers seeking people to participate in their studies. It is a free, secure registry to make it easier for the public to volunteer and to become involved in clinical research studies that contribute to improved health in the future.

This page last reviewed on November 6, 2018

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Clinical Researcher

Navigating a Career as a Clinical Research Professional: Where to Begin?

Clinical Researcher June 9, 2020

Clinical Researcher—June 2020 (Volume 34, Issue 6)

PEER REVIEWED

Bridget Kesling, MACPR; Carolynn Jones, DNP, MSPH, RN, FAAN; Jessica Fritter, MACPR; Marjorie V. Neidecker, PhD, MEng, RN, CCRP

Those seeking an initial career in clinical research often ask how they can “get a start” in the field. Some clinical research professionals may not have heard about clinical research careers until they landed that first job. Individuals sometimes report that they have entered the field “accidentally” and were not previously prepared. Those trying to enter the clinical research field lament that it is hard to “get your foot in the door,” even for entry-level jobs and even if you have clinical research education. An understanding of how individuals enter the field can be beneficial to newcomers who are targeting clinical research as a future career path, including those novices who are in an academic program for clinical research professionals.

We designed a survey to solicit information from students and alumni of an online academic clinical research graduate program offered by a large public university. The purpose of the survey was to gain information about how individuals have entered the field of clinical research; to identify facilitators and barriers of entering the field, including advice from seasoned practitioners; and to share the collected data with individuals who wanted to better understand employment prospects in clinical research.

Core competencies established and adopted for clinical research professionals in recent years have informed their training and education curricula and serve as a basis for evaluating and progressing in the major roles associated with the clinical research enterprise.{1,2} Further, entire academic programs have emerged to provide degree options for clinical research,{3,4} and academic research sites are focusing on standardized job descriptions.

For instance, Duke University re-structured its multiple clinical research job descriptions to streamline job titles and progression pathways using a competency-based, tiered approach. This led to advancement pathways and impacted institutional turnover rates in relevant research-related positions.{5,6} Other large clinical research sites or contract research organizations (CROs) have structured their onboarding and training according to clinical research core competencies. Indeed, major professional organizations and U.S. National Institutes of Health initiatives have adopted the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency as the gold standard approach to organizing training and certification.{7,8}

Recent research has revealed that academic medical centers, which employ a large number of clinical research professionals, are suffering from high staff turnover rates in this arena, with issues such as uncertainty of the job, dissatisfaction with training, and unclear professional development and role progression pathways being reported as culprits in this turnover.{9} Further, CROs report a significant shortage of clinical research associate (CRA) personnel.{10} Therefore, addressing factors that would help novices gain initial jobs would address an important workforce gap.

This mixed-methods survey study was initiated by a student of a clinical research graduate program at a large Midwest university who wanted to know how to find her first job in clinical research. Current students and alumni of the graduate program were invited to participate in an internet-based survey in the fall semester of 2018 via e-mails sent through the program listservs of current and graduated students from the program’s lead faculty. After the initial e-mail, two reminders were sent to prospective participants.

The survey specifically targeted students or alumni who had worked in clinical research. We purposefully avoided those students with no previous clinical research work experience, since they would not be able to discuss their pathway into the field. We collected basic demographic information, student’s enrollment status, information about their first clinical research position (including how it was attained), and narrative information to describe their professional progression in clinical research. Additional information was solicited about professional organization membership and certification, and about the impact of graduate education on the acquisition of clinical research jobs and/or role progression.

The survey was designed so that all data gathered (from both objective responses and open-ended responses) were anonymous. The survey was designed using the internet survey instrument Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), which is a secure, web-based application designed to support data capture for research studies. REDCap provides an intuitive interface for validated data entry; audit trails for tracking data manipulation and export procedures; automated export procedures for seamless data downloads to common statistical packages; and procedures for importing data from external sources.{11}

Data were exported to Excel files and summary data were used to describe results. Three questions solicited open-ended responses about how individuals learned about clinical research career options, how they obtained their first job, and their advice to novices seeking their first job in clinical research. Qualitative methods were used to identify themes from text responses. The project was submitted to the university’s institutional review board and was classified as exempt from requiring board oversight.

A total of 215 survey invitations were sent out to 90 current students and 125 graduates. Five surveys were returned as undeliverable. A total of 48 surveys (22.9%) were completed. Because the survey was designed to collect information from those who were working or have worked in clinical research, those individuals (n=5) who reported (in the first question) that they had never worked in clinical research were eliminated. After those adjustments, the total number completed surveys was 43 (a 20.5% completion rate).

The median age of the participants was 27 (range 22 to 59). The majority of respondents (89%) reported being currently employed as clinical research professionals and 80% were working in clinical research at the time of graduate program entry. The remaining respondents had worked in clinical research in the past. Collectively, participants’ clinical research experience ranged from less than one to 27 years.

Research assistant (20.9%) and clinical research coordinator (16.3%) were the most common first clinical research roles reported. However, a wide range of job titles were also reported. When comparing entry-level job titles of participants to their current job title, 28 (74%) respondents reported a higher level job title currently, compared to 10 (26%) who still had the same job title.

Twenty-four (65%) respondents were currently working at an academic medical center, with the remaining working with community medical centers or private practices (n=3); site management organizations or CROs (n=2); pharmaceutical or device companies (n=4); or the federal government (n=1).

Three respondents (8%) indicated that their employer used individualized development plans to aid in planning for professional advancement. We also asked if their current employer provided opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Among academic medical center respondents, 16 (67%) indicated in the affirmative. Respondents also affirmed growth opportunities in other employment settings, with the exception of one respondent working in government and one respondent working in a community medical center.

Twenty-five respondents indicated membership to a professional association, and of those, 60% reported being certified by either the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA).

Open-Ended Responses

We asked three open-ended questions to gain personal perspectives of respondents about how they chose clinical research as a career, how they entered the field, and their advice for novices entering the profession. Participants typed narrative responses.

“Why did you decide to pursue a career in clinical research?”

This question was asked to find out how individuals made the decision to initially consider clinical research as a career. Only one person in the survey had exposure to clinical research as a career option in high school, and three learned about such career options as college undergraduates. One participant worked in clinical research as a transition to medical school, two as a transition to a doctoral degree program, and two with the desire to move from a bench (basic science) career to a clinical research career.

After college, individuals either happened across clinical research as a career “by accident” or through people they met. Some participants expressed that they found clinical research careers interesting (n=6) and provided an opportunity to contribute to patients or improvements in healthcare (n=7).

“How did you find out about your first job in clinical research?”

Qualitative responses were solicited to obtain information on how participants found their first jobs in clinical research. The major themes that were revealed are sorted in Figure 1.

Figure 1: How First Jobs in Clinical Research Were Found

Some reported finding their initial job through an institution’s job posting.

“I worked in the hospital in the clinical lab. I heard of the opening after I earned my bachelor’s and applied.”

Others reported finding about their clinical research position through the internet. Several did not know about clinical research roles before exploring a job posting.

“In reviewing jobs online, I noticed my BS degree fit the criteria to apply for a job in clinical research. I knew nothing about the field.”

“My friend recommended I look into jobs with a CRO because I wanted to transition out of a production laboratory.”

“I responded to an ad. I didn’t really know that research could be a profession though. I didn’t know anything about the field, principles, or daily activities.”

Some of the respondents reported moving into a permanent position after a role as an intern.

“My first clinical job came from an internship I did in my undergrad in basic sleep research. I thought I wanted to get into patient therapies, so I was able to transfer to addiction clinical trials from a basic science lab. And the clinical data management I did as an undergrad turned into a job after a few months.”

“I obtained a job directly from my graduate school practicum.”

“My research assistant internship [as an] undergrad provided some patient enrollment and consenting experience and led to a CRO position.”

Networking and referrals were other themes that respondents indicated had a direct impact on them finding initial employment in clinical research.

“I received a job opportunity (notice of an opening) through my e-mail from the graduate program.”

“I was a medical secretary for a physician who did research and he needed a full-time coordinator for a new study.”

“I was recommended by my manager at the time.”

“A friend had a similar position at the time. I was interested in learning more about the clinical research coordinator position.”

“What advice do you have for students and new graduates trying to enter their first role in clinical research?”

We found respondents (n=30) sorted into four distinct categories: 1) a general attitude/approach to job searching, 2) acquisition of knowledge/experience, 3) actions taken to get a position, and 4) personal attributes as a clinical research professional in their first job.

Respondents stressed the importance of flexibility and persistence (general attitude/approach) when seeking jobs. Moreover, 16 respondents stressed the importance of learning as much as they could about clinical research and gaining as much experience as they could in their jobs, encouraging them to ask a lot of questions. They also stressed a broader understanding of the clinical research enterprise, the impact that clinical research professional roles have on study participants and future patients, and the global nature of the enterprise.

“Apply for all research positions that sound interesting to you. Even if you don’t meet all the requirements, still apply.”

“Be persistent and flexible. Be willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. This will help develop your own niche within a group/organization while creating opportunities for advancement.”

“Be flexible with salary requirements earlier in your career and push yourself to learn more [about the industry’s] standards [on] a global scale.”

“Be ever ready to adapt and change along with your projects, science, and policy. Never forget the journey the patients are on and that we are here to advance and support it.”

“Learning the big picture, how everything intertwines and works together, will really help you progress in the field.”

In addition to learning as much as one can about roles, skills, and the enterprise as a whole, advice was given to shadow or intern whenever possible—formally or through networking—and to be willing to start with a smaller company or with a lower position. The respondents stressed that novices entering the field will advance in their careers as they continue to gain knowledge and experience, and as they broaden their network of colleagues.

“Take the best opportunity available to you and work your way up, regardless [if it is] at clinical trial site or in industry.”

“Getting as much experience as possible is important; and learning about different career paths is important (i.e., not everyone wants or needs to be a coordinator, not everyone goes to graduate school to get a PhD, etc.).”

“(A graduate) program is beneficial as it provides an opportunity to learn the basics that would otherwise accompany a few years of entry-level work experience.”

“Never let an opportunity pass you up. Reach out directly to decision-makers via e-mail or telephone—don’t just rely on a job application website. Be willing to start at the bottom. Absolutely, and I cannot stress this enough, [you should] get experience at the site level, even if it’s just an internship or [as a] volunteer. I honestly feel that you need the site perspective to have success at the CRO or pharma level.”

Several personal behaviors were also stressed by respondents, such as knowing how to set boundaries, understanding how to demonstrate what they know, and ability to advocate for their progression. Themes such as doing a good job, communicating well, being a good team player, and sharing your passion also emerged.

“Be a team player, ask questions, and have a good attitude.”

“Be eager to share your passion and drive. Although you may lack clinical research experience, your knowledge and ambition can impress potential employers.”

“[A] HUGE thing is learning to sell yourself. Many people I work with at my current CRO have such excellent experience, and they are in low-level positions because they didn’t know how to negotiate/advocate for themselves as an employee.”

This mixed-methods study used purposeful sampling of students in an academic clinical research program to gain an understanding of how novices to the field find their initial jobs in the clinical research enterprise; how to transition to a clinical research career; and how to find opportunities for career advancement. There are multiple clinical research careers and employers (see Figure 2) available to individuals working in the clinical research enterprise.

Figure 2: Employers and Sample Careers

Despite the need for employees in the broad field of clinical research, finding a pathway to enter the field can be difficult for novices. The lack of knowledge about clinical research as a career option at the high school and college level points to an opportunity for broader inclusion of these careers in high school and undergraduate curricula, or as an option for guidance counselors to be aware of and share with students.

Because most clinical research jobs appear to require previous experience in order to gain entry, novices are often put into a “Catch-22” situation. However, once hired, upward mobility does exist, and was demonstrated in this survey. Mobility in clinical research careers (moving up and general turnover) may occur for a variety of reasons—usually to achieve a higher salary, to benefit from an improved work environment, or to thwart a perceived lack of progression opportunity.{9}

During COVID-19, there may be hiring freezes or furloughs of clinical research staff, but those personnel issues are predicted to be temporary. Burnout has also been reported as an issue among study coordinators, due to research study complexity and workload issues.{12} Moreover, the lack of individualized development planning revealed by our sample may indicate a unique workforce development need across roles of clinical research professionals.

This survey study is limited in that it is a small sample taken specifically from a narrow cohort of individuals who had obtained or were seeking a graduate degree in clinical research at a single institution. The study only surveyed those currently working in or who have a work history in clinical research. Moreover, the majority of respondents were employed at an academic medical center, which may not fully reflect the general population of clinical research professionals.

It was heartening to see the positive advancement in job titles for those individuals who had been employed in clinical research at program entry, compared to when they responded to the survey. However, the sample was too small to draw reliable correlations about job seeking or progression.

Although finding one’s first job in clinical research can be a lengthy and discouraging process, it is important to know that the opportunities are endless. Search in employment sites such as Indeed.com, but also search within job postings for targeted companies or research sites such as biopharmguy.com (see Table 1). Created a LinkedIn account and join groups and make connections. Participants in this study offered sound advice and tips for success in landing a job (see Figure 3).

Table 1: Sample Details from an Indeed.Com Job Search

Note: WCG = WIRB Copernicus Group

Figure 3: Twelve Tips for Finding Your First Job

• Seek out internships and volunteer opportunities
• Network, network, network
• Be flexible and persistent
• Learn as much as possible about clinical research
• Consider a degree in clinical research
• Ask a lot of questions of professionals working in the field
• Apply for all research positions that interest you, even if you think you are not qualified
• Be willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
• Take the best opportunity available to you and work your way up
• Learn to sell yourself
• Sharpen communication (written and oral) and other soft skills
• Create an ePortfolio or LinkedIn account

Being willing to start at the ground level and working upwards was described as a positive approach because moving up does happen, and sometimes quickly. Also, learning soft skills in communication and networking were other suggested strategies. Gaining education in clinical research is one way to begin to acquire knowledge and applied skills and opportunities to network with experienced classmates who are currently working in the field.

Most individuals entering an academic program have found success in obtaining an initial job in clinical research, often before graduation. In fact, the student initiating the survey found a position in a CRO before graduation.

• Sonstein S, Seltzer J, Li R, Jones C, Silva H, Daemen E. 2014. Moving from compliance to competency: a harmonized core competency framework for the clinical research professional. Clinical Researcher 28(3):17–23. doi:10.14524/CR-14-00002R1.1. https://acrpnet.org/crjune2014/
• Sonstein S, Brouwer RN, Gluck W, et al. 2018. Leveling the joint task force core competencies for clinical research professionals. Therap Innov Reg Sci .
• Jones CT, Benner J, Jelinek K, et al. 2016. Academic preparation in clinical research: experience from the field. Clinical Researcher 30(6):32–7. doi:10.14524/CR-16-0020. https://acrpnet.org/2016/12/01/academic-preparation-in-clinical-research-experience-from-the-field/
• Jones CT, Gladson B, Butler J. 2015. Academic programs that produce clinical research professionals. DIA Global Forum 7:16–9.
• Brouwer RN, Deeter C, Hannah D, et al. 2017. Using competencies to transform clinical research job classifications. J Res Admin 48:11–25.
• Stroo M, Ashfaw K, Deeter C, et al. 2020. Impact of implementing a competency-based job framework for clinical research professionals on employee turnover. J Clin Transl Sci.
• Calvin-Naylor N, Jones C, Wartak M, et al. 2017. Education and training of clinical and translational study investigators and research coordinators: a competency-based approach. J Clin Transl Sci 1:16–25. doi:10.1017/cts.2016.2
• Development, Implementation and Assessment of Novel Training in Domain-based Competencies (DIAMOND). Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration (CLIC). 2019. https://clic-ctsa.org/diamond
• Clinical Trials Talent Survey Report. 2018. http://www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com/node/351341/done?sid=15167
• Causey M. 2020. CRO workforce turnover hits new high. ACRP Blog . https://acrpnet.org/2020/01/08/cro-workforce-turnover-hits-new-high/
• Harris PA, Taylor R, Thielke R, Payne J, Gonzalez N, Conde JG. 2009. Research electronic data capture (REDCap): a metadata-driven methodology and workflow process for providing translational research informatics support. J Biomed Inform 42:377–81.
• Gwede CK, Johnson DJ, Roberts C, Cantor AB. 2005. Burnout in clinical research coordinators in the United States. Oncol Nursing Forum 32:1123–30.

A portion of this work was supported by the OSU CCTS, CTSA Grant #UL01TT002733.

Bridget Kesling, MACPR, ( [email protected] ) is a Project Management Analyst with IQVIA in Durham, N.C.

Carolynn Jones, DNP, MSPH, RN, FAAN, ( [email protected] ) is an Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Co-Director of Workforce Development for the university’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and Director of the university’s Master of Clinical Research program.

Jessica Fritter, MACPR, ( [email protected] ) is a Clinical Research Administration Manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Instructor for the Master of Clinical Research program at The Ohio State University.

Marjorie V. Neidecker, PhD, MEng, RN, CCRP,  ( [email protected] ) is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing at The Ohio State University Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy.

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How to Become a Research Nurse

What is a research nurse.

• Career Outlook

Research Nurses, also referred to as Clinical Nurse Researchers or Nurse Researchers, develop and implement studies to investigate and provide information on new medications, vaccinations, and medical procedures. They assist in providing evidence-based research that is essential to safe and quality nursing care. This guide will explain what a Research Nurse does, how much they make, how to become one, and more!

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Research nurses play a pivotal role in developing new and potentially life-saving medical treatments. Typically, clinical research nurses have advanced degrees, assist in the development of studies regarding medications, vaccines, and medical procedures, and also the care of research participants. 

Nurses that know they want to be a clinical research nurse will often work as a research assistant, a clinical data collector, and/or clinical research monitor. It is essential to gain some bedside experience, but not as important as other nursing specialties. 

Clinical research nurses have advanced degrees such as an MSN or Ph.D. This is vital to those that want to conduct independent research. For that reason, most clinical research nurses do not work in this field until they are in their 40s-50s.

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What does a research nurse do.

Research Nurses primarily conduct evidence-based research through these two types of research methods:

• Quantitative: Meaning it’s researched that can be measured via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques.
• Phenomenology
• Grounded Theory
• Ethnography
• Narrative Inquiry

Clinical research nurses perform a variety of tasks, all centered around research. These specific job responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with industry sponsors and other investigators from multi-institutional studies
• Educating and training of new research staff
• Overseeing the running of clinical trials
• Administering questionnaires to clinical trial participants
• Writing articles and research reports in nursing or medical professional journals or other publications
• Monitoring research participants to ensure adherence to study rules
• Adhering to research regulatory standards
• Writing grant applications to secure funding for studies
• Reporting findings of research, which may include presenting findings at industry conferences, meetings and other speaking engagements
• Adhering to ethical standards
• Maintaining detailed records of studies as per FDA guidelines, including things such as drug dispensation
• Participating in subject recruitment efforts
• Ensuring the necessary supplies and equipment for a study are in stock and in working order
• Engaging with subjects and understanding their concerns
• Providing patients with thorough explanation of trial prior to obtaining Informed Consent, in collaboration with treating physician and provides patient education on an ongoing basis throughout the patient’s course of trial.

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Research Nurse Salary

Glassdoor.com states an annual median salary of $95,396 for Research Nurses and Payscale reports that Clinical Research Nurses earn an average annual salary of $75,217 or $36.86/hr . 

Research Nurse Salary by Years of Experience

Research Nurses can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience.

• Less than 1 year  of experience earn an average salary of $68,000
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average salary of $73,000
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average salary of $73,000
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average salary of $80,000
• 20 years or more of experience earns an average salary of $78,000

Via Payscale

To become a Research Nurse, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Attend Nursing School

You’ll need to earn either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in order to take the first steps to become a registered nurse. 

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

Become a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX examination.

Step 3: Gain Experience at the Bedside

Though not as important as in some other nursing careers, gaining experience is still a vital step for those wanting to become Nurse Researchers. 

Step 4: Earn an MSN and/or Ph.D

Research Nurses typically need an advanced degree, so ADN-prepared nurses will need to complete an additional step of either completing their BSN degree or entering into an accelerated RN to MSN program which will let them earn their BSN and MSN at the same time. 

Step 5: Earn Your Certification

There are currently two certifications available for Clinical Research Nurses. They are both offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. 

• Clinical Research Association (CCRA)
• Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) 

These certifications are not specific to nurses but rather those that work in the research field. 

CCRA Certification

In order to be deemed eligible for the CCRA Certification exam, applicants must attest to having earned 3,000 hours of professional experience performing the knowledge and tasks located in the six content areas of the CRA Detailed Content Outline. Any experience older than ten years will not be considered.

What’s on the Exam?

• Scientific Concepts and Research Design
• Ethical and Participant Safety Considerations
• Product Development and Regulation
• Clinical Trial Operations (GCPs)
• Study and Site Management
• Data Management and Informatics

Exam Information

• Exam Fee: $435 Member; $485 Nonmember
• Exam Fee: $460 Member; $600 Nonmember
• Multiple choice examination with 125 questions (25 pretest non-graded questions)

CCRC Certification

In order to be deemed eligible for the CCRC Certification exam, applicants must attest to having earned 3,000 hours of professional experience performing the knowledge and tasks located in the six content areas of the CCRC Detailed Content Outline. Any experience older than ten years will not be considered.

Where Do Research Nurses Work?

Clinical Research nurses can work in a variety of locations, including:

• Government Agencies
• Teaching Hospitals
• Medical Clinics
• International Review Board
• Medicine manufacturing 
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Medical research organizations
• Research Organizations
• International Health Organizations
• Private practice
• Private and public foundations

What is the Career Outlook for a Research Nurse?

According to the BLS , from 2022 to 2032, there is an expected growth of 6% for registered nurses. With the aging population and nursing shortage, this number is expected to be even higher.

The BLS does identify medical scientists, which includes clinical research nurses, as having a growth potential of 10% between 2022-2032. 

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for a Research Nurse?

Generally, in order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee. Each state has specific requirements and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.

 If the RN license is part of a compact nursing license, the CEU requirement will be for the state of permanent residence. Furthermore, some states require CEUs related to child abuse, narcotics, and/or pain management. 

A detailed look at Continuing Nurse Education hours can be found here .

Where Can I Learn More About Becoming a Research Nurse?

• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Nurse Researcher Magazine
• National Institute of Nursing Research
• International Association of Clinical Research Nurses
• Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• Society of Clinical Research Associates
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Research Nurse FAQs

What is the role of a research nurse.

• Research nursing is a nursing practice with a specialty focus on the care of research participants. 

What makes a good Research Nurse?

• Research Nurses should be excellent communicators, have strong attention to detail, be self-assured, have strong clinical abilities, be flexible, autonomous, organized, and eager to learn new information.

How much does a Research Nurse make?

• Research nurses earn an average salary of $95,396 according to Glassdoor.com.

What is it like being a Research Nurse?

• Research Nurses provide and coordinate clinical care. Research Nurses have a central role in ensuring participant safety, maintaining informed consent, the integrity of protocol implementation, and the accuracy of data collection and data recording.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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