Earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research Administration
New technologies and recent scientific discoveries have resulted in a growing number of breakthrough drugs and therapies currently being introduced to the market. Clinical research administration is an expanding field that involves ensuring the testing of these new medical drugs and technologies adhere to procedures, protocols and legislation. To perform these duties, clinical research administrators must be knowledgeable in a number of areas, including administration, budgeting, data management, research design and government regulation.
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including nursing, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching and pharmacy. Regardless of your background, you can gain entry into the clinical research field by obtaining a related degree. Having a master’s degree, especially in clinical research administration, is often preferred by many employers and will provide you with the necessary knowledge for a career in this field whether or not you have any prior clinical research experience.
Certification
Once you complete your degree in clinical research administration, it is recommended that you also obtain certification through the Society of Clinical Research Associates. The society has developed an International Certification Program in order to create a standard of knowledge, education, and experience that is accepted worldwide and that allows CRPs to be recognized as Certified Clinical Research Professionals in the clinical research community. Certification program standards have been created to promote recognition and continuing excellence in the ethical conduct of clinical trials.
Clinical Research Job Responsibilities
Clinical research administrators are responsible for all research study activity and administration. In addition to ensuring that all studies and trials follow state, local, and federal regulations, they are responsible for maintaining all clinical trial reports and records, including case report forms and drug fulfillment forms. Administrators also convene with laboratories, hospitals, and investigators to report research procedures, results and analysis.
Featured Program
The George Washington University
The George Washington University (GW) launched the first online Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) in Clinical Research Administration program in 2001, and the university continues to provide students with the highest standard of clinical, regulatory and business requirements in the development of new therapeutics and conduct of clinical trials. An applied program in practical skills and knowledge, the MSHS is designed to prepare you to lead the business and science of clinical research.
Designed for working clinical research professionals or those in related fields, the flexible program expands students’ knowledge of drug development, clinical trial conduct, monitoring and the business, ethical and legal perspectives of the clinical research industry. It is offered through GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, which was rated one of the most competitive research medical schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
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By earning a master’s degree in clinical research administration, you can advance your career in a field where the significant growth rate of research and development in medicine has led to a growing need for professional clinical research practitioners. In other words, people who can design, monitor and manage clinical trials will be in high demand for the foreseeable future. Click here to learn more about degree opportunities in this field.
