A career as a clinical research associate can be an exciting and rewarding choice. This type of work can make a difference not only for yourself, but for patients as well. This position combines a love of problem solving with the opportunity to work with hospital staff in an organised and efficient way. What’s more, a CRA’s salary can be quite high! A clinical research associate must be well organised, as they travel to various hospitals and facilities.
If you have a science background and are detail-oriented, you may be a good candidate for this position. While clinical research assistants can be hired right out of college, many also begin their careers as data coordinators or administrative assistants. The earlier they begin their career, the better their chances of getting hired and getting a promotion. A clinical research associate’s role is varied, so it’s important to have a background in any discipline related to medicine or science.
Clinical research associates oversee clinical trials. They ensure that subjects receive proper care during trials, ensure the site is stocked with necessary supplies, and record trial data. They also collect histories from trial participants, conduct tests, and maintain logs. Clinical research associates can earn a master’s degree or a Ph.D., but most become employed after graduating from college. These positions also require extensive knowledge of the clinical trial industry.
The duties of a CRA vary greatly, but they are generally responsible for performing the following tasks. They choose study sites, ensure they know the protocol of the sponsor, and conduct regular site visits to ensure that protocols are followed and data is collected effectively. They may also be required to collect data on potential participants. The CRA also helps in the selection process of human participants. If a study is successful, a CRA will be invaluable to the clinical team. For more details on Paid Clinical Trials, visit www.trials4us.co.uk
Depending on the level of experience and education, you can become a clinical research associate by applying for internships or working for a clinical research organisation. A bachelor’s degree in a health-related field is required, and certification in clinical research can help make you more competitive. Getting certified can help you build skills in an industry that is always growing, so consider pursuing a certification as a clinical research associate.
As a clinical research associate, you’ll be the main link between the promoter of a clinical study – a pharmaceutical company – and hospitals. Clinical research associates are responsible for conducting clinical trials of pharmaceutical drugs. They will help to collect information about their investigational products and assess their effectiveness and risks. You can progress through the ranks to become a team leader, or even lead the clinical research teams themselves.
