How to Get a Clinical Research Job

Clinical research involves testing products, normally medicines, for safety and effectiveness. The work often involves working with test patients during extended experiments to record and quantify the effect that different medicines produce. Experiments are usually conducted in hospitals or at testing facilities run by universities, private corporations, or the government. Because of the importance of the work and the fact that human subjects are involved, clinical research is a highly regulated field. An educational background in the sciences and a knowledge of testing procedure is required for working in clinical research. As one acquires more qualifications, the opportunities for remuneration and responsibility increase; positions range from trial assistants to clinical research coordinators. In 2010, the average pay for a clinical research associate, a middle-range position, was $53,670.

Steps

1-Earn a bachelor’s degree in health or the life sciences.

• Major in a field such as biology or chemistry. Focus on human health, physiology, and anatomy wherever possible, as your clinical research work will involve human subjects.

2-Gain research experience.

• During or after college, work on experiments with academic or medical professionals. Your work does not have to be clinical in nature, but you should gain familiarity with scientific methodology and research procedures. Experiments in which products are tested on live subjects are especially good preparation.

3-Find an entry-level job in clinical research.

• Entry-level jobs like data monitors or trial assistants are open to those with a bachelor’s degree and no professional experience. You should, however, have substantial knowledge of human health and science. Query clinical testing facilities for job openings or search the Association of Clinical Research Professionals job listings.

4-Work for at least one year in clinical research.

5

Get certification as a clinical research associate.

• Both the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the Society of Clinical Research Associates offer certification exams for people with a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in clinical research.
• Consult the organizations for test details. Certification allows you to work as an associate with greater responsibility and earning potential.
• Consider an advanced degree if you want to become a clinical research coordinator.

6-Coordinators must hold either an M.D. or a PhD and typically have expertise in a specific field of medicine. These degrees take 5 to 7 years to completed.

Tips

• Earning a clinical research certificate is an option for those with experience in the health industry but no bachelor’s degree. Certificate programs (often offered at community colleges) introduce students to the world of clinical research. Applicants must already be working in the health industry (usually as nurses or caregivers) or hold an associate’s degree in the field.
• Be prepared to work for 1 or more years as an entry-level assistant or technician performing often repetitive and monotonous work. Because of the complexity of clinical research, lots of data has to be sifted through and analyzed; likewise, subjects need to be processed and handled. There is no shortcut to earning a high-level job in clinical research without pursuing an M.D. or PhD.Ad

Things You’ll Need

Bachelor’s degree in health or the life sciences