How do you gain experience in clinical research ?
Most of the companies demand two years of monitoring experience as a clinical project assistant for clinical trials administrator or clinical project assistance before they consider the candidate for a clinical research assistant (CRA) job. So how to get such an experience without an actual job?
Careers in clinical research are financially rewarding and guarantee solid stability for the professionals in the job market. These professionals are entitled to attractive salaries in global market. However, four years of laboratory experience and a PhD degree are not sufficient to get a job interview. Majority of the applications go unanswered as most of the employers look for graduates with prior experience.
Entering the world of clinical research mandates tremendous planning and wise use of time to take up the career smoothly. Companies involved in clinical trials must adhere to strict regulations and good clinical practice. Most of the companies demand two years of monitoring experience as a clinical project assistant for clinical trials administrator or clinical project assistance before they consider the candidate for clinical research assistant (CRA) job. So how to get such an experience without an actual job?
Ways to gain experience in clinical research
Invest in additional learning: Most of the clinical research associates have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, life sciences or biotechnology. However, these degrees alone are not sufficient as they don’t prepare the candidate completely for the world of clinical research. Investing in quality additional learning is a way to show employers that the candidate is serious about his clinical research transition. It is also good to invest in certificate courses in good clinical practices so as to stay ahead of others in terms of employment.
Working as a volunteer in a hospital or research institute: Research institutes and hospitals that conduct clinical research are always looking for volunteers. The role of volunteers includes helping in the study visit, helping with data entry and assisting the trails coordinator in the project. These roles will throw valuable insight into different aspects of clinical research and gather experience in the day to day aspects of running a trial. A few months of volunteering will offer valuable experience to apply for CRA jobs.
Joining as an intern in any healthcare company: Joining as an intern in a healthcare company such as Abbott, Merck, etc., can offer a rewarding clinical experience. Being an intern can help you understand the standard operating procedures of clinical research and will learn how to apply the GCP in real-world studies. It is also an excellent idea to apply for work in a clinical research website that is involved in performing clinical research.
Join as an associate in healthcare startups: Most of the clinical research associates think of internships and volunteering in multinational companies. But there are a number of startups in healthcare that require quality CRAs. Majority of the startup companies hire associates. Most of the startup companies are trying to grow and establish themselves and it’s a win-win situation where the associate benefit from the experience and the company benefits from the talents of the associates.
Final words
Getting the first job as a clinical research associate is challenging and it is required that candidates gain enough experience by working as a volunteer in clinical studies to gain insight into their actual job role. It is also important that they equip their resume appropriately to help them fetch a good job at the earliest.
