A clinical research associate, also called a clinical monitor or trial monitor, is a health-care professional who performs many activities related to medical research, particularly clinical trials.
Below are steps to to Become A clinical Research Associate South Africa
The pathways to becoming a clinical research associate are numerous and available to anyone with a high school diploma or higher. While formal education is not technically required to enter the field, having a bachelor’s degree or higher can make potential candidates much more competitive.
Certification in the field is also not required, but obtaining certification from the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) can result in more opportunities and even more competitive salaries.
Finally, all aspiring CRAs are advised to check out the International Conference on Harmonisation’s (ICH) guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) to get a feel for the professional expectations and responsibilities.
Here is how to become a CRA depending on one’s level of education:
PATH 1: EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND GAIN EXPERIENCE
Perhaps the most strenuous route to this career is becoming a certified CRA with a high school diploma and between 3,000 and 3,500 hours of qualifying work experience (depending on certification entity).
These candidates often start out in support positions assisting a more experienced or certified CRA with mundane tasks.
An entry-level worker can earn increased responsibilities through a demonstrated capacity to learn the regulations, protocols, and ethical considerations.
To qualify for the following CRA certification exams, high school graduates must:
SOCRA Category 1
Complete two full-time years of CRA work within five years, or 3,500 hours of part-time work
PATH 2: EARN AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND GAIN EXPERIENCE
Depending on the program, an associate’s degree of applied science (AAS) in clinical research can be a standalone degree or a stepping-stone to a bachelor’s or master’s.
Licensed vocational or practical nurse (LVN or LPN) programs are designed specifically for practical, job-ready skills and may qualify aspiring CRAs for the ACRP certification.
To qualify for the following CRA certification exams, associate degree graduates must:
SOCRA Category 2
Hold a “clinical research” degree
Complete one full-time year as a CRA or 1,750 hours part-time
PATH 3: EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE AND GAIN EXPERIENCE
Most entry-level clinical research associate positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s of science (BS) in a health-related field from an accredited four-year university. In some cases, programs are designed to add practical hours needed to qualify for certification tests.
Those interested in becoming a CRA can study nursing, health sciences, biological sciences, clinical research, clinical research administration, clinical research management, medical technology, or life sciences, among many other subjects.
To qualify for the following CRA certification exams, bachelor’s degree graduates must:
SOCRA Category 3
Hold a “clinical research” undergraduate degree
Complete one full-time year as a CRA or 1,750 hours part-time
PATH 4: EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN MANAGEMENT
A master’s program in clinical research is generally designed for those already working as CRAs to expand their skills or to advance into management or supervisory roles within the field.
However, for those with non-health science bachelor’s degrees who want to become CRAs, seeking a master’s of science in clinical research or a master’s of science in clinical research management could be a pathway to breaking into the field.
Because many of these programs are offered online, earning a degree is possible for even those students who need full flexibility of schedule to complete the degree.
Although requirements for admission into master’s programs vary, those looking to gain admission into a master’s of science for clinical research commonly need the following:
A bachelor’s degree
GRE scores
Official transcripts demonstrating specific coursework in science
A statement of purpose
Letters of Recommendation or Reference
What qualifications do I need to be a clinical research associate?
A clinical research associate will need a graduate or post-graduate degree in either nursing, life sciences or medical science.
One must have knowledge of at least one of the following subjects – anatomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, pharmacology, immunology, physiology.
How do I get a job as a clinical research associate in South Africa?
Clinical Research Associate roles usually require candidates to have experience in clinical research monitoring and a degree in a life science or other health-related discipline
. Although not usually necessary, a Master’s degree (MSc. or equivalent) or a PhD can be advantageous.
Is clinical research associate a good career?
If you have an interest in the medical industry but don’t want to work with patients directly, a career as a clinical research associate may be ideal for you.
With a strong earning potential and the ability to impact millions of lives by working on research trials, this job can be extremely fulfilling
How do I become a certified clinical research associate in South Africa?
ACRP Options 1 & 2
Complete 3,000 hours performing essential job duties or 1,500 hours of equivalent work experience requirements through ACRP certifications or approved clinical research degree programs accredited by the Council for Higher Education.
Submit a resume documenting and demonstrating job performance.
How do I prepare for a clinical research associate interview?
Below are our five tips to make sure that you are properly prepared for a clinical research job interview.
Get your resume in tip-top shape.
Be honest.
Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Do your research.
Review your past research.
Is the CCRC exam hard?
If this is something you are interested in, make sure you are as prepared as possible because the CRC exam is known to be very difficult. The difficulty of the exam is really why the CRC credential holds such an elite standard in the industry.
How long is CRA training in South Africa ?
10-Week Clinical Research Associate (CRA) On-Boarding Program.