Clinical research is all about finding the best way for patients to receive proper medical care. According to NIH, clinical research is defined in three segments:

1) Clinical research is patient-oriented (research involving interaction with human subjects)

2) Behavioral & epidemiologic in nature

3) Outcomes and health services research

Individuals working in the clinical research industry come from a range of educational backgrounds such as clinical and non-clinical. Also they may work in a wide range of settings, such as academic institutions, hospitals and the industry. Key positions that are available in clinical research industry are:

•     Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

•     Clinical Trials Assistant (CTA)

•     Clinical Trials Administrator (CTA)

•     Clinical Supply Unit In-Charge

•     Clinical Trials Manager (CTM)

•     Quality Assurance Associate

•     Director – Clinical Operations

•     Clinical Data Analyst

•     Clinical Data Entry Associate

•     Clinical Data Manager

•     Clinical Data Systems Developer

•     Director Clinical Data Management

•     Regulatory Affairs Specialist

•     Drug Safety or Pharmacovigilance Expert

•     Medical and Regulatory Writer

•     Clinical Study/Research Coordinator

•     Clinical Research Nurse

•     Clinical Research Investigator

•     Support Staff and many more

Here are Top 10 Tips to Enter the Clinical Research Industry

1. Acquire a bachelor’s or master’s degree

Acquire a bachelor’s or master’s degree in life sciences, pharmacy, healthcare or medical sciences. Focus on people’s health, physiology, pharmacy and anatomy where ever feasible, as your clinical research function will involve working with human subjects.

2. Earn a Diploma in Clinical Research

A Diploma in Clinical Research will give you the tools and expertise to comprehend your individual and professional desired goals. It is usually a good 6 months or more in duration.

It will also assist you to develop the expertise to perform significantly in the clinical research industry. Also it will help you understand various guidelines such as USFDA, ICH-GCP etc. Overall individuals will obtain all the required expertise to make their way into the clinical research industry. These programs can be taken as online/distance or on part time basis as well.

3. Get Clinical Research Certification

If you are not planning to take up a diploma program due to lack or time or funding then you should atleast get certified in clinical research by few well known societies such as the Clinical Research Society and the Society of Clinical Research Associates as they offer various clinical research certifications for individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s level degree. These certifications will allow you to work as an associate with higher responsibility and earning prospective.

4. Familiarize With Clinical Research Terminology

It is very important to have an excellent understanding of clinical research and basic medical terminology. Ask your peers what sources of information and facts they have identified beneficial. You can also buy some books to get around this.

5. Find An Entry-Level Job In Clinical Research.

Entry-level job opportunities like Clinical Trial Assistants, Administrative Assistant are open to all those with a bachelor’s degree and with no prior work experience. You must, have some basic understanding of science and human health. Once you have about a year or more experience in this position, you can transit to your desired job within your existing organization or can even shift to a different organization. You should also think about working as a volunteer at a hospital or research centre to gain some significant work experience. Even though you may not get paid as a volunteer but your hard work will pay off in future.

6.  Participating In Workshops and Seminars Related To Clinical Research

Participating in workshops and seminars will give you an understanding into clinical research processes and present the opportunity to meet up with other individuals in clinical research functions. Workshops may be available via a variety of avenues such as societies, professional groups, commercial organizations and local associations. Make good use of them to network with people.

7. Market Yourself.

Keep in mind that your resume is the most important thing that an employer will look at. Only if your resume is good will you get called for the next round of the interview process. Ensure that your resume looks good with no spelling  or grammatical errors.

More particularly when you are applying for a job through email, the subject line of the email and the contents in the body are to be thought about carefully. Your e-mail should include a good subject line and your mail must describe to the employer who you are, your brief background and which job you are applying for. Never send a single email copying it to more than one organization, nor should you send forwarded emails. Customize email for each employer and for each vacancy.

8. Join a Relevant Clinical Research Group

Engagement in local, national or international networks or social groups such as groups in LinkedIn, facebook can be a useful resource of information, continuous learning and help. Get engaged in some of the clinical research groups quickly and collaborate with peers.

9. Find a Mentor

A mentor will be an excellent source of guidance and help. A mentor can guide significantly in developing your career. A mentor need to be an individual experienced in the clinical research industry, who is well networked and can enhance all of your endeavors in job search and networking.

10. Think about training in communication skills

In add-on to your skills and knowledge in clinical research, you could also identify other basic skills that could help you in your position. Add-on training could consist of presentation skills or communication skills. Communication skills may assist both in your relationship with other staff associates and with patients.

Wishing you all the best!