How to become a Clinical Research Associate (CRA)?

Clinical research associate

Do you love learning and keeping yourself updated about new discoveries? Are you a very organized person when it comes to collecting and managing data? Have you always imagined yourself being a part of clinical experiments and findings that are highly beneficial to medical science and the world?

Then, a CRA (Clinical Research Associate) profession is the way to go!

Clinical research is a thriving subject with numerous intriguing opportunities for young and ambitious researchers. The science community is taking new leaps frequently. It is evolving every single day, resulting in new findings. A mid-sized CRO, a large pharmaceutical company, or a nascent research organization all require a CRA to make sure that trials go well.

Carrying out these trials generates a lot of information which needs a group of people who can manage and analyze it.

Who is a CRA?

A CRA (clinical research associate) is a qualified clinical research specialist who manages clinical trials and oversees the entire process. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all processes and procedures are carried out in accordance with ICH-GCP norms.

Primary responsibilities of a CRA 

Monitor and coordinate the clinical research processes and supply management.

Oversee data collection and documentation, and data entry.

Outline the study objectives and the trial protocols.

Ensure trial ethics and subject confidentiality.

Prepare post-trial reports and publications.

Skills required

To be an effective clinical research associate, you must possess a specific set of abilities. Being efficient in this skill set could lead to additional responsibility and more income. These abilities include:

Basic skills:

  • Administrative abilities, including the capacity to effectively document critical information
  • IT and computer abilities, such as database management and system administration
  • Communication abilities, both written and oral

Preferred skills:

  • Understanding of clinical research, healthcare system, healthcare regulation, and methods for managing healthcare product growth.
  • Should be capable of ensuring the reliability and accuracy of clinical trial data, as well as the legal rights, sincerity, and privacy of trial subjects.
  • It is necessary to be fully aware of the risks and obligations of doing research with human beings.
  • Education and training required

How to become a Clinical Research Associate?

A position as a CRA can be rewarding because you are effectively a part-translator, part-project manager, and part-administrator for life-saving trials.

Here’s how to become a clinical research associate:

Get a degree

A bachelor’s degree in a health-related subject is required to become a CRA. Consider studying health sciences, nursing, medical technology, or biological sciences as a major. As a CRA, degrees in the humanities or social sciences, such as sociology or psychology, can also be beneficial in giving a strong context for research findings. The degree should give you the necessary base to pursue clinical research associate and technician positions.

Get a certification

While a credential is not required to become a clinical research associate, possessing one can help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to being hired or promoted in this position. You get a certificate from the following organization:

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)

  • The ACRP provides the Certified Clinical Research Associate certification. You must have one of the following qualifications to obtain this certification:
  • A bachelor’s degree and 3,000 hours of CRA experience are required.
  • A valid CCRC, CPI, or ACRP-CP certification, as well as the ability to replace 1,500 hours of work experience
  • Should have completed a clinical research degree program and have 1,500 hours of professional experience to substitute.

Apply for jobs

You can begin seeking jobs as soon as you acquire the appropriate requirements to become a CRA. Enter “clinical research associate” into job search engines such as Indeed or LinkedIn to find entry-level or junior-level opportunities.

Make sure to include any health-care-related experiences you have on your resume, such as volunteer work and internships. However, always remember to quantify your accomplishments of your training periods and internships.

Keep learning

Earning a master’s degree can help you gain a managerial position or salary increase as a CRA. Clinical research associate are needed in various businesses, so numerous options exist to explore more intriguing and dynamic career prospects as you further your education.

Aspiring a flourishing career as a clinical research associate?

Lifepoint Research offers top-notch CRA courses that are detailed, comprehensive, and industry-oriented. We are dedicated to grooming every individual keen to explore the world of research, experiments, data collection and maintenance, and discoveries. 

We have highly educated and experienced professors at Lifepoint Research who are known for giving attention-grabbing and motivating classes. Moreover, we assure you of 100% placement assistance, sustenance, and internship programs that are custom-made by our industry experts.

Contact us today for more details.