How to Become a Clinical Research Associate

Pills, vaccines, procedures, therapies, and medical devices that professionals prescribe or use on you to improve your physical or mental health often undergo clinical research trials. During these trials, a drug or a medical device might get approval for consumer or hospital use by The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

Clinical research associates (CRA) play a critical role in the healthcare industry and in improving public health. They act as liaisons between those who sponsor research and those who facilitate clinical research. Clinical research is necessary to gain evidence-based insights into how well a drug or vaccine works.

A career as a clinical research associate can be rewarding for individuals who thrive on the prospect of a dynamic role overseeing many different kinds of clinical trials. Explore how to start.

What is a clinical research associate?

Clinical research associates, also called trial monitors or clinical research scientists, act as liaisons between the institutions that sponsor and fund the clinical research trials and the clinics that conduct the research. They are in charge of ensuring the clinical trials run smoothly, monitoring all the procedures, processes, and results, and ensuring the researchers follow established guidelines and protocols every step of the way. 

A clinical research associate (CRA) works on behalf of the sponsor (pharmaceutical company, university, or health organisation) or for a contract research organisation (CRO), which typically funds the research. Clinical trials are the long, scientific process of ensuring that certain drugs, therapies, and devices are safe and effective for public consumption and use. CRAs guide the trials forward by regulations for ethics and safety.

Clinical research associates work on a team of research professionals, including:

• Contract research organisation (CRO) or sponsor (university, pharmaceutical company)

• Principal investigator (PI)

• Clinical research coordinator (CRC)

• Ethics committee

• Other stakeholders

Clinical research associate job description

As a clinical research associate, these are the typical tasks and responsibilities:

• Monitor the clinical research process, including managing supplies and coordination

• Oversee data collection and documentation and input data into systems databases

• Outline the trial objectives

• Ensure the safety of participants 

• Prepare post-trial reports and manage to create the publications

CRAs travel to different locations to deal with medical professionals in clinics or hospitals. The amount of travelling depends on your employer.

Skills needed

Clinical research associates need certain skills for employers to hire them and succeed in their roles. Whether or not you currently possess these skills, learning and acquiring them through online courses or on the job is possible. Some important skills you’ll need include: 

• Administrative skills, including the ability to document important information accurately

• IT and computer skills, such as databases and systems management

• Written and oral communication skills

• Keen attention to detail and organisation

• Ability to manage and coordinate with several stakeholders

• Strong understanding of the clinical research trials and health care space, along with medical terminology

Clinical research associate salary and job outlook

The salary for a clinical research associate can vary depending on your organisation and experience level. Clinical research associates can earn a median salary of ₹4,16,800, ranging from ₹3 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs [1].

How to become a clinical research associate.

A career as a clinical research associate (CRA) can be fulfilling because you are essentially a part translator, part project manager, and part administrator for trials that have the potential to save lives. Follow these steps to start a career as a clinical research associate.

1. Earn a degree.

To become a CRA, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as biology, nursing, public health, or pharmacy. You may also consider a degree in clinical research, which gives you knowledge of research methods. For higher-level roles, employers may specify the need for a master’s degree. 

2. Get certified.

While you do not need a certification to become a clinical research associate, having one and becoming a certified clinical research associate (CCRA) can help you advance your career. Several organisations offer CCRA certification.  

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)

The SOCRA offers the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) credential. To earn this certification, you must have one of the following:

• At least two years of clinical research experience or 3,500 hours of part-time experience in the past five years

• A degree in clinical research and at least one year of full-time experience

• A certificate in clinical research, a bachelor’s degree in health science, science, or a related field, and at least one year of full-time work experience

SOCRA applicants must pass the CCRP exam and be recertified every three years. To become recertified, you’ll need to complete 45 hours of continuing education. 

The International Accrediting Organisation for Clinical Research (IAOCR)

IAOCR offers clinical research associate certification for individuals looking to advance in their careers. To qualify, you must have a year of experience in clinical research and complete an online course.

3. Apply for jobs.

You can start applying for jobs when you have the necessary qualifications to become a CRA. To build your experience, start with entry-level positions such as clinical research coordinator and clinical trial assistant. These roles can be found in hospitals, academic institutions, and research centres. 

Enhance your resume with any healthcare-related experiences you may have, including volunteer activities and internships. Quantify your accomplishments with statements such as, “I managed clinical trials in seven different states in 2020.”

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and preparing your best answers. Don’t forget to write up a list of questions for your interviewer. 

4. Continue learning.

Earning a master’s degree can help you land a managerial position or get a salary boost as a CRA. Clinical research associates can find roles in many different types of organisations, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities to achieve more interesting and dynamic job opportunities when you pursue higher education. 

Start your health care career with Coursera

Clinical research associate roles take education, experience, and training to achieve. Launch your career in the healthcare industry by honing your skills in medical terminology. You’ll be able to identify parts of words commonly used in medicine, understand health records, and more with the Medical Terminology Specialisation from Rice University.