Clinical researchers are often medical
scientists who work in hospitals and pharmaceutical labs, running
experiments and creating new solutions to health problems. These
professionals most often must have graduate degrees; although many in
the field hold doctorates, some only have master's degrees. Master's
degrees in clinical research management are available online, but
distance-learning Ph.D. programs are very rare, because they usually
require hands-on experience and training.
Overview of Online Masters Degrees in Clinical Research Management and Administration
A master-level online degree program for clinical research management
or clinical research administration prepares individuals to lead
clinical trials as an administrator or manager in a laboratory setting.
Graduate-level students learn advanced skills to analyze and manage
clinical trials, monitor research and leadership development techniques.
Some programs are geared toward nurses, while others are suitable for
anyone with training in the fields of health or biotechnology.
Students must complete 30-36 credit hours to earn a master's degree
in clinical research administration or clinical research management. To
gain admission to either master's degree program, a bachelor's degree is
required. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, a personal
statement, transcripts and, in some cases, results from the Graduate
Record Exam (GRE).
Students use discussion boards, e-mail and other forums to obtain and
submit their coursework. Schools often suggest a broadband connection
and specific versions of common computer software programs, such as
Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, to ensure that materials transmit
correctly. If additional textbooks or materials are required, incoming
students are informed at registration, or when their courses begin. Some
schools accept credits from certificate programs to apply toward a
master's degree.
List of Online Clinical Research Courses
In classes leading to a master's degree in clinical research or
clinical research administration, students learn to manage data, develop
products and conduct clinical trials. Some schools allow students the
flexibility to design their own program; others have set curricula that
all enrollees must follow. Some schools require clinical experience;
others require only completion of a capstone project.
Clinical Trial Good Practice Course
Students learn the processes involved in the management and
monitoring of clinical trials. They explore the concept and history of
Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Other topics include quality assurance
techniques, subject recruitment and the boards that monitor data safety.
Students learn to assess and manage risk as they study reporting
requirements and the role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
in clinical trials.
Analysis of Clinical Research Course
This course focuses on the various regulatory boards and standards
governing clinical research, from GCP to the internal review board.
Students learn about techniques and practices to deliver
health care more efficiently.
Overview of Clinical Research Industry Course
This course introduces the relationship private companies and
stakeholders have with clinical research. Students focus on how
stakeholders work together in healthcare for product and service
delivery.
In 2009, there were 101,760 individuals employed as medical
scientists. As of that same year, these individuals earned from $41,320
to $138,840 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
ww.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Although an online master's degree may suffice to enter the field of
clinical research, employers may prefer to hire candidates with
doctorates. Both a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Ph.D. in Medical Science
are popular choices, but these programs may not be available frequently
or entirely online. Graduates may also consider a clinical research
concentration within doctoral degree programs for nursing, psychology or
pharmacy. Some medical scientists may have a medical degree in addition
to a master's degree or doctorate.
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