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Becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator

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Clinical Research Coordinators play a critical role in the field of medical and clinical research. They coordinate and facilitate the daily clinical trial activities by collecting data from study participants, interviewing and enrolling eligible participants, monitoring clinical trial procedure, maintaining research logs, choosing the study site, arranging any follow-up visits and ensuring that all the work adheres to legal and safety guidelines. They also provide guidance on the administration of the study including compliance, financial, personnel and other related aspects.

Clinical Research Coordinators work under the direct supervision of the clinical principal investigators (PI). They assist the PI in the execution of research plan by overseeing clinical trials of new medications and treatments. They are employed in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research labs, educational institutions etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Research Coordinator, the aspiring candidates need to complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in a field like medical technology, microbiology, public health, nursing or training as a Registered Nurse. The candidates can also earn a master’s degree in science in related areas for a better job prospect in this field. The common syllabus includes human anatomy, pharmacology, epidemiology, microbiology, healthcare ethics, statistics etc.

However, some employers prefer the job aspirants with experience in the areas of nursing, pharmaceuticals, medical research etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since a Clinical Research Coordinator requires a license in many states of the USA, the aspiring candidates need to obtain an exam-based license. The candidates can also earn certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

Skill Set               

Apart from clinical knowledge, the Clinical Research Coordinators possess wide range of skills such as excellent resource management and problem solving abilities, motivating and decision making capacities, ability to establish and maintain cordial relationship with staff members and other stake holders, pleasant oral and writing communication skills, proficiency in basic computer knowledge etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Research Coordinator remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 14% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Research Coordinator was $55,440 in 2014.

Becoming a Clinical Research Analyst

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Clinical Research Analysts play a key role in medical studies as well as clinical trials. They use their expertise, analytical skills and knowledge of scientific research to boost the clinical research process. A Clinical Research Analyst works on medical studies, specially designed to measure the effectiveness of a drug and its side effects if any. They perform their duties in hospitals, medical facilities or laboratories.

The role of Clinical Research Analysts vary, depending on the requirements of employers. They generally work with Physicians or Scientists who oversee clinical research process. They may have to directly interact with patients during the screening/data collection process. Their job responsibilities include identifying patients, overseeing protocols, tracking inventory, interacting with patients etc. They also mediate between the Physicians and other medical staff whenever needed.

Educational Requirements: The aspiring Clinical Research Analysts must have a degree in Health Science or clinical field. An Associate’s Degree is must for the entry-level jobs in this profession with a minimum five-year experience at a clinical research setting. A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with additional work experience.

Training: The best way to get training related to Clinical Research is to go for university research work. The training must have exposure to federal regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many colleges, professional organizations such as the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) provide training in this field.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to PayScale.com, the Clinical Research Analysts earn between $45,346 and $88,329 per annum as of March 2015. The job outlook for this profession remains excellent. According to the BLS, it may grow by 22% between 2012 and 2022.

Becoming a Clinical Research Administrator

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Clinical Research Administrators play a key role in planning, development and conduct of scientific research projects for various health care settings. Their responsibilities include determining a project’s goals, supervising the work performance, providing technical assistance, managing budgets, evaluating staff, maintaining administrative and production policies for various clinical trials. Since they are directly involved with testing and quality control, these professionals may also determine protocols and work procedure in collaboration with department heads on research and development, and other critical aspects of a research project.

Clinical Research Administrator work in variety of environments such as public or private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical research institutes, scientific research and development laboratories, government agencies etc. They work full time.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Research Administrator, the aspiring candidates need to earn a 4-year bachelors degree in clinical research or any discipline in science. However, many employers often prefer the job aspirants with a two-year master’s degree in clinical research or related field in science.

The common syllabus includes epidemiology, human anatomy, biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, bio-statistical methods, medical computer information systems etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since the practice of a Clinical Research Administrator requires to be licensed in many states of USA, the candidates have to pass the required Licensure Exam. The candidates can also obtain exam-based certification from the Society of Clinical Research Associates (CRA).

Skill Set

Clinical Research Administrators possess a great deal of knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements for clinical trial management. Besides, they possess various traits such as high level of attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, problem solving and decision making abilities, strong leadership quality, competent in computer operations, effective verbal and written communication skills ability to align with business initiatives etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Research Administrator remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 6% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Research Administrator was $58,580 in 2014.

Becoming a Clinical Laboratory Manager

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Clinical Laboratory Managers play a key role in managing both administrative and technical operating procedures in a medical laboratory. Their responsibilities include supervising various tests, results, quality control, and pricing for the laboratory, as well as scheduling procedures and trials, making reports to various entities within the organization, ordering supplies and managing staff, primarily medical technicians. In addition, they oversee laboratory inventory, establish preventative maintenance schedule for equipments and oversee computerized records system.

Clinical Laboratory Managers work in variety of environments such as private and government labs, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, research firms, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in the night shifts and even during weekend.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Laboratory Manager, the aspiring candidates need to earn a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or any related discipline. The students can also pursue master’s degree in a field like medical technology, microbiology or public health administration for better job prospects in this profession.

Common coursework includes human anatomy, biochemistry, epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematics, public health and health care management.

Licensure and Certification

Since Clinical Laboratory Managers are required to be licensed in most of the states in USA, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. These professionals also need to obtain exam-based certification from professional organizations, like the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) etc.

Skill Set               

Apart from clinical knowledge, Clinical Laboratory Managers possess various traits such as high level of attention to detail, ability to maintain a proactive approach to work activities, motivating abilities, good work ethics, excellent organizational and leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to establish and maintain cordial relationship with staff members, high level of team spirit, competent in technology including computer programs and laboratory equipments to name a few.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Laboratory Manager remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 14% between 2012 and 2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Laboratory Manager was $57, 580 in 2012.

Becoming a Clinical Lab Technician

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Clinical Lab Technicians play a key role in diagnoses and treatment procedure in health care services. They collect human bodily fluids, tissue samples etc. and perform laboratory test in order to determine the function of a patient’s immune system and identify diseases like HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Diabetics or other different types of health abnormalities. They perform diagnostic test with microscopes and other automated laboratory machines. All the test-results of patients are safely recoded and sent to the physicians in order to administer a proper treatment program.

These skilled professionals work under the supervision of a physician, lab manager or medical technologist. Some of them pursue a specialty in areas such as immunology, microbiology, blood bank, clinical chemistry etc. They are employed at variety of settings such as public or private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical or chemical industries, research facilities, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in day or night shifts and sometimes at the weekend. They may also need to be alert to respond in case of emergency.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Lab Technician, the aspiring candidates are required to complete a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree program in medical laboratory sciences from an accredited institution. Students can also pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in medical technology or related health discipline for better job prospects. The job aspirants can also earn on-the-job training.

The common syllabus includes anatomy, immunology, phlebotomy, microbiology, hematology, psychology, chemistry, clinical laboratory practices etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since many states of USA require Clinical Lab Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. The Board of Registry for the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers exam-based certification to these professionals.

Skill Set

Apart from clinical and technological knowledge, Clinical Lab Technicians possess varieties of skills such as attention to detail, competent in dexterity, an understanding of medical terminology, high medical ethics, empathy towards patient, ability to manage complex machinery, a great deal of physical stamina to work for long duration, effective written and verbal communication skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Lab Technician remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Clinical Lab Technician was $38,370 in 2014.

Becoming a Clinical Data Manager

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Clinical Data Managers oversee the collection, management and submission of clinical data from various medical research projects, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnological trials for government approval. They ensure that data is collected, analyzed and reported accurately and securely.

Their responsibilities include designing a database for clinical trials, preparing statistical comparisons, presenting reports, generating data retrievals, supervising team members, maintaining compliance with standard operating procedures, performing clerical duties such as data entry, transcription, coding etc, and other tasks as assigned.

Clinical Data Managers work at variety of settings such as pharmaceutical companies, research and development companies, hospitals, government organizations, private companies, educational institutes etc. Since their work is collaborative in nature, regular group meetings and travelling may be required for these professionals.

Educational Requirements

To become a Clinical Data Manager, the aspiring candidates have to earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree in science with data management or information technology as a major. The common course work includes research methods, pharmacology, biology, anatomy and ethics.

The students can also pursue a master’s degree in Information Technology or a related field for better job prospects. However, most employers prefer candidates with some work experience in a medical technology or pharmaceutical companies.

Certification

The Clinical Data Manager aspirants can appear in the certification examination after completing bachelor’s degree program along with at least two years of practical work experience in clinical data management. The Society for Clinical Data Management administers the certification examination for these professional.

Skill Set

Apart from academic degree, a Clinical Data Manager possesses various traits such as knowledge in clinical and manufacturing practices, command in clinical research, understanding of trial process and related regulations, excellent leadership quality, ability to establish and maintain cordial relation with team members, strong written and verbal communication skills, project management abilities, competence in computer programming etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Data Manager remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 27% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Data Manager was $83,310 in May 2013.

Becoming a Clinical Coordinator

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Clinical Coordinators carry out versatile activities to ensure that resource supplies, documentations, treatment procedures and follow up activities related to patient care are optimized for providing high quality health service. They closely work with fellow medical staff in clinical program goal setting, progress evaluations, budget planning and ongoing problem solving.

Their key responsibilities include maintaining patient care schedule, managing staff members, participating in various meetings and conferences, obtaining grant funding, assisting in hiring of certain posts, coordinating for continuing education and training for clinical or support staff, and performing other duties as assigned. In addition, they help in pharmaceutical research activities.

Clinical Coordinators work in a variety of environments such as public or private hospitals, community health centers, educational institutions, research centers etc. They often work full time and have to be on-call frequently.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the position of a Clinical Coordinator, the aspiring candidates have to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in health administration or nursing. The students can go for a master’s degree in public health, nursing or in a related subject for better job prospects in this field.

The common coursework includes anatomy, pharmacology, biology, pathophysiology, health administration, medical ethics etc. Students also learn about record keeping and financial management.

Certification and Licensure

Clinical Coordinators are to be licensed in many states of USA. The aspiring candidates also need to earn exam based certification administered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associations (SoCRA).

Skill Set 

Besides the knowledge in patient care and health administration, Clinical Coordinators possess varieties of traits such as high level of leadership quality, integrity and accountability in patient care and clinical operation, record keeping and time management skills, decision making and risk management abilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to maintain warm and cordial relationship with fellow staff members, patients and their family members etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Coordinator remains outstanding across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 23% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Coordinator was $88,580 per year in May 2012.

Becoming a Certified Herbalist

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Certified Herbalists use plant and mineral-based remedies for health promotion and disease prevention. They guide the patients how to supplement their health needs with traditional herbs such as plant leaves, flowers, seeds, berries, bark or roots. They participate in all stages of the herbal medicine process from growth to the manufacturing of raw herbs. In addition, they may process one or more herbs into various products, such as pills, capsules, powders, or tinctures.

Certified Herbalists usually focus on one of three kinds of herbal medicines such as Western herbs, Chinese herbs and Indian Ayurvedic herbs.

These professionals can work independently or with naturopathic physicians or other alternative providers to treat patients and assist with the healing process. They may work as consultants, researchers, educators, producers of herbal products or authors of books and articles in herbal areas.

Educational Requirements

In USA, there is no uniform national educational standard to become a Certified Herbalist. It varies according to the certifying body. Some aspirants earn the Doctor of Naturopathy degree while other candidates obtain four-year of bachelor’s degree in botanical medicine. Herbal studies explore the knowledge of the human body as well as the effects of various plant extracts on bodily functions and healing.

Certified Herbalist aspirants can find training within several fields of holistic medicine, including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and western scientific botanical applications. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with cross-trained in other alternative therapy, such as acupuncture.

Certification

Certified Herbalists in USA can obtain exam-based certification from various organizations such as the East West School of Planetary Herbology, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the American University of Complementary Medicine etc.

Skill Set

Apart from the clinical knowledge, Certified Herbalists possess various traits such as a great deal of knowledge in herbal formulas and supplements, ability to source raw herbal materials, understanding of human dietary needs, motivating and convincing abilities, understanding of patient assessment and diagnoses standards, excellent communication skills, computer skills to name a few.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Herbalist remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 20% during 2010-2020. The average annual salary of a Certified Herbalist was $ 43,920 in 2013.

Becoming A Chiropractic Assistant

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Chiropractic Assistants perform a variety of clinical and administrative tasks under the direct supervision a Chiropractor in a health care setting. Their clinical responsibilities include obtaining patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature etc., explaining treatment procedures, escorting patients, taking X-rays, maintaining equipments so on an so forth. Administrative duties may include responding to patient’s queries, scheduling appointments, maintaining patients’ check in and checkout, recording medical histories, calculating billing, attending phone calls, assisting in insurance claims etc.

Chiropractic Assistants work under a licensed chiropractor in variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential care facilities, rehabilitation facilities etc. They may have to work on day or night shifts as well as in the weekends.

Educational Requirements

To become a Chiropractic Assistant, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. The students can hold a two-year associate’s degree program in chiropractic technology for better job prospects in this field. Most of the employers in USA, however, prefer candidates with previous experience in a medical or chiropractic environment for these professionals.

Chiropractic Assistants study the coursework of medical terminology human anatomy, biology, physiology, billing, office management, insurance processing etc.

Certification and Licensure

Since many states of USA require a Chiropractic Assistant to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn an exam-based License. The candidates can also obtain certification from the state’s Chiropractic Examiners Board.

Skill Set

Chiropractic Assistants possess various traits such as empathy towards patient, detail oriented, high medical ethics, a great deal of physical stamina to stand for long duration, ability to assist the patients emotionally and physically, familiarity with patient care and customer service, ability to perform multitask job simultaneously, effective verbal and written communication skills, computer skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Chiropractic Assistant remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 29% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Chiropractic Assistant was $29,370 in May 2012.

Becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician

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Certified Phlebotomy Technicians collect blood safely from people for various purposes such as diagnosing health problems, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They use different techniques while drawing blood like finger-stick method to collect specimens, puncturing a vein with the needle etc. Their other duties include preparing the equipments used for blood- collection, keeping and transporting the blood samples safely, following different procedures within the lab, putting blood samples in accurately marked containers, adding required stains to the blood samples for specific tests, assisting patients during their adverse reaction etc. In some cases, they may be assigned clerical tasks, such as data entry or record keeping.

Certified Phlebotomy Technicians work in a variety of settings such as government and private hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, physician’s offices, pathology labs, blood banks, educational institutions, research centers etc.

Educational Requirements

To become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, the aspiring candidates must be a high school graduate and required to complete a training program from an accredited college. The training program normally takes 10-12 months to complete.

Certified Phlebotomy Technicians study phlebotomy procedures, venipuncture, arterial puncture, mathematics, medical terminology, safety rules, computer operating, lab procedures etc. Classroom studies as well as clinical practice are crucial parts of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician’s education.

Certification and Licensure

Since most states of USA require a Certified Phlebotomy Technician to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to earn an exam-based License. The American Medical Technologists, the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians and the American Society for Clinical Pathology offer certification for these professionals.

Skill set

Apart from acquiring a formal training, a Certified Phlebotomy Technician possesses a wide range of traits such as tremendous attention to detail, high level of patience and compassion, ability to work with small needles and other devices precisely, understanding of detailed procedures for specimen collecting or medical testing, ability to perform duties with accuracy, maintaining privacy and confidentiality, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, computer operating skills etc.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician remains excellent across the USA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise by 30% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician was $30,910 in May 2012.