Becoming a Clinical Trial Administrator
Clinical Trial Administrators monitor the administrative aspects of a number of clinical trials, which are designed to test new medications and medical devices for safety and efficacy. Their responsibilities include preparing essential clinical trial documents; attending study meetings and arranging investigator meetings; facilitating coordination of ethics, regulatory and research and development submissions; identifying protocol problems, and reviewing study protocols. Depending on the setting and the trial, these professionals may perform some medical duties such as taking blood or performing lab tests.
Clinical Trial Administrators are employed in different environments such as hospitals, clinics or other health care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical equipment designers, other health-related manufacturers and research organizations. They often work full time.
Educational Requirements
To become a Trial Administrator, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a four-year degree in the area of health sciences, public health, public administration, business administration or natural sciences such as biology or chemistry. The candidates can pursue higher studies such as a two-year master’s degree or a Ph.D program in related discipline for better job prospects in this profession. However, most of employers prefer job aspirants with some practical experience.
The common syllabus includes human resources administration, strategic planning, hospital organization and management, accounting and budgeting, law and ethics, health economics, and health information systems, a few among others.
Certification and Licensure
The practice of Clinical Trial Administrator requires to be licensed in all states of the USA. These professionals must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a licensing exam, and complete a state-approved training program. The candidates can obtain exam-based certification from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management.
Skill Set
Clinical Trial Administrators possess a wide range of skills such as high level of attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, project management abilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team, understanding of drug regulations, proficient in software applications ability to monitor multi-task activities etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Clinical Trial 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 13% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Trial Administrator was $ 76,980 in 2012.