Clinical research associates are mainly in charge of monitoring clinical trials. Volunteers from the community are usually invited to take part in the research of an investigational drug or medical device. This way they have access to medication that is not on the market yet, at no charge. Often they are even being paid to take part in these studies while they carry the hope that there is maybe something that will make them better. Usually a clinical research trial is sponsored by a pharmaceutical company and the clinical research associate is the one who communicates with these companies about the progress of the investigational product. Clinical research associates support a project team in all the stages of the work, or in other words, from the time the original ideas from the pharmaceutical companies are under development to the actual implementation and also evaluation of the research. The clinical research associate focuses also on protocol development.
Some research laboratories hire licensed practical nurses to do part of the work of the clinical research associate. That makes the whole process a little cheaper. Very good communication and interpersonal skills are needed to do the work right. Overall, a bachelor’s degree in science, nursing, or biological science is required. A good background in accounting and human resources is highly appreciated, but good nursing skills seem to be a priority.
The clinical research associate will represent the laboratory at meetings. Associates are responsible for making assessments of potential candidates of the program and make sure that all necessary forms are being signed by the participants. They make sure that the participants are well aware of all the risks involved. The clinical research associates are responsible for the preparation of everything that is needed to be successful with the program. They make sure that timelines are being respected. The clinical research associates develop or adjust new forms and documents. Overall a minimum of three years of experience in the clinical research field is required to find a good job. More experience is highly recommended. Skills proficiency is evaluated in front of a board of the CRA.
Clinical research associates make good money. Laboratories and pharmaceutical companies are prepared to pay very well for the services of clinical research associates. Competition between pharmaceutical companies is enormous because they all want to come up with the cure to whatever problem that went untreated even only thirty years ago. Soon after graduation clinical research associates find work that pays them about $40,000 a year. Experienced clinical research associates can make three times that amount. As long as people get sick or encounter difficulties because of their health, there will be jobs for clinical research associates. As long as important or rich people do not want to give in to their ailments, clinical research associates will work on finding cures in high-paid professional positions.
