The future career and job opportunities in the field of clinical research is looking quite bright for those who have the right attitude, positive approach and are ready to face the challenges that this industry poses from time to time.
A person with Bachelor's degree in Science or a degree of Registered Nurse having 6 months to 2 years of practical experience in clinic research, applied medicines, pharmaceuticals industry or a similar institute can step into the profession of clinical research as a Clinical Research Assistant. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is about 4 year's degree course. Even after completing your BSN or Registered Nurse (RN) programs, you have to continue your studies so as to acquire specialization in the field of Surgical Nurse so as to become a Certified Nurse for an Operating Room.
A person with a Ph.D., M.D. or Pharm.D without having any previous experience in a clinic is eligible to become a Clinical Research Assistant. In order to meet the challenge of dearth and deficiency of qualified professionals in the field of clinical research, the University of Liverpool, UK and Laureate Online Education have offered a M.Sc. degree course. This course is aimed to offer training in collaboration with universities having global recognition and reputation and interactions with students having the same interests across the world. The research skills of students will be enhanced through dissertation.
The clinical research industry provides career prospects as a Site Coordinator or Clinical Investigator in a hospital or in Clinical Research Organizations that are involved in conducting clinical investigations. Job prospects also exist in drug development, biostatistics, medical writing and pharmaceutical industry. Career prospects are also available in regulatory affairs & auditing of clinical trials, clinical operations, clinical projects, data management and clinical research business development.
A Clinical Research Associate must possess knowledge of Covance Standard Operating Procedures, GCP and ICH guidelines. He must be trained to conduct site monitoring responsibilities for Clinical Trials and must be familiar with initiation of meetings, interim monitoring visits, close out visits, and other routine affairs.
The demand and supply position in clinical research is not balanced and globally the balance of favor is inclined towards demand. There is dearth of trained professionals, and pharmaceutical companies are alluring available professionals through bulky salary packages.
According to IMS Forecast, the impact of various factors like rising unemployment, reduced level of consumer expenditure, loss of medical insurance etc., has affected the pharmaceutical market in the US which resulted into contraction of the US market by 1 to 2% in the year 2009, which is a historic low.
In fact hardly 1 out of 5 drugs get through clinical trials and reach the market. It is, therefore, important that many different trials are conducted and supported at the same time, which requires specialized manpower. Job opportunities in the field of clinical research are bright, keeping the global scenario in view, particularly in Asian, African and Latin American countries.
