The job profile and responsibilities of the clinical research associate includes delegating tasks that concern the maintenance and upkeep of the databases. The clinical research associate jobs require that the data that you are entering is accurate and precise. You are also required to verify that the data that is entered by the site staff of the investigator is precise and complies with the protocol. The clinical research associate jobs also need the person to be focused on the terminology of the common acronyms of the industry. Make sure you have all the required skills for the CRA jobs.
The academic qualifications for the CRA jobs are an academic or for that matter a bachelor's degree in Life Sciences along with a good understanding of the local regulations and good clinical practices. You can also go for clinical research associate degrees with the following subjects as well:
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Dentistry
- Micro biology
- Medicine
- Biology
- Biomedical science
- Toxicology
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Clinical trial protocol
- Checking of the activities of the clinical site
- Making on site visits
- Reviewing case report forms or CRF
- Communicating with the clinical research investigators
Prior experience is important in CRA jobs as it helps you determine whether you are comfortable with the monitoring processes. This is in contrast to the functions of the clinical research coordinator as you are required to take classes that are hands on for providing CRA work that exposes you to the monitoring experience. The clinical research associate requires having an experience in networking as it helps them gain contacts and valuable recommendations.
The global career prospects of the clinical research associate or CRA jobs are good and they even vary between the companies, although a few companies also have motivational requirements available to the applicants and candidates. There are 3 levels of the CRA jobs and these include the following:
- Visiting the investigative centers
- More involvement in activities like protocol development and various kinds of coordination
- Management of projects
The median CRA salary for the clinical research associate per year is from $50,000 to $62,000, although this is something that depends on the organization, company, and experience of the candidate. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has affixed that the prospects are likely to be better until the year 2014.
The role of the clinical research associate involves stepping outside the box and adjusting your thought processes. In fact, with the growth and scope of your job, the priorities will also change and your job will be to focus on the protocol of the sponsor. As a clinical research professional, you will also need to adhere to the international guidelines as well as federal protocols. The CRA salary is also agreeable if you have the right educational qualifications and experiences that are required for the job.
