Cra Investment Manager: Steps To Success

A career in clinical research can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for those interested in the life sciences and healthcare. Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) play a crucial role in this field by monitoring the running of clinical trials and ensuring compliance with regulations. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a CRA, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goal. Firstly, obtaining a degree in a life science or health-related field is typically the minimum requirement to enter the industry. While it's not impossible to get into the field with a degree in finance or psychology, having a strong scientific background, such as a degree in medicine, pharmacy, or medical science, can give you a competitive edge and enhance your understanding of the role.

Gaining practical experience is essential, and internships or entry-level positions within the industry can provide valuable opportunities to learn and grow. Building a network of contacts through platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events can also increase your chances of securing a position. Additionally, obtaining certifications, such as the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and developing a diverse skill set, including administrative, IT, communication, and problem-solving skills, will make you a strong candidate for CRA roles.

CRA vs CRC: Understanding the difference

Clinical research is an important step in developing and evaluating new medical products. Two key roles in this process are clinical research associates (CRA) and clinical research coordinators (CRC). While both positions are integral to the success of a clinical trial, there are some key differences to note.

Educational Requirements

A Clinical Research Coordinator can be an entry-level position that requires a high school diploma or GED. While a college degree is not mandatory, a four-year bachelor's degree in a health-related field may be beneficial for career advancement. On the other hand, a Clinical Research Associate is not an entry-level position and typically requires a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, such as clinical research, health science, or biological science. Some employers may also prefer candidates with a master's degree or PhD, as this can count towards reaching promotions to more senior positions.

Employment Specifications

Clinical Research Coordinators work for a research clinic or trial site and report directly to the Principal Investigator (PI). They typically work in-person at the research site and do not travel frequently. In contrast, Clinical Research Associates are often employed by pharmaceutical companies, medical research institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), or government agencies. CRAs may work remotely from a home office and travel to assigned sites for monitoring and other duties.

Roles with Trial Participants and Data Collection

Clinical Research Coordinators interact and work directly with patients. They are involved in patient recruitment, scheduling patient visits, and collecting patient data. On the other hand, Clinical Research Associates do not interact directly with trial participants but ensure that enrollment standards are met and monitor the data collected with a focus on data quality and patient safety.

Salary

In general, Clinical Research Associates typically receive a higher salary than Clinical Research Coordinators due to their educational and travel requirements. The salary for a CRA can range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on their level of education, experience, the company they work for, and the number of visits per month.

Similarities

Despite their differences, both positions are essential to the success of a clinical trial. CRCs and CRAs must be organized, effective communicators, and good at multitasking. They are often referred to as the "backbone of a clinical study," with CRCs focusing on patient-related activities and CRAs focusing on study monitoring.

In summary, while both Clinical Research Coordinators and Clinical Research Associates play crucial roles in clinical research, they have distinct responsibilities, educational requirements, and career paths. Understanding these differences can help individuals interested in pursuing a career in clinical research make informed decisions about their desired path.

CRA qualifications and training

A career as a CRA, or Clinical Research Associate, typically requires a degree in a life science or a related field with a strong scientific background. While it is possible to enter the industry with a degree in finance or psychology, most people have a medical degree. This is because the role requires some degree of medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, as well as the ability to participate in medical discussions with investigators and monitor safety data.

A Master's degree or a PhD can be advantageous and is sometimes counted as relevant work experience. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers a certification exam to become a Certified CRA, which is a real advantage when applying for roles. The exam covers everything from scientific concepts and research design to product development, regulation, and data management.

There are also many online courses and academies that can help prepare you for the role, such as CRA Connect and the Harvard School of Medicine's Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program.

In addition to industry knowledge, a CRA will need a variety of skill sets, including administrative skills, IT and computer skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, organisation, and the ability to manage and coordinate with several stakeholders. Problem-solving skills are also important, as is a driver's license, as the role involves a significant amount of travel.

CRA career progression paths

Once you have landed your dream job as a CRA, it is important to consider your career progression path. When a CRA reaches a senior level, there are typically three main routes that a career in clinical research can take: trial process management, people management, or project management.

Clinical Trial Management

Clinical Trial Managers are responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing various aspects of the trial. This includes supervising staff, implementing study tools and documents, overseeing trial budgets, and providing strategic input into trials.

Clinical Team Management

Clinical Team Managers act as the direct line manager to associates. They manage and support team members, ensure staff are effectively trained, review the effectiveness of business processes, and plan professional development activities.

Clinical Project Management

Clinical Project Managers are involved in the planning and directing of clinical trials and are responsible for evaluating clinical data. Day-to-day tasks include maintaining study records, ensuring activities are delivered on time and within budget, interpreting study data, and developing trial plans.

As there are many career progression paths for a CRA, you may also choose to advance into a CRA role by gaining experience as a Clinical Project Assistant. Most pharmaceutical companies look for around two years of monitoring experience before considering candidates for a CRA role, which is why internships and graduate schemes can be a great way to get your foot in the door and start a career in clinical trials.

CRA interview preparation

Understanding the Role

To prepare for a CRA interview, it is important to first understand the role of a CRA and the qualifications needed to perform the job. A CRA, or Clinical Research Associate, is responsible for monitoring the running of clinical trials and may be involved in some or all stages of the clinical trials process. The key responsibilities of a CRA include monitoring study sites and clinical activities, updating study documentation, maintaining clinical data systems, and coordinating research procedures.

Education and Experience

Most CRA positions require a degree in medicine, pharmacy, or a related field with a strong scientific background. While it is possible to enter the industry with a degree in finance or psychology, having a medical degree will give you a better reputation and make a stronger first impression. In addition to a degree, gaining practical and professional experience is crucial. This can be achieved through internships, entry-level roles, or less senior positions within clinical research.

Skill Development

In addition to education and experience, developing a variety of skills is essential for becoming a successful CRA. These skills include administrative skills, IT and computer skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, organization, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Interview Questions

When preparing for a CRA interview, it is helpful to anticipate potential interview questions. Here are some examples of CRA interview questions that have been asked in the past:

• Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a client.
• What would you do if you only had a limited time on site?
• How would you increase contacts with the PI, or handle a very busy PI?
• What is included in an average visit?
• What is an SAE, and what are three things that qualify as one?
• Can you name the elements of an ICF?
• Can you describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision, and how did you handle it?

Certification and Continuing Education

It is important to note that the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification is required for all CRAs, and this certification must be renewed every two to three years, depending on the company's requirements. Additionally, continuing education is highly valued in the industry, and pursuing master's degrees, MBAs, or other certifications can enhance your credentials and career prospects.

Networking and Building Connections

Building a network of contacts is crucial in the CRA field. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers. Attend pharmaceutical events such as conferences, seminars, and summits to meet people in person and sell yourself effectively. These connections can increase your visibility and may even lead to interview invitations or valuable referrals.

CRA job application tips

Education

• A degree in a life science or a related field with a strong scientific background is typically required for CRA positions.
• A degree in medicine, pharmacy, or a related field is ideal, as it provides the necessary medical and pharmaceutical knowledge for the role.
• A Master's degree or a PhD can be advantageous and provide valuable experience in clinical research.

Experience

• Gaining experience in the field is crucial, as most CRA positions require prior experience.
• Consider entry-level positions or internships within clinical research to build experience.
• Larger companies often have graduate programmes and internships that can provide a good starting point for your career.
• Working as a clinical trial assistant or clinical project assistant can provide the necessary monitoring experience that companies look for when hiring CRAs.

Certifications

• Obtain Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, which is required for all clinical research professionals working as monitors.
• The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers a certification exam to become a Certified CRA (CCRA), which is advantageous when applying for CRA roles.
• Ensure that you have the necessary skill set for the role, including administrative skills, IT and computer skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, organisation, and problem-solving skills.

Networking

• Build a network of contacts within the industry, including recruiters, hiring managers, and other CRAs.
• Utilise platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals and companies in the industry, join relevant groups, and stay up to date with industry innovations.
• Attend pharmaceutical events such as conferences, seminars, and summits to meet industry professionals and potentially secure interview invitations or valuable contacts.

Job Applications

• Be realistic about the types of jobs you can attain based on your experience. For entry-level roles, focus on positions that do not require industry experience.
• Highlight relevant experience on your CV and tailor your cover letter to the specific company and role you are applying for.
• Emphasise your interest in the company and explain how your skills match the specific requirements of the role.

Frequently asked questions