Becoming a CRA, should I first apply to be a Clinical Trials Assistant?

I've read that this is a good way to become a CRA within a few years. I'm wondering if it is relatively easy to land a Clinical Trials Assistant position? Do they want experience in clinical research too? I have a BS degree, not in a health science field, and I have no other experience. What do you think my odds are of even getting an Assistant position? Or would someone like myself need to start even lower in the chain :{ ?

anyone have experience in this?

Anyone at all...?

I started out as a Research Coordinator and then switched to the "pharma side" of the industry. You could also start as a CTA or CPA and then work your way up the ladder to a CRA. A word of caution...if you don't like to travel, I would not consider this career path. Most companies have changed and/or eliminated in-house CRA's. Just an FYI...Best of Luck.

Was the Research Coordinator position fairly easy to get? What did you do in an average day as a Coordinator?

THanks!

anybody have any experience as a coordinator?

Hi Chris,

I will tell you it was very hard for me to land my first job in Clinical Reasearch. I had a BS in Biology and I was always turned down for lack of experience. I eventually got in at a CRO as a data manager and now I am pursuing a career as a CRA, but I might have to take the CTA role first.

My advice would be to get into the industry in another role; such a regulatory coordinator, safety, data, something. CROs will probably more kind to hiring you compared to a Pharm. company. Check out the research programs in hospitals too. I hope this helps. Just don't give up...it took me 4 months to land my first job-and I was initially rejected due to lack of experience--but they called me back after the candidate they chose didn't work out. Ohh yeah too, I got the connection through a temp agency and when I say my pay was low, it was low; but you have to crawl before you walk. Keep the future in mind and get as much experince as you can.

With having a science background, PPD, will hire you as a CRA 1. They have the best training for CRAs, but you have to commit to 2 years of working for them. It was the best training and experience I've had. You will travel about 50-60% your first year as a CRA.

**not sure why my location is changing..lol**

Anyways, thanks AL. I did look into PPD but they are having a hiring freeze right now and that was the case 3 months ago. I decided to explore other countries and to my benefit, I got hired at another CRO as a CRA. Thanks for the info though..and as stated before to the others, don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok..I meant companies, not countries. Sorry.