CRA Training - Schools in Canada?

I am pathologist and working in cancer hospital since 2009 AD. Now i am very much interested in clinical reasearch in canada. What criterias are required to get this course? What is scope of course in canada, US and Asian countries like Nepal? If you have any idea about this please convey to me.
thanks.

If yuo are itnerested to study in USA contact www.aiptnet.comthey have nice CRA program and other medical program
thanks

jenny in Ancaster, Ontario said: do they provide 3 months internship program for CRA at humber or the candidate have to find it, can you suggest anything about the interview process

only if your full-time, internship not guaranteed

If you are looking accrediated program for CRA only one school offers in USA and canada. visit website www.AIPTnet.com
Their graduated students got job all over the world in multinational companies over 18 years.

My friend went to study at AIPT www.aiptnet.com They have very good program and good teacher

Yes I did studied CRA program at AIPT 2010 and presently working in pharmanet in New Jersey. Well quialifed teacher with extensive experience over 15 years in Japan/Canada and USA. Also good Placement assistance service. Also Its a Accrediated program.

Hi!
Has anyone heard about the post diploma program at UWO in London -Clinical trial management? It has a clinical placement, internship an co-op.

I was reading communication/advise to Jay on www.indeed.com.

My son Abhishek Patel is qualified with the degree B.Pharm + M.Sc. in Clinical Research with PGDM in pharmaceutics and has 4 years practical experience in India.

He did his school and college education in the Medium English

He would like to work and settle either in Canada or US after
seeking job or doing some certification course at Canada/US

Will you please recommend me how to find a job in US/Canada based on his qualification and experience in India or he should do first certification course that you would like to recommend ?

Your advise and guidance would certainly help my son for the early
settlement in life.
Suryakant

I was reading communication/advise to Jay on www.indeed.com.

My son Abhishek Patel is qualified with the degree B.Pharm + M.Sc. in Clinical Research with PGDM in pharmaceutics and has 4 years practical experience in India.

He did his school and college education in the Medium English

He would like to work and settle either in Canada or US after
seeking job or doing some certification course at Canada/US

Will you please recommend me how to find a job in US/Canada based on his qualification and experience in India or he should do first certification course that you would like to recommend ?

Your advise and guidance would certainly help my son for the early
settlement in the life.

Please contact me on my email address: scranderi@gmail.com
Suryakant

hi
i am doctrate in psychology from delhi university with 15 yrs of teaching experience in senior school. i want to persue some short term course in canada in psychology that can guarentee me some employment there. I am currently in india. Also tell me some useful website for the search
thanks

Hami in Toronto, Ontario said: I am a pharmacy grad. with post grad in Health policy and mgmt. having flair in clinical research and regulatory affairs. I have consumed my plenty of years in pharma sales, manufacturing, retail and few years in pharma reg affairs. I have no direct experience as clinical research associate but my education and diversified experience provides a lot of exposure to those components. What are the possibilities to be involved directly in clinical research projects( no matter at the basal level ) with some research organisation.and how I can achieve that target in short span of time. Suggestions from peers highly desirable

Where did you do your post grad?

I have done BDS from india.im interested in doing cr pg dploma pls suggest me M i eligible for it ?

Hi all,

I am a medical graduate from India ( M.B.B.S ). I went through whole of this thread ( well almost ). I wish to enter the field of Clinical Research. My problem is that I graduated last year and have been working as a medical officer ( doctor ) for about 1 year and 6 months now.I have no research experience at all. I wish to take up research job in Canada. I want to know if the CRA training programs in these colleges that have talked about so much till now in this forum i.e. Humber, Oxford, Mc Master Univ really help in getting research jobs in Canada ? If no, then whats the best strategy to land up a good research job in Canada ? I have read the whole thread but I am yet not very clear about what exactly needs to be done ?

I shall be glad if somebody replies with clarity !!

hi all
i am bachelor in homoeopathic medicine having 3 yrs of clinical research experiance in hospital setting can any body guide me regarding getting jobs in canada in clinical research or i have to undergo training in clinical research
thank a lot if anybody guide me.

Im thinking to enroll to the CRA program at AAPS toronto ... any piece of advice would be appreciated since im confused between that and oxford ... !!

I finished the CR program from AAPS and the program really is very good. The teacher is well experienced. And the schedule is very light. About getting a job it all depends on you. The thing is they will make you fully armed to hunt for a job. I don't have job yet and I have never applied since I finished because I have oehtr plans.

kelly in Toronto, Ontario said: I took the Clinical Research Course at Humber and I would highly recommend it. Learn alot and are really prepared to go out into the field. Everyone got a job placement at the end for co-op and iwould say 90% of the people were hired by those placements. Placements were for pharma companies, CROs, and hospitals.

hey kelly, can u please give me a bit more information about studying the clinical research course in humber and also about the job opportunities thereafter after the completion of the course.

genie in Niagara Falls, Ontario said: only if your full-time, internship not guaranteed

Hi Genie,

I have been looking for a job in clinical research and I am becoming very discouraged. I have a Bachelor's of science degree in Microbiology, a graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations, A CRA diploma from Kriger w/ 1yr internship and I am currently doing my Master's in Clinical Research Administration Online. What do I need to do to get a job in this field? Do I need to finish my graduate degree to be seriously considered? And if so, where can I find a volunteer opportunity in the GTA so I can gain some experience until then?

Heather in Brampton, Ontario said: Hi Genie,

I have been looking for a job in clinical research and I am becoming very discouraged. I have a Bachelor's of science degree in Microbiology, a graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations, A CRA diploma from Kriger w/ 1yr internship and I am currently doing my Master's in Clinical Research Administration Online. What do I need to do to get a job in this field? Do I need to finish my graduate degree to be seriously considered? And if so, where can I find a volunteer opportunity in the GTA so I can gain some experience until then?

Hi heather,

In no way will getting a masters degree help you find entry-level employment in clinical research. I sure hope you arent doing your masters program with the idea itll help you find an entry level job- thats doing it for the wrong reasons and it wont pay off.

The best ways to get started are by:

1. starting out in a entry level position. No course or degree will ever substitute for experience in clinical research....ever. A CRA job is not an entry level position and you need a few years in CTA, CRC, nursing or administration work before you can be considered. I see too many people think if they take a class they can just jump into a clinical research job without starting out in an entry-level job.

2. Be available to apply anywhere. You have to be willing to move to another state or country to find a company that will be willing to give you your first chance.

3. Network! Jobs are given to people that know people. Talk to your professors, make friends in the industry and go to professional events and conferences.

I'm hoping someone here can help me. I am trying to decide whether to move into clinical research. I have a PhD in kinesiology and am currently doing postdoctoral work in cellular/molecular biology. During my PhD, I ran several trials on people (using mostly exercise and/or medication). I have experience drafting ethics documents, recruiting subjects, running trials and delegating responsibilities during trials. I have also collected, analyzed and presented data. Between my MSc and PhD, I probably have roughly 3-4 years of experience with this kind of work. My problem is that all these trials were in a university setting and I'm wondering if this kind of experience might transfer into a purely clinical setting at a hospital or company. I am fine with obtaining certification and accepting entry-level positions if need be, and my family is also willing to move. I'd just like to know what my chances are of even getting that entry-level job! BTW, I am currently trying to source out clinical research managers (my long-term goal) in my area to try and network and speak directly with the right people.

Any suggestions? I've found this board very informative. Bryan's response above was particularly eye-opening!

Yes true the Clinical trial jobs are usually filled with RNs This is not advertised but unfortunately it has become a trend ,I totally agree with the opinion.

So do look around and talk to people before spending huge fees on CRA courses

is the oxford college CRA program worth the money you'll spend?? they have intensive program with 3 months placement at some major hospitals in the end .. so it this a wise choice?? lets say you started as a CRA what should one expect to be in few years ? is it a career , is it a good job later?I really need help since im new to the country and I dont know much about the field here in toronto

Manisha in Mohali, India said: Hi,
I am going to get my PR for canada, after that are there any chances for me to get into clinical research field? I have done my masters in pharmacy practice with one year project on pharmacoeconomics. Plz guide me.

Hi!You can work as volunteer in hospital/medical centre.Then,you can apply for clinical research job as a clinical research coordinator.

Hello. I will have an english assessmet test at Humber College. Does anyone know how the assessment will be? How about the topic? I applied for the Paralegal Program. I'll appreciate if someone can help me out. I'm just getting nervous. Thanks

Hi all,

I am a consulting Pathologist from India, I mean M.D.(pathology&bacteriology).
Recently I have become a Permanent Resident of Canada and I am looking for a carrier in Clinical Research, can any body guide me how to go about? I mean at present I am here in India for atleast 2 years. If I can do any program online would it help me when I arrive there? I have an experience of 22 years in my field and I want to do something related to medical field but. If anybody has some idea please guide me.

Thanks
alka

doing an online programme might help you but what I would suggest you is that to take admission in the humber university canada specialised in clinical research programme as they also provide with some on site summer training. Or you can directly contact the CROs and find out if they have any suitable vacancy that matches your profile as you have exensive years of experience.

Best of luck.

I am a Clinical Researcher with 6 yrs experience and I am not getting anywhere. I came here to Canada in 2000 to do my M.Sc and then in 2005 stepped into Clinical Research. I have yrs of experience in this country and still not able to find a job. I am not sure if you should come here at this time coz of bad recession.

Thank you

I am looking for an entry level clinical research position or part time internship. I have completed a clinical monitoring certificate program and I am currently doing my MSc in Clinical Research Administration. Can anyone help me? I can be reached @ kris_heat@yahoo.com

heather said: I am looking for an entry level clinical research position or part time internship. I have completed a clinical monitoring certificate program and I am currently doing my MSc in Clinical Research Administration. Can anyone help me? I can be reached @ kris_heat@yahoo.com

Hello there
I will be immigrating to canada within a couple of months, i hold a BSC in Biology and have extensive experience in pharmaceuticals sales. However am thinking to work in CLinical trials management. What do you think? How to start to get a certificate? Any advices from anybody?

Hello Shadi,

Pharma sales and the clinical trials industry have very little in common. Yes, they both work with medicines, but that's where the similarities end. If you want to work in clinical trials management, at least 6-10 years of experience with clinical trials is usually required. No certificate will ever substitute for experience.

Why do you want to leave your industry?

Thnx for e reply
Do you suggest finding a job in sales? Do u have any info abt drug rep?

Hello everyone..I am a recent grad (BSc in biology) from york university, planning to apply to the clinical research program at Humber college. Having read the previous posts here and all the requirements on the college website, I wanted to know if anyone has an idea of the minimum GPA requirement for this program at Humber college? I'm worried because I don't have a very good average (it's pretty low like in the 60s). Did anyone have a similar problem and still get accepted to the program after passing the interview and test? How likely is it that I will get accepted to the program in sept 2012 if I do good on the interview and test? Any feedback on this would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

The clinical research program is highly competitive and grades do matter, especially because humber has ties to high ranking academic hospitals and the like. In order to pass the first round selection, they rank you according to your grades and english test mark. You would first have to pass the initial base assessment before getting to the interview, which is based on marks (your transcript and english test). They do evaluate you on a combination of things though, so its not entirely based on grades. They also look at work experience as well i believe. Although when i was in the program, everbody i knew had solid marks entering the program.

Good news is that there are many other clinical research programs (that are of good quality) out there.

SB2011 in toronto said: Hello everyone..I am a recent grad (BSc in biology) from york university, planning to apply to the clinical research program at Humber college. Having read the previous posts here and all the requirements on the college website, I wanted to know if anyone has an idea of the minimum GPA requirement for this program at Humber college? I'm worried because I don't have a very good average (it's pretty low like in the 60s). Did anyone have a similar problem and still get accepted to the program after passing the interview and test? How likely is it that I will get accepted to the program in sept 2012 if I do good on the interview and test? Any feedback on this would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

Hi-I am connected with YU-can you email me on this email:usnandy@rogers.com

Ms U S Nandy

I'm looking at various institutions for CRA programs and I don't know which one would be a better choice: Humber or Oxford? Does AAPS have internship as part of the CRA program? Any feedback is appreciated

Hi , i got in humber for cra i had low gpa but i did my grad from outside canada. I'm looking to network with cra people , reply if you interested in networking? my email is rightguy404@yahoo.com

SB2011 in toronto said: Hello everyone..I am a recent grad (BSc in biology) from york university, planning to apply to the clinical research program at Humber college. Having read the previous posts here and all the requirements on the college website, I wanted to know if anyone has an idea of the minimum GPA requirement for this program at Humber college? I'm worried because I don't have a very good average (it's pretty low like in the 60s). Did anyone have a similar problem and still get accepted to the program after passing the interview and test? How likely is it that I will get accepted to the program in sept 2012 if I do good on the interview and test? Any feedback on this would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

don't do the Humber program...waste of time and money (this is based on my information from 5 years ago but I have heard the it's been getting worse and worse every year). I am not sure if they guarantee your placement or not. job market is really saturated and getting into the field as an entry level CRA is impossible unless you have connections. Humber program was good 7-8 years ago. not any more. if you have any clinical experience with proper education, all the rest you can learn on your own. everything you need to know about clinical research is available publicly. I remember a few years ago administrative of this program at Humber were talking about having students find their own placements. so look into that because if that is the case now then it is not worth it at all any more.

has anyone heard of the Michener institute clinical Research associate training program? how does it compare to Humber?

I didnt hear abt it, but in general no body is recommending this degree any more, why dont u go toward graduate studies?

hi , i am a graduate in ayurvedic medicine and i have persued PG diploma in clinical research from a reputed university in India. i had got 2 year experience in this field too. i am planning to migrate to canada by this this year (june). i am planning to locate in alberta, can u suggest any course or any job oppertunities in this field over this place? please help me u catch me at( dranila123@gmail.com )

Dear.
I need help as i want to join clinical research associates / coordinator course.I was in pharma sales in India for 4 years and i found this course would be great help.
so kindly guide me what to do??
Can below institution course will help me in future?
please provide me best solution to solve my problem and make right decision for my future?

can it is better to study in Canada after getting PR visa or make some educational background and take experience related to clinical research in India?
thanks
RITESH

Dear Paritosh,

I am Bachelor of Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, Bangalore.

I have hand on 2 year experience in Pharmaceutical sales as MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVE.

Recently i got information regarding to do clinical research course for better future.
Is if i complete PG DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN CLINICAL RESEARCH in India is it help full to me in Toronto or any other place of Canada?

Here some institution are running this course for 3months , 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 2 years . Is this valid or after completion of this course in india , on based of this course if i will take experience in Indian research company , my experience will count there or not.

If you guide me for same I am very thank full to you so i can save my time and money with help of you,

Here are some institutions list which run this courses

1. iicrindia.com/ FULL TIME
2.www.icriindia.com / FULL TIME
3. www.aceindia.org ON LINE
4. www.cliniminds.com ON LINE
5. www.cra-training.com ON LINE

Is full time course is good or Online ?

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Regards,
Ritesh Patel

Thoughts?

I finished my PhD where I was involved in clinical studies and then completed 2 years of postdoctoral training where one of my roles included running 5 separate clinical studies. I have the experience and currently work for a medical devices company which will eventually be running clinical trials. I would like to get the certification, but have no idea how the certifications from the different schools are regarded. Anyone have comments on the following 2 programs?
1) Michener Institute
2) McMaster University

Thanks

biosci in Hamilton, Ontario said: Thoughts?

I finished my PhD where I was involved in clinical studies and then completed 2 years of postdoctoral training where one of my roles included running 5 separate clinical studies. I have the experience and currently work for a medical devices company which will eventually be running clinical trials. I would like to get the certification, but have no idea how the certifications from the different schools are regarded. Anyone have comments on the following 2 programs?
1) Michener Institute
2) McMaster University

Thanks

Also, how well do these courses prepare you for the SoCRA certification?

Biosci,

You are already a holder of a higher degree AND you have industry experience. I don't feel you will benefit from either of these programs. It seems like a step down for you.

Mather in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Biosci,

You are already a holder of a higher degree AND you have industry experience. I don't feel you will benefit from either of these programs. It seems like a step down for you.

Curious as to why you would say that. Are you suggesting I just go ahead and take the SoCRA certification without taking a diploma first?

Although I have experience running clinical trials (medical imaging) I am not familiar with many of the topics covered by these two programs. Most companies I've looked into want the paper no matter how many years of experience you have. I imagine to ensure that the applicant is familiar with current industry standards and not just with academic/university standards and possibly for legal reasons.

Thoughts?

BioSci,

I've taken both of the SoCRA and ACRP certification and only had a
Bachelor's degree at the time I took the test.  My preparations
included reading the ICH guidelines (can be printed for free online)
for research areas I was not familiar with and relying on my
experience.  I passed both tests with a near-perfect score.  No
courses are needed.

I would recommend courses for the type of person who is unable to
commit themselves to self-study.  I assume because you've already
earned a PhD, you do not require someone monitoring you and pacing
your learning in a course.  You are fully capable of learning what is
necessary independently and taking the test at the next opportunity.
I am sure you will pass- but if you don't you can always enroll in
these classes afterward.

You'd miss out on so many career opportunities so that you can take
classes at a lower degree level.  I recommend that you skip the
classes, get the certification NOW and get into the job market.

BioSci,
I have a MSc. in Molecular Biology and no experience in clinical reseach, what do you think is going to help me get in to this field? will doing the SoCRA and ACRP help or should I go for the courses? I have been told that the best thing to do is to get into a Clinical Research Assistant or Data Coordinator position. I have sent several applications but have got no response yet. Would appreciate it if you shared your experience in getting into this field.
Regards

Layla,

Without work experience in clinical research, you cannot sit for either exam. For ACRP CCRA certification, you must have worked as a CRA for at least two years before you can apply to take the test.

Layla Naghibi in Toronto, Ontario said: BioSci,
I have a MSc. in Molecular Biology and no experience in clinical reseach, what do you think is going to help me get in to this field? will doing the SoCRA and ACRP help or should I go for the courses? I have been told that the best thing to do is to get into a Clinical Research Assistant or Data Coordinator position. I have sent several applications but have got no response yet. Would appreciate it if you shared your experience in getting into this field.
Regards

Hi Layla,
It really is all about who you know. If money isn't an issue, many labs in the London (Ontario) and Toronto area will take on volunteers to aid with running some clinical studies. Duties are limited to start, but at least it's a way to get your foot in the door and possibly move into the coordinator position.