CRA Training - Schools in Canada?

hi Ans -- r u sure your friend get residency in cardio in canada.how he do this and how much time it takes.

It seems as though some of you are making this job out to be more complicated than what it really is. Try contacting pharmacuetical companies for like BMS, United Therapeutics, Novartis, Roche, the list goes on and on. Try CRO's like covance, quintiles. I live in the US but work from my home for companies outside the US. Go to google pull up pharmaceutical companies and go down the list to their web sites and apply. The only thing that will open the door for the CRA exam is 2years of Clinical research experience. I think the best way to get in research could also be to apply at hospitals or clinics that you know does research you have to start some where. This will be a good start.

SARA in Beamsville, Ontario said: hi Ans -- r u sure your friend get residency in cardio in canada.how he do this and how much time it takes.

Hi Sara,
my friend passed all exams in Canada and coudn't get a residency in Canada. He applied in USA and got it in a hospital. After 3 years he passed other exams and now he is doing his residency as a cardio in NY. It took him 7 years. He took some courses at Caplan.

Michelle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: It seems as though some of you are making this job out to be more complicated than what it really is. Try contacting pharmacuetical companies for like BMS, United Therapeutics, Novartis, Roche, the list goes on and on. Try CRO's like covance, quintiles. I live in the US but work from my home for companies outside the US. Go to google pull up pharmaceutical companies and go down the list to their web sites and apply. The only thing that will open the door for the CRA exam is 2years of Clinical research experience. I think the best way to get in research could also be to apply at hospitals or clinics that you know does research you have to start some where. This will be a good start.

Hi Michelle,
thanks a lot for advises. You gave a direction similar what I've been doing for 6 months. It looks easy, however the reality is opposite. No experience in Clinical Research- No job. The academic experience and background are not counted.

THANX Ana S FOR REPLY.i am too confuse about usmle and mccee but after spending lot off time on this i think usmle is best can u please tell me more about preprations and how much it takes time.

Is AIPT going to buy a school in New York ? I was told that I could get a visa from that school. Is that true ? Thanks for your reply

heena in Oakville, Ontario said: can anybody know michigan university in usa offering online CRA course

Hi:
I took the Clinical Research oline course at Michigan State University and was very pleased. It took me about 30 hours. I have a BSN and some CRC experience. I now work as a CRA. I had a good background, but this course definitely helped me learn the GCPs and regs and a known university training course looks great on my resume. Let me kow if you have any questions. Good Luck!
KC

KC
Thank you for your reply. i am MSC botany +Medical lab techonologist+ Medical Transcriptionist
working as a medical secretary is it okay to do the course and can get job

thanks

heena

Patel in Alexandria, Virginia said: Is AIPT going to buy a school in New York ? I was told that I could get a visa from that school. Is that true ? Thanks for your reply

By the way, (follow up to my previous posting), I made inquiries. Looks like the New York school is not authorized to issue any visas, and also look like the NY school is in a big problem based on false claims for money from the State. I discouraged my cousin from making any application /payment to the school

I got the offer about CRA program from McMaster this fall.I was wondering whether there is anyone graduated there? How was the course? Is there any chance that I can get a job after I 've done my course or I still need to find a volunteer job first?

Thank you.

Sam in Oakville, Ontario said: I got the offer about CRA program from McMaster this fall.I was wondering whether there is anyone graduated there? How was the course? Is there any chance that I can get a job after I 've done my course or I still need to find a volunteer job first?

Thank you.

I am doing the course and will be completing 3/5 courses in July and will be taking the other two courses in Sep. This is the only University level course offered in Canada and since I have a Ph.D. degree, obviously I choose the university level course. The course is conviniently times between 7pm-10 pm one day /week/subject. The quality of teaching and examination schedule and course content is same as certification by SoCRA or ACRP. Most of the students are already CRA/CRO and they are taking the course as their institution is recommending them to take this course. I know quite a few people who got jobs after doing this course. Ofcourse, that does not mean that a job is assured. Pharma industry does not care if you do the course or not and they look only for experience. If you are applying in academic institutions like Hospitals and universities then, you may have a better chance.

Thank you very much VJ. Your comment was so helpful. By the way I don't have any background about this field but i have a Master and B.Sc. degree in pharmacy back home and I would like to work in this field. Could you tell me which subject I should review before the class starts?

Thanks again.

ravi in Paramus, New Jersey said: if you are looking american education and relocating north american market then www.aiptedu.com also offer good one year diploma and 3 months certificate course in CRA over 15 years in USA.
consider good option. online do not work great.

I want to know more detail about CRA

Sam in Toronto, Ontario said: Thank you very much VJ. Your comment was so helpful. By the way I don't have any background about this field but i have a Master and B.Sc. degree in pharmacy back home and I would like to work in this field. Could you tell me which subject I should review before the class starts?

Thanks again.

Hi Sam,
With a MD in Pharmacy and experience in the pharmaceutical field better to take some Pharmaceutical Quality Control (6 month to 1 year)course and continue your career in R&D or any QA/QC Lab at any pharmaceutical company. I have the same background and I spent 2,5 year in CRA program(Humber College, part-time)and now I cannot get in the Clinical Research, because of lack of experience in the industry. Learning from mistakes.

Hi Anas,

Did you try to take the pharmacy exam here? What do you do now? Do you work in pharmacy field? Now I don't work in pharmacy field but I used to work as a pharmacy assistant. I'm planning to take OSCE and also study something (maybe CRA, QC). I'm not sure yet.

Hi Sam,

I was looking to get my license as pharmacist in Canada, but I found this process too expensive and too long ( about $ 16,000 and 3 years). I found the Clinical Research program at Humber College, I passed the assay and the interview for it. In december 2007 I graduate from program and I try to find a job.I had 3 interviews at different companies and I didn't get a offer because of lack of experience ( at least 2 years in the field), noone cares of your academic experience and knowledge. 2 months ago I evaluated my degree at U of T (they recognized my MD in Sciences of Pharmacy). After 2 months of hard work I got a grant from Government of Canada (Thank them)and on June 23 I will start a full-time training at Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences in Toronto in the Quality Control diploma program. This program is offered just for 5 years and many employers recognize it as a good one.

Hi Anna,
If it possible please tell me how you evaluate your diploma at U of T.
Thank you,
Irina

Irina, go www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces. This is U of T website- Comparative Education Service. It takes 12 weeks to get your evaluation and is recognized for education and for employment as well just in Ontario.

Would Google Maps be of assistance?

Much regards,
David
www.travellinesexpress.com
www.selfhelpgrowing.com

Thank you a lot Anna,
Irina

Thank you Anas for your recommendation. I used to discuss with the consultant at AAPS as well but she didn't ask me to evaluate my degree. Does AAPS require that? I've known that the cost to get degree evaluated from UofT is so expensive. I heard that some companies, for example; International Credential Assessment Service of Canada icascanada.ca/applicants/services.phphas this service as well and the price is much cheaper. Anyway did you try TIPS? i know they offer Q&A diploma as well but i don't know which institute is better. By the way can you tell me which grant you got from the Government? Is that OSAP?

Thank you very much Anas.

P.S. I haven't decided about my school yet. We might see each other at AAPS.

Hi Anas,

U said u graduated CRA from Humber. Is it full time or part time? I've known that they offer studentship for 3 months for full-time program.

Thanks

RAVI SINGH in Hillsborough, New Jersey said: I want to know more detail about CRA

Hello Ravi: You keep recommending AIPT. Do you work for them ? Do they issue student visas in New York ? Ed

Sam in Oakville, Ontario said: Thank you Anas for your recommendation. I used to discuss with the consultant at AAPS as well but she didn't ask me to evaluate my degree. Does AAPS require that? I've known that the cost to get degree evaluated from UofT is so expensive. I heard that some companies, for example; International Credential Assessment Service of Canada icascanada.ca/applicants/services.phphas this service as well and the price is much cheaper. Anyway did you try TIPS? i know they offer Q&A diploma as well but i don't know which institute is better. By the way can you tell me which grant you got from the Government? Is that OSAP?

Thank you very much Anas.

P.S. I haven't decided about my school yet. We might see each other at AAPS.

Sam, you don't need to evaluate your credentials for AAPS, however is required by MTCU to get a grant. At UofT evaluation is just $ 100CAD. I don't know about International Credential Evaluation, but I appplied to WES ( $ 120CAD) and they ask your original Academic Transcript MUST be send directly from your Institution and must be in English. I don't expect my University (from my former country) to send this transcript. I gave up.
You can apply for OSAP in case when you go for a POST-SECONDARY program, but QC is POST-GRADUATE at AAPS. The OSAP is reimbursable while the GRANT is non-reimbursable(Big difference).
I don't know about TIPS, but if you mean TIPT than I want to say: I met 4 people from TIPT and they didn't sugest this Institution.
Humber College provides 3-months internship just for full-time students, which in my opinion is unfair. In this case, they should approve for part-time just people with experience in the field, I think so.

Thank a lot Anas. Could you please suggest me how to get the grant? It seemed to me that Grant is much better because we don't need to pay back. Right?

Sam in Oakville, Ontario said: Thank a lot Anas. Could you please suggest me how to get the grant? It seemed to me that Grant is much better because we don't need to pay back. Right?

Sam, check the MTCU(Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities) web, find their office closer to you and call.
You will find out if you are eligible for a Grant.

Thank a lot Anas.

Paritosh Lamba in Jersey City, New Jersey said: Hi Jay,
If you are in Ontario, Canada as a permanent resident/ citizen then you can try Humber College. Humber is good they have good placement after 1 Year PG diploma in Clinical Research.
Another place you can try is Seneca college in Toronto. They also have 1 year PG diploma program in Clinical Research.
Both of these programs are good in Toronto.
I would say Humber is better.
Then you have McMaster etc. but I believe they require you to have some experience in Clinical research.
If you need more information then please feel free to contact me.
My e-mail ID is paritosh_gsk@yahoo.co.in.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Paritosh

Hi,
Iam a medical graduate and looking for some courses in clinical research,tell me which college is good, from where I can get a better programme.
regards,
Huma

Hello Paritosh,

I am planning to enter into Clinical Research and i have a MS in pharmacy. I plan to enroll in a formal training program and was not sure which one to choose. the online courses offered or gaining experience after entering the industry as a clinical trails assistant. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Paritosh Lamba in Jersey City, New Jersey said: Hi Jay,
If you are in Ontario, Canada as a permanent resident/ citizen then you can try Humber College. Humber is good they have good placement after 1 Year PG diploma in Clinical Research.
Another place you can try is Seneca college in Toronto. They also have 1 year PG diploma program in Clinical Research.
Both of these programs are good in Toronto.
I would say Humber is better.
Then you have McMaster etc. but I believe they require you to have some experience in Clinical research.
If you need more information then please feel free to contact me.
My e-mail ID is paritosh_gsk@yahoo.co.in.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Paritosh

RAVI SINGH in Hillsborough, New Jersey said: I want to know more detail about CRA

Ravi, I had written to you earlier, but there was no reply.

I just heard that the New York Department of Education is going to monitor AIPT's activities. My friend who was duped by the New York school, tells me that he had complained to the New York education department.

He had applied for admission and a student visa. He then was told that the school is not authorized to issue visas.
He and his friends had then been advised earlier by the NY School to wait till September and then make a claim. On inquiry, he realised that AIPT is taking over the NY school. To avoid complications, he has already complained against both AIPT and the NY school to BPSS. This is why because I ask you if you work for AIPT...

Experienced CRA in Durham, North Carolina said: Hello All,
You do not need course work or additional degrees, costing thousands of dollars, in order to break into clinical monitoring. A four-year degree in anything science related will be fine. I have a Ph.D. and wanted to get away from the bench but still get 'credit' for having a higher scientific education. I applied online at the big job websites and called for advice to local research organizations until I got a call back from the HR department of one of the largest CROs in the world. I took a lower-paying job as a trial assistant in exchange for the large company training me on everything I needed to know. I was promoted in ~half the usual time to the CRA role, get multple pay increases per year as well as bonuses, and have been monitoring for nearly 2 years. The key is applying to a large company that can afford the money to train you, avoid signing contracts, and starting at the bottom position. Don't tell the recruiter you 'love to travel', just be clear that you have no problem traveling 3-4 days/wk. You are not applying to be a professional tourist. Read industry magazines to learn the acronyms (CRA, CRO, IRB, DCF, IND, etc). This industry is doing very well and expansion at the large CROs is booming.

Hi Heer,

I just completed a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and would like to move into CRA. How do you compare your work being as a CRA to research scientest? Do you enjoy it? I am doing the online CRA program and hoping to find a CR assistant job once I finish the program. Could you please give me the names of those big CRO companies who are willing to train. Having a PhD degree, does it help you to work in this field and get promoted faster? Is it easier to move your way up to manager/director position in big Pharma? Thanks for sharing, really appreciated.

Hi YVES,

I am also very much interested in CR field. I have completed my Masters in pharmaceutical sciences and looking for some online courses. from where you are taking the online CRA program.

thanks

Integrated Resources Inc (IRI) is another organization that provides CRA trainings. The course is well researched and discussed with industry experts from Pharma companies and CROs.

It is taught by a Clinical Project Manager with strong CRA experience under their belt.

Once you finish the training, IRI will assist you in landing your first CRA job with their well established client base.

For more information calls:
732-549-2030x117

AnaS in Mississauga, Ontario said: Sam, check the MTCU(Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities) web, find their office closer to you and call.
You will find out if you are eligible for a Grant.

Hi Anas,

Last time we talked about you were going to attend at AAPS. Just wonder are you studying now? I'm interested in that school as well. By the way, are you still looking for a job in CRA field?

Thanks
Sam

Hi Sam,
Yes, I started my training at AAPS and I would say: it'so so, because of too much theoretical info and less practice in the lab.
Yes, I am still looking for a job in the CR industry, however no luck and I am frustrated...Maybe I should give up.
Don,t hesitate to ask me quiestions about AAPS if you have any before applying.

Thanks Anas. I believe the program has just started that's why an instructor needs to give you a lot of information first. Anyway how many students in your class? Is an intructor in-house or from somewhere else? Which program are you studying, QA or QA,QC? Do you know how many graduated students got a job? This September I'm going to attend CRA program in Mcmaster but since I've read a lot of comments from this forum, I am thinking about taking something else like QA, QC.

Thanks again.
Sam

hi any one enrolled in mc master CRA programe .plz i am also enrolled in mc master so what is the procedure of completing 5 courses.i mean after complete one other start on any thing else.
tell me about class rooms. r they speak normal english or hard one.any computer work in this course.i need details if any one their to help me plz i am soo thnk full

SARA in Mississauga, Ontario said: hi any one enrolled in mc master CRA programe .plz i am also enrolled in mc master so what is the procedure of completing 5 courses.i mean after complete one other start on any thing else.
tell me about class rooms. r they speak normal english or hard one.any computer work in this course.i need details if any one their to help me plz i am soo thnk full

I have enrolled in this course in April and completed 3 courses this summer and will completing the other two course (total 5 subjects) by December.It is a good course and most of the students are CRA who joined the course to update their knowledge or their company wanted them to get the certification. Therefore, the course is for people with some experience in any health care field/ basic research/ work exprience. (January/April/September). Except for the introduction course (001) which is offered 3 times a year, the other courses are not offered in all semisters. Therefore, you need to check with the university to plan what courses you will take to complete the course at the shortest time. The lectures very specific for the job and of good university standards. This is the only University level course offered in Canada. The rest of the courses in GTA/Canada are offered at College/Institute level. However, this does not always assure you a job. There is two day internship with a CRA/hospital (preceptership.

Hi Sara,

I've enrolled the class at Mc this Sepetember as well. I chose only one subject this semester. I checked on the curriculum if we enroll five subjects consecutively I believe we should graduate by July 2009. Anyway hope to see you soon.

Sam in Oakville, Ontario said: Thanks Anas. I believe the program has just started that's why an instructor needs to give you a lot of information first. Anyway how many students in your class? Is an intructor in-house or from somewhere else? Which program are you studying, QA or QA,QC? Do you know how many graduated students got a job? This September I'm going to attend CRA program in Mcmaster but since I've read a lot of comments from this forum, I am thinking about taking something else like QA, QC.

Thanks again.
Sam

hi, i want to enrol at a CRA course in Mcmaster. i have a MD degree. can u pls advise me on how do i start? do i need my transcript evaluated? what office in mcmaster can you suggest i visit.
thanks

www.mcmaster.ca
All details are given in the website.

just apply

Hello,

Have you guys considered American Scitech Institute? It is a CRO
company which offers certificate CRA program plus 6-12 months PAID
internship. I think we all agree practical monitoring experience is
what you need to break into CRA. They are taking Canadian students
with no extra charge and will provide supporting letter for TN
visa. I think it's a good choice! I will enroll the class in Augus
and will let everyone know how it goes.

That would be great. I do not know of any paid co-op or CRA training in Canada.

i am very much interested in mc master cra program. does anybody know the career prospects after doing this certificate course

and one more thing. I have completed my masters in pharma sciences in usa so will i be eligible for this program.

thanks

VJ in Brampton, Ontario said: www.mcmaster.ca
All details are given in the website.

I'm interested in this program too.
Can't find at the web, there are millions of programs, but none in advance Clinical Research
Could you pls provide with the exact name of the program?

www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/ccra/

Sam in Oakville, Ontario said: www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/ccra/

Thank you very much Sam for your quick response.
Do you know if there are any MS program in Clinical Research field in Canada?

For example, a friend of mine is currently working as clinical research coordinator for a big pharma firm, when she has neither university degree nor high school diploma. She only has a secondary school certificate and she had been trained within the pharma firm where she works.
Let me tell you that working in the clinical research industry is not about what you know, but who you know. Those who are eager to working in that well-paying industry will be disappointed once the get in. Trust me, I know what I am talking about.