Is the CRA Role an Entry-Level Job for Graduates?
In short, we at VIARES believe yes it is, as long as you are dedicated to your development and flexible in finding your personal pathway to the Clinical Research Associate dream job.
Exploring Both Sides of the Argument with Market Insights
Recently, we asked our LinkedIn community whether they believe the Clinical Research Associate (CRA) role is an entry-level job for graduates and/or for professionals with some relevant experience (e.g. healthcare, biomedical research, or pharmacy). The response from over 500 members was split, with 69% of respondents saying “no,” and 31% saying “yes.” In this blog post, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and provide a pro and con analysis for each answer, including some market information.
WHY THE CRA ROLE MAY NOT BE AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB FOR GRADUATES
EXPLORING THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Those who argue that the CRA role is not an entry-level job believe that it is a mid-level or even senior-level position that requires several years of experience in clinical research. They point to the fact that many job postings for CRAs require at least one to three years of prior experience, as well as a certification from a professional organization. Furthermore, some companies require CRAs to have experience in specific therapeutic areas or phases of clinical trials, which can make it difficult for recent graduates to qualify for these positions.
Some argue that the CRA role is not truly entry-level because it requires a certain level of knowledge and skill that may not be acquired through a typical undergraduate degree program. For example, CRAs need to have a strong understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, regulatory compliance, and data management principles. In addition, they must be able to communicate effectively with clinical site staff and study team, as well as manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. These skills and knowledge can be acquired through on-the-job training or through graduate-level or certification training programs in clinical research.
IS THE CRA ROLE STILL AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB FOR GRADUATES?
Examining Opportunities for Relevant Experience and Career Growth
On the other hand, it could be argued that the CRA role is still an entry-level job for graduates, even if it requires some prior experience or certification. In many cases, companies are willing to hire recent graduates who have completed internships or co-op programs in clinical research, or who have some relevant experience in other areas, such as data analysis or project management, biomedical research, and similar areas. Additionally, there are many entry-level positions in clinical research that can serve as stepping stones to a CRA role, such as Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Assistant, Clinical Operations Specialist, Trial Master File Specialist, Study Start-Up Specialist, and many more.
According to the recent market data, the demand for CRAs is on the rise, with a projected industry growth rate of 6-8% annually for the coming years. This growth is being driven by factors such as increased investment in clinical research, a growing emphasis on personalized medicine and precision medicine, and a higher demand for therapies and vaccines related to COVID-19. As such, there is a need for skilled and knowledgeable professionals to manage these trials and ensure that they are conducted ethically, efficiently, and the obtained data are of high-quality and can be trusted by regulators.
So, is the CRA role an entry-level job for graduates?
Ultimately, whether or not the CRA role is an entry-level job for graduates may depend on factors such as the specific job requirements, the employer’s preferences and needs, and the candidate’s level of education and experience. However, one thing is clear: the demand for CRAs is growing, and there are opportunities for recent graduates to enter the field and build successful careers. As we’ve discussed, the clinical research industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with a projected increase in demand for CRAs.
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION
HOW INTERMEDIATE STEPS CAN BOOST YOUR CAREER TRAJECTORY
While the CRA role may seem like an attractive option for recent graduates or professionals with some relevant experience (e.g. healthcare, biomedical research, or pharmacy) looking to enter the clinical research industry, it may not always be the best starting point. The CRA position requires a high level of responsibility and knowledge of regulatory requirements, which can be daunting for those new to the field.
Instead, it may be beneficial for graduates to consider other recognized entry-level roles in clinical research, such as Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Assistant, Clinical Operations Specialist, Trial Master File Specialist, Study Start-Up Specialist, and others, as a first step in building their careers. These roles provide valuable experience and opportunities to learn about clinical research processes and regulations, which can be applied to future positions, including the CRA role. Taking an intermediate step can also help graduates to gain confidence and develop a solid and broader foundation of skills and knowledge that will be essential for their success in the CRA role and beyond.
VIARES CRA Training course - YOUR STRONG FOUNDATION
As covered above, we do see a strong pathway into a career as CRA for graduates. Maybe a in-between-step is necessary, but you can get yourself ready for it today for your CRA career. With the VIARES CRA training course, you will get all the required competencies to demonstrate your readiness for becoming a CRA. You will learn about:
- Basic clinical research know how
- GCP regulations and overall regulatory knowledge
- Clinical Trials design and understanding on roles and responsibilities
- How to start a clinical trial
- How to monitor on site and remote a clinical trial
- Introduction to Data Management
Learn more about the VIARES CRA training course and why this is a great starting point for you – like it was for more than 4000 VIARES students.
- Basic clinical research know how
- GCP regulations and overall regulatory knowledge
- Clinical Trials design and understanding on roles and responsibilities
- How to start a clinical trial
- How to monitor on site and remote a clinical trial
- Introduction to Data Management
Learn more about the VIARES CRA training course and why this is a great starting point for you – like it was for more than 4000 VIARES students.
