How to I get a job as a clinical research associate?

I have a biology degree and I have worked in various labs doing research. I would like to move into the direction of clinical research monitoring sites and all that goes along with that job. The only problem is every open job posting wants you to have at least one years experience. How do I get experience?

How to I get a job as a clinical research associate?
In my opinion, there are a few ways to break into a CRA role.


1)


Go through a temp agency, where the criteria may be lowered. The drawbacks are usually no vacation time and no insurance.





2)


Take a job as a CDA (clinical data associate).


A CDA basically cleans the data coming in on the CRF (clinical research form) and issues queries. This would give you the "pharma experience" to move either internally to a CRA position and then onto CRA'ing for a pharma company, or directly to a pharma company.


These positions are usually more easily found at CRO's (clinical research organization) companies, which work for the pharma industry. These companies bid on trials and then manage the data management and the monitoring. They are generally as not as nice to work for as the pharmaceutical companies: more hours, less pay. But they do give you benefits (i.e. vacation, retirement, profit sharing, health insurance)








Final Recomendations:


Be aware that a CRA is a job in which you will have to travel a great deal until you are senior enough. It is the ultimate road warrior job. If they say 50-60% travel they mean 80-90%





Once you are in the clinical trial world, look into becoming accredited through SOCRA or ACRP. If you have problems getting a job and are serious look at getting your RN license you then become very marketable in most regions and can either work for the site or the pharma company.





A lot of the above is contigent on you living in an area where there are numerous CROs, and pharmaceutical companies. East Coast (i.e. research triangle), Chicago area, West Coast (San Diego, San Francisco). If you don't then it will be more difficult but if you are willing to be on the road 80% or more of the time, then moving shouldn't be a big problem.


Google for pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, device companies etc... in your area.


The big CROs I know of are: Quintiles, Covance, and Kendle





Good Luck!
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