Individuals who wish to take up clinical research as a career need to be aware of the eligibility criteria, additional courses and skills that are required in this field. Most institutions in India, including international institutes offer postgraduate courses in clinical research. That means individuals must possess a valid degree in science or degree in pharmacy.
However, to be efficient and to obtain a well paying job a basic bachelor’s degree is not enough. For that purpose, individuals need to have proficiency in different field of operations such as data management, biostatistics, clinical trails, soft skills and medical writing.
Several institutes in India as well as international institutes are offering such courses, which students can pursue after their graduation. The duration of such courses is of six months and students have to attend training sessions at weekend. After pursuing such courses students can become CRC (clinical Research coordinator), CRC (clinical research associate), DMV (Data management validator), and supervisor in hospitals or in pharmaceutical companies, safety reviewer or medical writer.
Some institutes offer PGCHM course also called as PG diploma is health care management. This course enables the students to learn medicine, finance, psychological support, management and stress related lessons and so on. After completion of this course, students may take up jobs as patient recruiters, retainers, care coordinators and health experts in any hospital. Candidates wishing to join this needs to possess degree in B. Pharmacy, M. Pharmacy, MD, MDS, BSc, life sciences, MPT, BPT, BHMS, BAMS, MBBS or
The maximum age limit to pursue this course is 35 years and student capacity each batch is limited to 10 to 15 students. In case PGCHM, the strength of each batch is about 20 to 25 students. Apart from this, the course curriculum also includes training in communication skills, interview skills, group discussions, SWOT analysis, body language and corporate etiquettes. Before enrolling for the admission individuals need to pass the aptitude test, computer test and English language test.
After passing the exams, the institutes place the students in reputed pharmaceutical as well as clinical research centres. Therefore, clinical research has become a favourite career among students in present days.