Becoming a Clinical Trial Administrator

HealthcareAdministration.c; United States; On-site; USD 76,980; Full time

Job summary

HealthcareAdministration.c is seeking a Clinical Trial Administrator to oversee the administrative aspects of various clinical trials. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or a related field, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a keen attention to detail. The role involves preparing essential documents, attending meetings, and coordinating with other departments for compliance. A licensure and certification are required for practice in the USA. Competitive salary with an excellent job outlook is offered.

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor's degree and pass a licensing exam to practice.
• Preferred candidates should have practical experience.
• Professional certification from the relevant association is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Monitor administrative aspects of clinical trials.
• Prepare essential clinical trial documents and attend related meetings.
• Facilitate coordination with ethics and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Teamwork

Understanding of drug regulations

Software proficiency

Ability to monitor tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree in health sciences or related field

Master’s degree or Ph.D in related discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

Clinical Trial Administrators monitor the administrative aspects of a number of clinical trials, which are designed to test new medications and medical devices for safety and efficacy. Their responsibilities include preparing essential clinical trial documents; attending study meetings and arranging investigator meetings; facilitating coordination of ethics, regulatory and research and development submissions; identifying protocol problems, and reviewing study protocols. Depending on the setting and the trial, these professionals may perform some medical duties such as taking blood or performing lab tests.

Work Environment

Clinical Trial Administrators are employed in different environments such as hospitals, clinics or other health care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical equipment designers, other health-related manufacturers and research organizations. They often work full time.

Educational Requirements

To become a Trial Administrator, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a four-year degree in the area of health sciences, public health, public administration, business administration or natural sciences such as biology or chemistry. The candidates can pursue higher studies such as a two-year master’s degree or a Ph.D program in related discipline for better job prospects in this profession. However, most of employers prefer job aspirants with some practical experience.

Core Competencies

The common syllabus includes human resources administration, strategic planning, hospital organization and management, accounting and budgeting, law and ethics, health economics, and health information systems, a few among others.

Certification and Licensure

The practice of Clinical Trial Administrator requires to be licensed in all states of the USA. These professionals must have a bachelor’s degree, pass a licensing exam, and complete a state‑approved training program. The candidates can obtain exam‑based certification from the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management.

Skill Set

• High level of attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Project management abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Understanding of drug regulations
• Proficient in software applications
• Ability to monitor multi‑task activities

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for a Clinical Trial Administrator remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 13% during 2012‑2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Trial Administrator was $ 76,980 in 2012.