Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for entry-level contract pharmaceutical research training

Earn a bachelor's or associates degree in one of the related sciences to get your foot in the door with a clinical research organization (CRO). Many schools that help you find jobs in research will point you to additional important training options you can pick up early in your career, such as working with hazardous materials.

I recommend: Receive a bachelor's degree or associates degree in clinical laboratory science or histotechnology from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Take the online courses at PTi International to provide a solid foundation in various areas of research as you begin work for a pharmaceutical CRO.

Find advanced contract research and development training online

Earn an advanced degree in a facet of pharmaceutical contract research and consider adding pharmaceutical marketing classes or biotechnology research training to your list of credentials. Look for special training opportunities that might include compliance and regulatory certifications or training on the latest pharmaceutical software programs.

I recommend: Earn a master's degree in clinical research through the online courses offered by Drexel University. Find a number of different training programs that you need to stay current with all the new guidelines and developments in the industry through the online courses available at Compliance Online.

Join associations that also offer pharmaceutical contract research training to members

Most trade associations for clinical research organizations offer continuing education and professional development courses for members that often include business courses in management as well as updated seminars that cover issues such as quality control, emerging biotech findings or new approaches to drug development.

I recommend: Make important industry contacts while taking the training provided by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. Take classes online, at home or in a local classroom through the training portion of your membership in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Narrow your focus and find more specialized drug contract research training to set yourself apart as an expert, such as in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 certification.

Action Steps
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Use a contract research pharmaceutical company to assist with regulatory and compliance issues

Good businesses will strike the balance between monies spent on regulatory issues and practicality. Pharma contract research will help with protocol development, reporting and provide the needed expertise for regulatory approvals.

I recommend: Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories has worked with phase-appropriate development for more than 40 years. This company assists in validation and regulatory compliance issues. Safe and effective drug processes are one of the hallmarks of PRA. They also emphasize good reporting and regulatory protocols.

Find a pharmaceutical contract lab to work for specifications, dosing and measurement

These applied research companies are fair and above board with costs and fees. You will find they have specific knowledge about toxicity testing, disease-specific efficacy and dosing specifications.

I recommend: Washington Biotechnology stands firm with quotes and will not charge for add-ons later on. OctoPlus assists companies in specific dosing requirements with bio-tech derived and conventional pharmaceuticals. Their facilities comply with FDA regulations.

Get training, staffing and specific assistance with a pharmaceutical contract research organization

Find the expertise you need for training in specific regulations and procedures, certifications, staffing of your organization, as well as freeze- and vacuum-drying pharmaceuticals. Whether you need help with the big picture or specific capsuling or testing, the companies are out there.

I recommend: Advanced Clinical Services offers staffing services for your pharma business. PharmaForm helps you solve your challenging pharmaceutical product development, analytical and manufacturing problems. Use NHK for your contract packaging and manufacturing needs. They specialize in manufacturing dietary supplements as tablets, capsules and powder drinks. They also can test for potency and efficacy of standardized or whole vitamins, herbs, minerals and nutraceuticals. Ben Venue Laboratories works with freeze-drying and vacuum drying sterile pharmaceuticals.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Smaller companies usually do contract pharmaceutical research for applied research, whereas government and educational institutions do basic pharmaceutical CRO. Base your decision about whether to do applied and/or basic research on the size of your company and the recommendations of your financial advisors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a contract research pharmaceutical fellowship as part of your education and training

A fellowship is a great way to earn industry experience in pharmaceutical contract research and development. Most fellowships have limited space and they require you to follow specific guidelines to determine eligibility. Follow these guidelines closely to better ensure your acceptance into one of these programs.

I recommend: The Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program gives you a hands-on opportunity to continue your education with a valuable fellowship. Recipients of the PhRMA Foundation award are eligible to participate in a fellowship to expand pharmaceutical CRO education and training.

Take courses that help you obtain pharmaceutical contract research education and training

To succeed within pharmaceutical contract research organizations, you need the right amount of training. Take training courses designed specifically for pharma contract research. While you may find some courses through your local college, university or trade school, your resume might outshine others if you enroll in courses through an actual pharmaceutical contract research organization or through a school with specialized pharma CRO training.

I recommend: Check out the Pharmaceutical & Biotech Training Courses offered by The Center for Professional Innovation & Education. Any one of those classes can help you as you perform contract research for the pharmaceutical industry. You can also enroll in contract pharmaceutical research courses through Kriger Research Institute.

Sign up for a seminar or conference for pharmaceutical contract research education and training

Seminars and conferences provide a great opportunity for you to cram a great deal of contract pharmaceutical research education into a short time. You can bring a seminar or conference to your location and have it tailored to your needs, or you can take time to attend one of these events sponsored by another company.

I recommend: First Clinical Research offers numerous seminar and conference topics, including many on drug company contract research. Contact the company to learn about hosting a seminar or conference at your location. Sign up for the MAGI Clinical Research Conference to learn the latest in drug contract research and to network with other people in the industry.