Training for Pharmaceutical Contract Research

Advance your career with training for pharmaceutical contract research
By Linda C. Ray Contract pharmaceutical research jobs require specialized training as well as degrees in science and research. Training for contract research and development is vital in the burgeoning industry that covers all phases of drug development, from learning the basic guidelines required at the start of a clinical trial to all the integral stages that are needed to complete a study and prepare a new drug for the market.

Earn a science or biology degree that focuses on subjects such clinical laboratory science, biostatistics or histotechnology. Add courses from a pharmaceutical contract research organization in other disciplines such as monitoring the trials and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance issues. Add training as your level of professional development dictates.

1. Watch for entry-level training while you search for contract pharmaceutical research jobs.

2. Add advanced certificates and training from pharma contract research services as your career progresses.

3. Participate in pharma CRO trade groups for professional development opportunities.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.