Applied Clinical Research CERT

Description

"The Applied Clinical Research program, offered by McMaster University Continuing Education and affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences, is designed for individuals seeking to enter the field of clinical research to enhance their knowledge and skills required for employment. 

Program content is based on common areas of knowledge and skills for clinical research associates and managers as identified by a North American Advisory Board and the competencies of the Internationally-focused Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

Students are given a three-year period to complete all required components of the certificate program. The requirement is based on the need to remain current with legal, regulatory and ethical considerations in the field of work.   

Applied Clinical Research Program Overview
  • 5 courses
  • 100% online
  • Open enrolment - no application required!
  • A typical student would finish the program as fast as one year (over three terms), or one year and eight months (over five terms) 
Who should take the Applied Clinical Research program
  • Professionals from a variety of academic backgrounds, including health sciences, medicine, nursing, health informatics, or epidemiology. 
Admissions Requirements:
 
"This program is an open enrolment program. There is no formal admission procedure. To enrol in a course or the program, simply register online. Students should register at least three weeks before classes begin.
To be admitted to the CCE programs, students must have:
  • Equivalent academic experience, such as a university degree/college diploma with relevant coursework in science, health science, nursing, or other relevant education with a minimum cumulative GPA of C- or better;
  • OR, be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University; 
  • OR, be deemed an exceptional case.
Program Prerequisites
 
In order to ensure that learners have the basic capabilities necessary to be successful in the program's academic courses, it is recommended that learners have the following pre-requisite knowledge, skills, or course completion:
  • Knowledge and skills in statistics, and mathematical literacy;
  • Proficiency with computer program applications, such as Excel
  • English Language Proficiency requirements: Completion of TOEFL exam with minimum acceptable score of IBT: 86 overall with a minimum score of 20 on each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening), valid for 2 years. "
Career Opportunities from the Applied Clinical Research Program include:
  • Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Project Manager
  • Clinical Research Assistant / Assistant Clinical Researcher
  • Senior Clinical Research Associate 
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Research Associate in a specific discipline/specialty (i.e. Oncology Research Associate
  • Clinical Trial Supervisor
  • Clinical Trial Coordinator

Objectives of the Applied Clinical Research Program
 
Students will be able to:
  • Describe Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements and explain the legal and regulatory issues in clinical research
  • Construct a clinical research protocol and critique flawed and exemplary studies
  • Differentiate the key elements of successful study and site management 
  • Examine ethical issues in clinical research and select appropriate approaches strategies to navigate 
  • Practice the leadership and communication skills needed in a clinical research setting
  • Demonstrate an awareness of ethical practices and professional standards applicable to the field of clinical research
  • Exemplify the skills, attitudes and behaviours required to effectively communicate with various stakeholder groups engaged in clinical trails
  • Demonstrate personal management, leadership and project management skills
Program Delivery Format
  • All program courses in the Certificate will be delivered fully online. 
  • Delivery activities will include instructor lecture and/or presentations, readings, group discussions, and practical application activities. Where possible, simulation activities will be used to enhance experiential education.
  • The final capstone course will allow students to work virtually in groups. Each team will operationalize a mock clinical trail to simulate the real work environment by completing typical milestones. 
 
Certificate in Applied Clinical Research Requirements 

Academic Credit – 15 Units
 
 A completed post-secondary education (diploma or degree) is strongly recommended.

Students must complete all 5 courses (15 units) in order to qualify for the Certificate in Applied Clinical Research.
Students are given a three-year period to complete all required components of the certificate program. This requirement is based on the need to remain current with legal, regulatory and ethical considerations in the field of work. 

Courses must be taken in the below order:
Courses (complete all 5)
  • ACR 101   Principles of Clinical Research
  • ACR 102   Research Ethics
  • ACR 103   Clinical Trial Design
  • ACR 104   Clinical Trial Management
  • ACR 105   Clinical Research Capstone
Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.
 

 

Overview

McMaster University logo
  • Institution: McMaster University
  • Program type: Certificate
  • Language: English
  • Program Code: ACRCERT
  • Delivery Method: Fully Online/Distance

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Disclaimer:
Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.