Workforce Development for Clinical Research Associates

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges in the clinical research enterprise today is ensuring that a competent workforce is available to carry out its activities. The purpose of this article is to discuss how professionals can break into the clinical research associates (CRA) role, and to present models that can help transition the novice into an expert. CRAs and employers need to ensure that an appropriate career path exists with ongoing development opportunities. The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency has outlined competencies for the clinical research professional that can be translated into the CRA role and serve as the ultimate goal for professional development. By creating a workforce development program that addresses the challenges of CRAs with varying levels of experience, the end result is a qualified and skilled role that is vital to the clinical research industry.