The recent
technological developments & scientific discoveries have increased
substantially the possibilities of creating new therapeutic molecules
and
devices, which need to be tested and approved before marketing, and the
number of clinical trials grows faster, then the introduction
of new trained professionals.
As a result, already
several years there
is a chronic
shortage of qualified staff in the field of the clinical trials (research departments often report to be understaffed up
to 25-30%)* which increases the demand and raises the
salaries level.
The
specific set of skills and knowledge, required for this field usually
is not sufficiently covered in the current regular university courses.
Some colleges and
universities offer continuing education programs for Clinical Research
Professionals, but in general, the
education
system does not seem to produce enough graduates to meet the demand for
entry-level positions like Clinical Research Associates (CRA-I),
Clinical Research Coordinators (CRC), Data
Management Specialists, Quality Assurance Specialists, etc.
For this reason once a person enters into
the field and starts working there, the recruiters begin calling him or her regularly to offer a better position in a new trial. This opens really good perspectives for a rewarding career in clinical research.
