Degree Overview: Master Degree in Health Sciences Focusing on Clinical Research Administration
Majors Overview October 27, 2017This article talks about master’s degree programs in clinical research administration and their educational requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Master’s Programs in Clinical Research Administration
The focus of master’s programs in clinical research administration is on the scientific methods of professional clinical practices, clinical research, and the regulatory ethical guidelines necessary for ensuring the protection of human subjects.
Students need to complete 36 credit hours of study in these master’s programs that combine seminars, classes, and independent study projects. Schools offer some programs in online formats. Program graduates may have to complete a thesis or final research project before the culmination of the program.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but some schools admit students with undergraduate degrees in non-related areas. Some schools only accept individuals who currently have employment in the field. Students may have to submit relevant undergraduate credits.
Coursework
The focus of program coursework is mainly on topic areas that directly relate to the management of research facilities, and clinical research. Students are taught about the legal and regulatory issues involved in drug development, the monitoring and overseeing of clinical trials and the conduct of medical writing for clinical research. In some programs, coursework may cover more general course topic areas in the humanities and the sciences. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Bioinformatics
•Drug development
•Clinical practices
•Health service management
•Health Informatics
•Clinical research
•Medical writing
•Clinical study administration
•Pathophysiology
Career Options
Program graduates may choose from various career options in academia and research. Employers may include sponsors with specific research goals in developing pharmaceuticals or medical devices, and they can choose from possible job positions such as:
•Clinical operations manager
•Clinical project manager
•Clinical trials manager
•Clinical research monitor
•Clinical data manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a 12% job growth rate has been predicted for general and operations managers, including clinical operations managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2016, general and operations managers brought in an average annual wage of $122,090 (BLS).
Continuing Education Options
Individuals seeking careers in the related area of medical science may opt for continuing education by enrolling in doctorate programs in biological science.
