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What does my ACRP certification mean to me? It means that I can confidently make decisions about the care I provide our subjects based on industry knowledge, credibility, and ethics. I started off in research like most, I believe. I had just started a job as a medical assistant out of school when the physician I worked for at the time asked if I would coordinate a clinical trial for him. Being that I’d just started there and I didn’t want to disappoint I said yes, having no idea what it really meant. My first clinical trial taught me that there was a whole new world out there that I knew nothing about. Like a sponge, I began to explore what research was and how it impacted the healthcare field. I hounded my monitors and fellow coordinators in the field about what was the best way to move ahead in this field. The one response I always received was, put in your time and then sit for the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator test. From the beginning, I knew that becoming certified was a big deal in our field and I wanted nothing more than obtain my certification.
I was fortunate to land my current position before I became certified, and was working remotely from my superiors when I was able to sit for my test. Passing the test gave additional affirmation of my capabilities to perform the duties bestowed upon me in my new position. I was able to show that my knowledge and experience was more than just me regurgitating facts. Being a CCRC showed everyone around me that I truly understood the complexities of research and that I could handle most issues that would come my way. In time, my work would show this to people regardless but having those four letters after my name showed everyone in our field immediately what I am capable of doing. When sponsors look at our site as a potential spot to conduct their research, they can look at my CV and know that the work we do will meet their high standards because I have passed a test that is specifically designed to quiz our real-world knowledge of research trials.
I am currently a site manager for a stand-alone clinical research facility. One of my main tasks is to hire, train, and guide new clinical research coordinators. By having this certification, it shows my employees that I know what I’m doing and that they can entrust in me to lead them. Since I’ve received my certification, I’ve also been invited to be on our company’s Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee. I am able to objectively look at the work of others and know if they are upholding industry standards and I’m able to give feedback that is both constructive and concise. While it is true that most people outside of the research world do not understand the importance of what my credentials mean, to the people that matter –employers, sponsors, and colleagues, it means the difference between just working in the field and having mastered the intricacies of the profession in which we take such pride to be a part of.
I was fortunate to land my current position before I became certified, and was working remotely from my superiors when I was able to sit for my test. Passing the test gave additional affirmation of my capabilities to perform the duties bestowed upon me in my new position. I was able to show that my knowledge and experience was more than just me regurgitating facts. Being a CCRC showed everyone around me that I truly understood the complexities of research and that I could handle most issues that would come my way. In time, my work would show this to people regardless but having those four letters after my name showed everyone in our field immediately what I am capable of doing. When sponsors look at our site as a potential spot to conduct their research, they can look at my CV and know that the work we do will meet their high standards because I have passed a test that is specifically designed to quiz our real-world knowledge of research trials.
I am currently a site manager for a stand-alone clinical research facility. One of my main tasks is to hire, train, and guide new clinical research coordinators. By having this certification, it shows my employees that I know what I’m doing and that they can entrust in me to lead them. Since I’ve received my certification, I’ve also been invited to be on our company’s Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee. I am able to objectively look at the work of others and know if they are upholding industry standards and I’m able to give feedback that is both constructive and concise. While it is true that most people outside of the research world do not understand the importance of what my credentials mean, to the people that matter –employers, sponsors, and colleagues, it means the difference between just working in the field and having mastered the intricacies of the profession in which we take such pride to be a part of.
