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I would not have become a part of the ACRP nor obtained my certification as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) if I hadn’t acted on a chance to dive into a career in clinical research just a few short years ago. I had just finished a Masters in Health Administration program and was in the process of looking for a job. I was not sure of the exact position that I was hoping to find, but knew that I wanted it to be in the health care industry. After reviewing numerous postings, I came across a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) position. I did not have any prior clinical research experience, nor did I really know what was involved with this type of position, but I knew that I had the basic qualifications that they were looking for. So I took the chance and applied, and was pleasantly surprised when I got the call to come in for an interview. I was determined to show that I was enthusiastic about wanting to learn more about the field, so prior to my interview I began researching clinical trial information and education opportunities, and that’s where I had my first introduction to the ACRP. During the interview process I did not let my lack of research experience become the main topic of discussion, and instead, highlighted my skills that I thought would be critical to such a position, like organization, communication and working in a team environment. I’m happy to say that my determination paid off and I was ultimately hired for the CRC position.
This determination and desire to learn more about my field is what ultimately led me to becoming a member with ACRP. I knew that as soon as I was able to, I would join the organization and once all qualifications were met, I would sit for the CCRC exam. So away I went, with my Guide to Coordinating Clinical Research book and began studying, because I knew how important obtaining this certification would be. To me, becoming a certified coordinator establishes credibility and a dedication to continual learning. It raises the bar by establishing our profession as an important contributor to the health care industry. It also shows leadership and a responsibility to the advancement of clinical research, improves professional development, and above all, brings important autonomy to our research efforts.
Personally, I feel that having the CCRC designation has shown my colleagues and industry partners, how committed I am to my career. Due to increased competency and confidence in my abilities to manage multiple ongoing trials, our department’s clinical trial portfolio has continued to grow. After attending various chapter events as well as my first Global Conference last year, I have been able to apply many ideas into practice - being a CCRC has helped me take on additional research compliance initiatives to ensure our department is continually vigilant in our approach to privacy of PHI, and upholding human subject protection and patient safety.
Overall, with certification comes more responsibility, not only in practice but also in providing guidance and support to those professionals who are just coming into the field. That’s why last year I, along with other certified members, decided to take part in ACRP’s Beta CCRC Exam. The beta test was developed to help improve the current certification examination, with more high quality test questions that would better reflect the rapidly changing research environment that we are currently in. It is my hope that our feedback from this beta test offered new insight into current research issues and practices that the Academy can implement into their future programs, seminars and of course the final CCRC exam.
Five plus years have now passed since that initial interview into the unknown world of clinical research, and I know without a doubt that it is where I am supposed to be. Being involved with ACRP and becoming a CCRC has made me more certain of the conduct of our research program, and continues to open doors, provide networking opportunities, and enhance my research processes. I’m not sure what my next step in clinical research will be, but I am proud to say that I am a member of this certified “club”. I continue to remain passionate and committed to this field and welcome the challenges that await me ahead.
This determination and desire to learn more about my field is what ultimately led me to becoming a member with ACRP. I knew that as soon as I was able to, I would join the organization and once all qualifications were met, I would sit for the CCRC exam. So away I went, with my Guide to Coordinating Clinical Research book and began studying, because I knew how important obtaining this certification would be. To me, becoming a certified coordinator establishes credibility and a dedication to continual learning. It raises the bar by establishing our profession as an important contributor to the health care industry. It also shows leadership and a responsibility to the advancement of clinical research, improves professional development, and above all, brings important autonomy to our research efforts.
Personally, I feel that having the CCRC designation has shown my colleagues and industry partners, how committed I am to my career. Due to increased competency and confidence in my abilities to manage multiple ongoing trials, our department’s clinical trial portfolio has continued to grow. After attending various chapter events as well as my first Global Conference last year, I have been able to apply many ideas into practice - being a CCRC has helped me take on additional research compliance initiatives to ensure our department is continually vigilant in our approach to privacy of PHI, and upholding human subject protection and patient safety.
Overall, with certification comes more responsibility, not only in practice but also in providing guidance and support to those professionals who are just coming into the field. That’s why last year I, along with other certified members, decided to take part in ACRP’s Beta CCRC Exam. The beta test was developed to help improve the current certification examination, with more high quality test questions that would better reflect the rapidly changing research environment that we are currently in. It is my hope that our feedback from this beta test offered new insight into current research issues and practices that the Academy can implement into their future programs, seminars and of course the final CCRC exam.
Five plus years have now passed since that initial interview into the unknown world of clinical research, and I know without a doubt that it is where I am supposed to be. Being involved with ACRP and becoming a CCRC has made me more certain of the conduct of our research program, and continues to open doors, provide networking opportunities, and enhance my research processes. I’m not sure what my next step in clinical research will be, but I am proud to say that I am a member of this certified “club”. I continue to remain passionate and committed to this field and welcome the challenges that await me ahead.
