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ACRP Certification – Opening door after door professionally and personally
Little did I know the opportunities that becoming involved with ACRP and obtaining certification would have for my career and personal life back in 2008, when I first entered the world of clinical research.
I had worked since the late 90’s as a bench scientist but yearned to be more in touch with the medical community as during college I had worked in varying roles in clinics and labs. I loved being close to the patient, gaining empathy for their situations, and close to the physician, motivated by their incredible knowledge of science and medicine. Seeing the incredibly sick and hopeless obtain new hope for their health and lives, with the idea of trying new clinical treatments completely inspired me.
In 2008, I landed an opportunity as a clinical research scientist at the company I still work for and instantly became hooked on industry standards, regulations, and improving processes for the clinical research arena. I had an insatiable appetite for driving process improvements and training others on clinical research. It wasn’t long and word spread that Christina was the “go to” person for questions on GCP, process, etc. I knew I needed to up my credentials if I were to continue to serve as the guru and so I sat for my ACRP CCRA exam in 2008. Having these credentials, has afforded me opportunities to develop GCP training programs for my company (all of R&D), act as a monitor, project lead, and create new processes and programs that never existed before. Originally hired as a contractor for my company, I was brought on permanent in 2012 and have served in a variety of roles supporting clinical trials, external studies, internal consulting, and beyond. I have significantly improved my salary since my meager beginnings as a bench scientist and find ACRP certification has catapulted my career in a positive direction.
At the same time in 2008 that I started my clinical research career, I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. I have been involved with a couple of observational studies myself as a patient and have stayed on the cutting edge of science and results of new studies/treatments. Had I not become so involved in clinical research, I would not have known how to interpret study results, know where to look for current studies, and not be as in control of my disorder as I am today. I now serve as a member of the Board of Directors on our local National MS Society local chapter and hope to someday be involved at the National level on reviewing current funding/research opportunities. My scientific and clinical research background, and my ACRP certification credentials, certainly played a role in my election to the board.
ACRP Certification is worthwhile and can propel your goals personally and professionally. Finding what drives your interests, get involved in that area of clinical research, obtain your certification, and reach for the sky because the opportunities are endless once you find your passion.
Little did I know the opportunities that becoming involved with ACRP and obtaining certification would have for my career and personal life back in 2008, when I first entered the world of clinical research.
I had worked since the late 90’s as a bench scientist but yearned to be more in touch with the medical community as during college I had worked in varying roles in clinics and labs. I loved being close to the patient, gaining empathy for their situations, and close to the physician, motivated by their incredible knowledge of science and medicine. Seeing the incredibly sick and hopeless obtain new hope for their health and lives, with the idea of trying new clinical treatments completely inspired me.
In 2008, I landed an opportunity as a clinical research scientist at the company I still work for and instantly became hooked on industry standards, regulations, and improving processes for the clinical research arena. I had an insatiable appetite for driving process improvements and training others on clinical research. It wasn’t long and word spread that Christina was the “go to” person for questions on GCP, process, etc. I knew I needed to up my credentials if I were to continue to serve as the guru and so I sat for my ACRP CCRA exam in 2008. Having these credentials, has afforded me opportunities to develop GCP training programs for my company (all of R&D), act as a monitor, project lead, and create new processes and programs that never existed before. Originally hired as a contractor for my company, I was brought on permanent in 2012 and have served in a variety of roles supporting clinical trials, external studies, internal consulting, and beyond. I have significantly improved my salary since my meager beginnings as a bench scientist and find ACRP certification has catapulted my career in a positive direction.
At the same time in 2008 that I started my clinical research career, I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. I have been involved with a couple of observational studies myself as a patient and have stayed on the cutting edge of science and results of new studies/treatments. Had I not become so involved in clinical research, I would not have known how to interpret study results, know where to look for current studies, and not be as in control of my disorder as I am today. I now serve as a member of the Board of Directors on our local National MS Society local chapter and hope to someday be involved at the National level on reviewing current funding/research opportunities. My scientific and clinical research background, and my ACRP certification credentials, certainly played a role in my election to the board.
ACRP Certification is worthwhile and can propel your goals personally and professionally. Finding what drives your interests, get involved in that area of clinical research, obtain your certification, and reach for the sky because the opportunities are endless once you find your passion.
