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By Jan Jarvis

The demand for well-trained clinical research professionals is so high that when students complete a master’s degree in Clinical Research Management at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, they are almost guaranteed a job.

“There is a huge opportunity for trained professionals in this area,” said Stephen Mathew, PhD, Director and Graduate Advisor, Clinical Research Management, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics. “The master’s program in Clinical Research Management provides a solid foundation to build or advance a career. Students who complete the program are prepared for a multitude of professions.”

HSC has offered the master’s in Clinical Research Management for more than 21 years. A new online program was recently developed to meet the growing demand for advanced degrees for professionals working in this field. The deadline to apply for the fall program is June 15. The program also will be offered in the spring and summer semesters.

The program is designed for individuals who want to go into clinical research, an area where there has been a tremendous growth in the last decade because of the explosion of new drugs, devices and biologics that must be tested in clinical trials. This has become all the more relevant now because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“In order to develop new drugs and medical devices, you have to have rigorous trials that can be accomplished with a trained professional who knows exactly what to do. In most cases, our students get placed right away,” Dr. Mathew said. “Careerwise, this is an excellent opportunity.”

Individuals who are already working in the industry or are unable to attend classes on campus will find this online program appealing because they can take classes anytime and work at their own pace, Dr. Mathew said.

The online 18-month master’s program in Clinical Research Management requires a year of course work followed by a six-month internship. The rigorous curriculum focuses on providing students a broad-based view of the biomedical sciences, as well as an in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, ethical issues, and both the medical writing and administrative skills necessary to conduct clinical research.

Students must complete a clinical research practicum project as part of their internship, write a thesis and defend it.

To be considered, applicants must have a degree in science and a good grade point average. A Graduate Records Examination,or GRE, is not required.

After completing the six-month internship at a clinical research site, which they are assigned to, most students are able to start their new career or move up in their career path.

“In most cases, students are hired right away by their internship sites,” Dr. Mathew said. “It makes sense to hire them at the place they have already been working as the organization got an opportunity to vet the candidate for six months. So, it is a win-win situation for all.”

More information is available at:

https://www.unthsc.edu/graduate-school-of-biomedical-sciences/clinical-research-management/

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