Most of the functions of a clinical trial are performed by clinical research associates. These are trained professionals who set up and run clinical trials in the medical field. They are in charge of monitoring and overseeing the entire process and closely documenting every detail of the trial. They are normally assisted by nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals as well. Generally, a traditional college degree is not required to become a CRA, but rather a specific certification program must be completed. There are also other forms, such as a certified clinical research professional “CCRP”. Most people who go into clinical research have a background in a medical field, but others can be in fields like business, biology, mathematics, and others. Some of them are MD’s, others RN’s, many of them neither. Many clinical research associates are freelance or contract workers that are employed by pharmaceutical companies or research institutes. There are also permanent hire positions available in some companies who deal specifically with placing CRA’s into trials.
Those who participate in clinical research trials do not need to meet educational qualifications. Generally research trials simply require willing individuals in specific age ranges or with specific conditions. Many times multiple trials need to be conducted with both healthy and sick individuals. Large group testing is necessary to ensure a drug is safe for use in mass consumption. It is very important to make note of any potential side effects during the clinical trial process to notify users and avoid potential legal problems. There are many cases where potentially fatal side effects are not found until after the release of a product. In these cases the drug must be pulled from the shelves and the producing company is usually sued and fined for millions of dollars. Smaller companies will often go under in these cases.
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