| If you've been considering a career as a clinical | | | | medical laws. |
| research assistant, then you likely already know how | | | | 2. Patient Care Component - The clinical research |
| many different programs are out there to provide you | | | | assistant may be required to assist doctors and |
| with training. It's choosing the right CRA training course | | | | researchers in patient care. A patient care component |
| that can be difficult. Without the right training, you may | | | | with hands-on training will better enable the CRA to |
| have trouble finding work, and you may not be fully | | | | perform this role. |
| prepared for this multi-competent medical career. | | | | 3. Medical Component - To further the clinical research |
| Life as a CRA is different than other medical fields. A | | | | assistant's knowledge in patient care a medical |
| simple training program that provides you with | | | | component should also be included. This isn't nurses |
| administrative training won't do. On the other hand a | | | | training, but a basic knowledge of the body, first aid, |
| CRA training program that focuses on just medical | | | | pharmacology, and medicine in general will be required. |
| assistance won't give you the administrative training | | | | 4. Pediatrics Component - For the CRA that will be |
| that you will require. With the variety of job functions a | | | | assisting in Pediatrics/Gynecological procedures, this |
| CRA may be required to perform, you will need an | | | | component is also important. Since you don't know |
| all-encompassing training program. | | | | beforehand where you will work, this is also an |
| Fortunately, it isn't difficult to choose the right program. | | | | important component to your clinical research training. |
| All you need is a little guidance in what a good | | | | 5. Administrative Component - Finally, as a clinical |
| program should include. | | | | research assistant, you will be responsible for many |
| Characteristics of a CRA Training Program | | | | administrative functions. Your training should include an |
| When you look at the duties of a clinical research | | | | administrative component that teaches computer skills, |
| assistant it begins to become clear what you should | | | | medical coding and billing, phone skills, and record |
| look for in your training. As a CRA you will have many | | | | keeping skills. |
| administrative duties, likely have clinical assistance | | | | Another important aspect of your training that should |
| duties, and many times you will also be responsible for | | | | be considered is the length of the program itself. In |
| keeping things running smoothly. Your work as a CRA | | | | some places you can receive your training in as little |
| may be in a hospital, a clinic, a research facility, or even | | | | as two months. The reality of it is that with the |
| in an industrial setting. Because of the variety of roles, | | | | knowledge required, these programs may be too short. |
| and work environments, a wider range of skills is | | | | A good clinical research assistance training program |
| required. | | | | will likely take you 6 months to a year to complete. |
| 1. A Law/Ethics Component - A good CRA training | | | | Choosing a training program for your career path is |
| course will include a law/ethics component. Many times | | | | important. When it comes to CRA training, you now |
| the CRA will be responsible for overseeing the way | | | | have a guide to what to look for before starting your |
| things are run in the office, and ensuring that the | | | | course. |
| medical staff complies with state laws or other | | | | |