The post-baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research educates students in the conduct of clinical (human) research studies and trials. The certificate focuses upon foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand: basic clinical research and trial study design, statistics and data management; ethical principles to respect and protect the rights and welfare of individuals participating in clinical research; and select regulations and guidelines to guide activities related to new biopharmaceutical and medical device product development.
Students will develop the essential knowledge and understanding to organize, coordinate and administer clinical research studies and trials by working with participants in a culturally-aware manner, supporting and performing quality data collection and applying ethical, regulatory and compliance requirements. Students who complete the certificate will be well-prepared as effective and successful members of the clinical research workforce.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF STUDENT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS.
The curriculum requires 12 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree: nine required credit hours focusing on federal clinical research regulations, basic principles of clinical trial design and data management, ethical conduct of research and multicultural communication skills, as well as three elective credit hours from a set of predetermined courses.
Students are expected to obtain a minimum grade of B in all courses to demonstrate competency in the course areas at the level of a certificate program. Courses may be taken in any order (not all courses are offered every semester), and no prerequisites are required other than those listed in the admission requirement section. All classes follow the VCU Academic Calendar.
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
Required courses | ||
BIOS 571 | Clinical Trials | 3 |
CCTR 520 | Fundamentals of Research Regulation | 2 |
OVPR 601 | Scientific Integrity | 1 |
WRLD 302 | Communicating Across Cultures | 3 |
Electives | ||
Students must select 3 credits from the following course(s). | ||
ALHP 410 | Professional and Clinical Ethics | 3 |
CCTR 640 | Team Science: Theories and Practice | 2 |
EPID 580 | Public Health Ethics | 1 |
HADE 646 | Health Care Organization and Leadership | 3 |
SBHD 605 | Introduction to Social and Behavioral Health | 3 |
SBHD 608 | Health Communication | 3 |
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF STUDENT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS.
Applicants to the post-baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research must apply online.
It is expected that students will complete the program within two years, taking three credits per semester, which also provides adequate time for course offerings which may not occur each semester. The certificate must be completed within three years.
All post-baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Research applicants must:
Additional Requirements
International students must also submit an official transcript evaluation from a recognized foreign educational credentials evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Non-native English speakers must also provide evidence of proficiency in English with one of the following:
Program contacts:
Catherine Brown, CCRP, 1 (804) 628-6511, crbrown@vcu.edu
Shirley Helm, M.S., CCRP, 1 (804) 628-2942, shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org
Publications supported by the Wright Center must cite the CTSA Grant number (UL1TR002649) and comply with the NIH Public Access Policy. We rely on these citations as a critical performance measure when reporting annual productivity to the NIH.