Clinical Trials certificate program focuses on high-profile field

Making an impact in clinical research

By Nora Zelluk

The clinical research field has taken center stage during the coronavirus pandemic, with daily news coverage of infectious disease research and vaccine development.

UD’s long-running Clinical Trials Management Certificate—now in its 15th year—has seen dramatically increased enrollment in this online certificate program focused on the key competencies involved in the new product development process.

“Media attention made clinical trials a household word, motivating many professionals looking for new avenues to use their skills,” said Michele Welch, program director and lead faculty for UD’s program.

“‘I want something new,’ and ‘I want to contribute more, in a different way’ is what I’m hearing from recent and current students enrolled in our program,” added Welch.

Previously offered twice yearly, an annual third cohort of this program has been added since the start of the pandemic.

Career opportunities in the clinical research field are many and varied, with employment settings ranging from pharmaceutical and biotechnology, to medical device companies, contract research organizations, hospitals, educational institutions, independent contractors and more.

Clinical research is a field for individuals who have a passion for seeing the impact their efforts make to humankind.

—Michele Welch

Many professionals with a strong science- or healthcare-related background—such as nurses, pharmacists, medical technologists, physicians and more—are well-positioned to join the clinical research field.

“Clinical research is a field for individuals who have a passion for leaving their footprint in research as well as seeing the impact their efforts make to humankind,” added Welch, a clinical research professional with over 20 years’ experience in global pharmaceutical drug development.

UD certificate program

UD’s Clinical Trials Management Certificate program is aimed at healthcare professionals who want to learn more about the clinical research and new product development process in today’s environment, which includes device, biologicals and drug research. The curriculum aligns with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification exam. With start dates in February, May and September, this online 14-week program covers the logistics of site management, including startup, maintenance, and closeout, with the corresponding collection and management of data, as well as regulatory, privacy and compliance issues.

UD students and UD alumni are eligible for a discount when enrolling in this program. Discounts are also available for military personnel and veterans, and groups of two or more individuals from one business or organization.

For more information including a detailed curriculum, or to register, visit pcs.udel.edu/clinical-trials or write to continuing-ed@udel.edu.