Doctorate Programs in Clinical Research Administration

<p>Clinical research administration programs are only offered at the master's degree level. At the doctoral level, you can opt for a Ph.D. program in clinical research or clinical investigation. There is one key difference between a master's degree program and a Ph.D. program. In the master's program you will focus on the development of patient care products and protocols, as well as the regulatory environment. A Ph.D. program will cover these same topics, but also instruct you how to design and conduct clinical research. </p> <p>Master's degrees in clinical research administration are available online, which allows for self-directed study. Typically, Ph.D. programs are not available online because of their strong research component. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Availability</b></td><td> Online and on-campus clinical research administration master's degrees; clinical research/investigation doctoral programs offered on-campus</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Master's-Level Coursework</b></td><td> Patient care products, ethical issues, regulatory laws, medical writing, research methodologies</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Doctoral Coursework</b></td><td> Medical product design and evaluation, clinical trials, translational research, grant writing</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Mean Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $167,910 (<i>for health services managers in scientific R&amp;D industry</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 25.5% growth (<i>for health services managers in scientific R&amp;D industry</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAClinicalResearchAdministrationProgram">What Will I Learn in a Clinical Research Administration Program?</h3> <p>The master's degree in clinical research administration program prepares you for work at the administrative level. You'll learn about the processes involved in bringing patient care products to the market. You will study ethical issues and regulatory laws for developing these products. You will also study such topics as critical analysis, human subjects, medical writing, research methodologies, monitoring research, designing clinical trials, epidemiology, product development, and toxicology. </p> <p>Many of the product development and monitoring courses vary depending on the college you choose; some courses are aimed more towards legal issues, some toward medicine, and some towards managerial skills. Several of the colleges that offer these programs are medical schools. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAClinicalResearchProgram">What Will I Learn in a Clinical Research Program?</h3> <p>During a Ph.D. program in clinical research - also referred to as clinical investigation - you will learn the necessary skills to design, evaluate, and present findings on medical products and technologies. You will spend time learning research methodologies that will aid you in writing your dissertation. You will also learn how to conduct clinical trials for medical treatments and pharmaceuticals. </p> <p>The Ph.D. program allows you to conduct your research through hands-on experience, shadowing clinical trials, and completing residencies. You will study subjects such as designing clinical trials, research, measurement and evaluation, grant writing, lab methodologies, translational research, presentation of findings and team-building skills. Once you have completed this program, you should be prepared to move into an advanced position in the medical field researching, developing, and performing clinical trials of drugs and biomedical technology.</p>