Career in Clinical Research

Clinical Research is an emerging field in India. This field has lot of potential and is offering great career opportunities to the youngsters.  The study of clinical research involves evaluating the effectiveness and safety of medications, medical devices by observing their effects on groups of people. In India clinical research has become a multi-billion and multidisciplinary industry. There are many government-supported medical and pharmaceutical institutions, which can serve as ideal centers for multi-centered clinical trials.

In India the research and the development process can be done at a more affordable price because of the availability of well-trained and qualified manpower, at nominal price. On the other hand, because of the incidence of a large variety of diseases, including widespread cases of cancer, malaria and diabetes India is viewed the world over as the best location for clinical research trials for the pharmaceutical industry.

Eligibility Criteria: -

For admission in this course you should be graduate / final year graduation students in any of the following fields- Life Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Allied Heath Sciences, Paramedical Science, and Biotechnology. A B.Sc. Degree is mandatory to enter this field. Anybody who fulfills these criteria can join this field.

Fee Structure

Following Institutes charge around Rs 60,000-Rs 70,000 for the course:

• Bioinnovat Research Services Pvt.Ltd., The Elements, 465 Phase V, Udyog Vihar Ind. Area Gurgaon 122015
• Department of Bioinformatics, University of Pune, Pune
• H.V. Desai Eye Hospital Mohammad Wadi, Hadapsar, Pune-28
• L.V.Prasad Eye Hospital, Hyderabad
• L.V.Prasad Eye Institute, Patia, Bhubaneswar
• Sankara Nethralaya ,18,College Road,Chennai-600006
• T John College 88/1 Gottigere, Bannerghatta Road Bangalore 560083

Job profile: -

Clinical Research can be categorized in various branches at the entry level. The common entry-level job is that of a Clinical Research Associate (CRA). The role of a CRA is to design, implement and monitor the clinical trials. Another position is that of Bio-statistician whose main task is to perform statistical programming, design, and analysis for clinical trial projects.

Clinical Research Managers (CRM), do the work of supervising, design and writing of protocols, case report forms and informed consent forms for clinical trials. There are other positions like Clinical Research Coordinator, Business Development Manager, Clinical Research Investigator, Clinical Data Manager etc.

Job Prospects: -

As this is emerging field the demand for professionals in this field is increasing rapidly. Clinical research business in India will be worth $ 2 billion by 2015. This increase in business will lead to the massive demand for clinical research professionals, making it an interesting career option with huge growth potential. The shortage of skilled professionals is leading to higher remuneration packages.

Remuneration: -

There is good demand for trained professionals in this area. Pay packages are good. A fresher can start his career with Rs. 20000 to 25000 salary per month. With a master's degree backing your qualifications, you can expect the double amount. In clinical research industry experience counts, thus the longer you are in this field; higher the salary you can expect. Experienced professionals have good job opportunities in western nations.

Top Institutes in this field

• Institute of Clinical Research (ICRI) it offers the following courses:
• Two year full time - MSC in Clinical Research
• Two year full time - Masters in Clinical research + MBA
• Part-time post graduate diploma in Clinical Research (1 year)
• PhD in Clinical Research.

Website: www.icriindia.com

• Bombay College of Pharmacy: Offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programme of study in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Website: www.bcpindia.org

• Academy for Clinical Excellence (ACE)  offers courses like Clinical Research; From Theory to Practice, Quality assurance in clinical research, clinical Research and GCP for investigators, etc.

Website: www.aceindia.org

• Cliniminds - Academy for Clinical Research Training & Management Institute offers wide range of clincial research courses; Quality Assurance in Clinical Research; diploma programs in Pharmacovigilance; Biostatistics; Investigators; GCP Training; Monitoring and several other programs.

Website: http://www.cliniminds.com

There are many reputed institutes in India and abroad imparting expertise in Clinical Research!