What is the role of a clinical trial principal investigator (PI)?
A clinical investigator is responsible for the planning and execution of a clinical study. The investigator is also expected to conduct ethical research, protect the rights of human subjects, and contribute knowledge to their area of expertise.
NEW Investigator Training and Coaching
The MCA’s NEW Investigator Training program offers you the opportunity to gain entry-level clinical research knowledge and the coaching you will need to set up a successful research site and get started as an investigator. No previous experience as an investigator is required to qualify for the training.(As a requirement to enter the field, the FDA also requires taking a Good Clinical Practice Course. The National Institutes of Health offers a free course which can be found HERE.)
Course Description
Using a blended learning approach, the MCA’s Clinical Trial Academy (CTA) NEW Investigator training combines eLearning with virtual instructor-led sessions held on Friday afternoons 1X/month for 1.5 hours per session. (click here for more information including training schedule).
Training
- 24/7 on-demand access to ACRP’s eLearning portal.
- 9 required eLearning modules
- 8, 1.5-hour training sessions, held 1X/month and taught by experienced CRC instructors.
Who Should Apply?
- Must be a licensed physician (MD, DO), PharmD, or advanced practitioner (NP, PA, PharmD, PhD) with a license to practice in Texas or New Mexico.
- Candidates must reside in Texas and New Mexico. Certificate:
- Certificates will be provided following the completion of (9) ACRP e-Learning modules and upon attending eight (8) virtual instructor-led coaching sessions.
What Types of Clinics Are Supported by the Clinical Trial Academy?
- Specialty Clinics.
- Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs).
- Academic Medical Centers.
- Free Standing Research Sites.
- Healthcare Systems.
- Healthcare Plans.
CTA Instructors & Consultants
Our instructor pool is comprised of seasoned local and national clinical research professionals with over 20 years of experience in the field, and they will tie book learning to the reality of performing clinical research in the real world! Rather than a didactic lecture, instructor-led sessions offer practical advice around key clinical research questions, tools, trends, case examples, business strategies, and tricks of the trade.
Begin Your Clinical Trial Investigation Career Today! Space is Limited.
How Can One Advance in Clinical Research?
You can obtain an academic degree in clinical research or medicine development (MS, PhD). Several professional associations offer training, resources, and networking opportunities to serve the needs of research professionals at multiple stages of their career:
PI Competency Domains & Guidelines
The ACRP’s Functional Competency Guidelines for Principle and Sub Investigators provide a framework for the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to effectively perform the role of a PI. Clinical trial sites should also familiarize themselves with the new Competency Domains for Clinical Research Professionals. These domains were developed by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency in collaboration with ACRP to promote the quality and standardization of the research profession, and to ensure clinical research professionals receive the training they need to be successful.
Clinical Research Certification
PI certification can be attained through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
Professional Associations
- Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR)
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) (CITI is free for TTUHSC, BCOMM, and UTEP.)
- Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)
- Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
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