Gain research experience and get paid while you learn with our industry-recognized program. Designed for high school graduates and premeds, this training opens doors to high-demand roles with earning potential up to $60k+. 100% Money-back Guarantee with 14 Day Refund Policy. Payment Plans Available.
($800 Value) 114 In-Depth Advanced RA Training Modules + ACTAC Study Guide + Certification Exam Backed by CPD Credits. Lifetime Access to Unmatched Curriculum.
Advanced Clinical Research Assistant Certification
Welcome To Your Clinical Research Assistant Training
FREE PREVIEWCME Handout
Live Webinar Recordings
Live Review Webinar - See discussion for next meeting date
The Primary Purpose of Clinical Research in Medicine
How Historical Events Shaped Modern Research Ethics
The Four Phases of Clinical Trials: Focus and Application
The Role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in Clinical Research
Good Clinical Practice (GCP): Definition and Importance in Clinical Trials
Core Responsibilities of an Investigator in a Clinical Trial
How Research Assistants Support Clinical Trials at Various Phases
Importance of Patient-Centered Research in Modern Clinical Trials
Ethical Principles in the Declaration of Helsinki
Essential Elements for Developing a Clinical Trial Protocol
An Introduction to Clinical Research
An Overview of ICH GCP
Code of Federal Regulations
CFR 21 Part 11
Sponsor/CRO Responsibilities
13 Principles, IRB, & Investigator Roles
Informed Consent
Safety of Human Subjects in Clinical Research
FREE PREVIEWReporting Responsibilities of the Investigators
Adverse Events
Become a Clinical Research Assistant in 3-12 Weeks. Start Your Career at Pharmaceutical Companies, CROs, Hospitals, and Research Institutions. Perfect for High School Grads, Premeds, and Career Switchers. No Prior Experience Required.
Master clinical trial phases, protocol development, and research ethics fundamentals.
Execute informed consent procedures, patient safety monitoring, and adverse event documentation.
Implement patient recruitment strategies, retention techniques, and adherence tracking.
Navigate IRB processes, regulatory compliance, and GCP principles for trial support.
Manage trial documentation, source documents, and electronic data capture systems.
Coordinate site visits, monitoring activities, and sponsor communications.
Support vulnerable population research including pediatrics, pregnant women, and incapacitated subjects.
Apply data management, query resolution, and audit preparation procedures.
The ACTAC program is a double-accredited, 100% online research assistant certification designed to make you job-ready as a clinical research assistant in weeks, not years.
You will complete 100+ comprehensive lessons covering every aspect of clinical research assistance. Work through 500+ real-world examples and case simulations pulled from actual trial operations. Attend live webinars with expert clinical research professionals who manage trials daily.
Graduate with CPD accreditation (112 hours), ACCRE recognition, Earn URL-verified research assistant certification accepted by pharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals, academic medical centers, and research institutions worldwide. Receive downloadable templates, checklists, and study guides you can use immediately.
Complete in 3-12 weeks depending on your pace. You get lifetime access to all materials and quarterly updates at no additional cost.
Clinical research assistants are essential to successful trial execution and patient safety.
Pharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals, and academic institutions desperately need qualified research assistants who understand protocol compliance, patient coordination, regulatory documentation, and data management. Without proper clinical research assistant training, aspiring professionals lack the practical skills employers demand from day one.
Generic healthcare certifications teach clinical skills without research-specific knowledge. College courses cost $10,000+ and take semesters to complete. Short workshops provide basic overviews with no depth, no accreditation, and no employer recognition.
ACTAC solves this gap with application-based training covering every task research institutions expect. You graduate with double accreditation employers recognize for hiring in research assistant jobs.
Most aspiring clinical research assistants waste months searching for opportunities, applying without proper qualifications, and still not getting interviews for entry level research assistant jobs.
If you do not get proper training now, you will watch peers with formal certification secure research assistant positions while you remain stuck in unrelated roles, missing out on $25,000 to $70,000+ annual salaries in healthcare's fastest-growing field.
WHY OTHER PROGRAMS FALL SHORT
Dr. Anas Malik Radif Alubaidi, MBChB, MSc, leads the ACTAC program with extensive experience supporting clinical research operations, Good Clinical Practice compliance, and study coordination across academic, healthcare, and research environments.
Former practicing physician and clinical research professional with hands on experience supporting clinical trials through patient coordination, protocol adherence, safety oversight, and regulatory documentation. Trained and mentored research assistants and early research professionals in core trial operations, GCP principles, and site level responsibilities. Published contributor with peer reviewed work in public health, epidemiology, and clinical research methodology.
Dr. Alubaidi joined the ACTAC leadership team after training and mentoring aspiring research professionals and recognizing the gap between academic learning and the practical demands of site based clinical research roles. He helped shape this curriculum to deliver exactly what research sites and institutions expect from day one.
Senior research mentors include clinical research coordinators, study coordinators, and regulatory professionals with 8+ years managing patient coordination, protocol execution, and trial documentation across diverse research settings.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
High school graduates entering healthcare.
Pre-med students building experience.
Healthcare workers transitioning to research.
Career changers exploring clinical research.
Life sciences graduates seeking research roles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a college degree to enroll in clinical research assistant training?
No. ACTAC clinical research assistant training is designed for high school graduates, pre-med students, and career switchers with no prior research experience. The program teaches foundational clinical research knowledge from the ground up. Many successful graduates entered the field directly from high school or unrelated careers.
How long does it take to complete the research assistant certification?
Completion time depends on your pace. Fast-track students finish in 3-4 weeks studying 25-30 hours weekly. Moderate pace students finish in 6-8 weeks studying 12 hours weekly. Extended timeline students finish in 12 weeks studying 8 hours weekly. You have lifetime access with no deadline to complete.
Is this research assistant certification one of the best certifications for clinical research?
Yes. ACTAC is double-accredited with CPD recognition (112 hours), ACCRE accreditation, Pharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals, academic medical centers, and research institutions accept ACTAC as one of the best certifications for clinical research for hiring requirements. Your certificate includes URL verification allowing employers to validate authenticity instantly.
What is the salary range for clinical research assistant jobs?
Entry-level clinical research assistant salary ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 annually depending on location and institution. Experienced research assistants in major metropolitan areas like NYC, San Francisco, or Boston earn $45,000 to $70,000+. Oncology and neurology trials typically pay 10-15% more due to complexity. ACTAC-certified professionals report salary increases within 3-6 months of certification.
What if I don't pass the certification exam?
You have two attempts to pass the 50-question exam with 70% or higher score. If you don't pass on first attempt, review the targeted feedback showing weak areas and retake when ready. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most students pass on first try after completing all lessons and practice questions.
How does this certification help me get research assistant jobs?
ACTAC provides comprehensive training covering patient coordination, regulatory compliance, data management, and monitoring support. You graduate with practical templates, career coaching, resume guidance, and interview scripts. The certification demonstrates verified competency to hiring managers searching for qualified research assistants, improving interview success at pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and research institutions.
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 801 893 4974
Research assistant training for future CRCs and lifelong career advancement
View Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) Skills & Objectives
| Section & Lessons | Objectives & CRA Skills |
|---|---|
| Welcome & Orientation: Welcome to CRA Training: Live Review Webinar | Familiarize CRAs with program structure and interactive review sessions for foundational support. |
| CH 1. Foundations of Clinical Research: Primary Purpose of Clinical Research; Historical Ethics Evolution; Phases I–IV; IRB Role; GCP Definition & Importance; Investigator Responsibilities; CRA Support Roles; Patient‑Centered Research; Declaration of Helsinki; Protocol Development Essentials | Understand trial goals and ethics history; navigate IRB processes; apply GCP principles; support investigators across trial phases; develop patient‑centric protocols. |
| CH 2. Fundamentals of Clinical Research: Introduction to Clinical Research; ICH GCP Overview; CFR 21 & Part 11 | Apply GCP guidelines and electronic‑records compliance; master regulatory foundations underpinning CRAs’ duties. |
| CH 3. Clinical Trial Roles & Responsibilities: Sponsor/CRO Responsibilities; 13 GCP Principles; IRB & Investigator Roles | Clarify stakeholder functions; ensure CRAs coordinate between sponsors, CROs, IRBs, and investigators under GCP. |
| CH 4. Informed Consent & Patient Safety: Informed Consent; Safety of Human Subjects | Execute consent procedures; monitor subject safety and welfare with adherence to regulatory standards. |
| CH 5. Adverse Event Reporting & Responsibilities: Investigator Reporting; Adverse Events | Support AE capture and documentation; assist in timely reporting and classification per ICH E2A/E6. |
| CH 6. Ethical Research in Vulnerable Populations: Ethics for Children; Mentally Incapacitated; Pregnant Women & Fetuses; Prisoners | Implement additional safeguards and assent processes; maintain compliance for vulnerable cohorts. |
| CH 7. Trial Management, Data Handling & Record Retention: Data Handling & Retention; Common Terminology & Abbreviations | Manage source documents and trial files; maintain standardized terminology; ensure accurate record retention. |
| CH 8. Clinical Trials – Advanced Review: Advanced Trial Designs; Phases 0–IV Review | Assist in complex study designs; support investigators in applying phase‑specific methodologies. |
| CH 9. Subject Recruitment, Retention & Compliance: Patient Recruitment; Engagement & Retention; Adherence Monitoring | Execute screening and enrollment workflows; maintain participant engagement and adherence tracking. |
| CH 10. Misconduct & Fraud: Scientific Misconduct; Detecting Falsification | Identify red flags; support audit trails and data integrity checks to prevent fraud. |
| CH 11/12. Clinical Trial Design & Planning: RCT Features; Adaptive vs. Traditional Designs; Decentralized Trials; Feasibility Analysis; Lab vs. Clinical Research; Rare‑Disease Recruitment; Vulnerable‑Population Design; Resource‑Limited Site Planning; Translational Research; Difficult‑To‑Enroll Strategies | Contribute to feasibility assessments; prepare study plans; coordinate adaptive and decentralized trial logistics; address recruitment challenges. |
| CH 13. Ethical & Regulatory Landscape: Belmont Report Principles; FDA vs. EMA Regulation; HIPAA; GDPR; Pediatric Research Ethics; Misconduct Prevention; SAE Reporting; Compassionate Use Ethics; Gene Therapy Oversight; Expanded Access Monitoring | Assist in ethical review submissions; ensure privacy compliance; support SAE reporting; uphold research integrity across regulations. |
| CH 14. Patient Recruitment, Retention & Diversity: Recruitment Strategies; Building Trust; Cultural Competence; Pediatric Recruitment; Technology‑Enabled Recruitment; Advocacy Group Collaboration; Longitudinal Retention; Access Equity; Culturally Sensitive Communication; Diversity Initiatives | Implement culturally aware recruitment plans; engage advocacy networks; monitor retention metrics; promote inclusivity in enrollment. |
| CH 15. Data Management & Documentation: EDC vs. Manual Entry; Query Resolution; CTMS Purpose; Data Anonymization; Audit Preparation; Data Validation; CRF Management; Statistical Tool Use; Multi‑Site Consistency; Ethical Data Handling | Configure EDC and CTMS tools; resolve data queries; prepare for audits; manage CRFs; ensure data accuracy and confidentiality. |
| CH 16. Monitoring, Oversight & QA: CRA Responsibilities in Monitoring; On‑Site vs. Remote Monitoring; Risk‑Based Monitoring; SDV Challenges; Sponsor Data Safety Reviews; Multi‑Country Disparities; Protocol Deviation Indicators; DSMB Role; Inspection Prep; Standardization across Sites | Conduct monitoring visits; perform SDV; apply RBM frameworks; assist in data safety reviews; prepare sites for inspections; ensure consistency. |
| CH 17. Monitoring & Team Collaboration: Delegating in Research Teams; Effective Communication; Accountability; Sponsor Support; Conflict Resolution; Coordinator Role; Leadership for Senior CRAs; Training & Mentorship | Facilitate team coordination; communicate findings; maintain accountability; support site and sponsor interactions; mentor junior staff. |
| CH 18. Advanced Therapeutic Areas & Niches: Gene Therapy Design Challenges; Rare Disease Research; Cardiology Endpoints; Pharmacogenomics; Regenerative Medicine Safety; Neurology Biomarkers; Palliative Care Ethics; Hybrid Trial Designs; Device‑Enabled Asthma/COPD Studies | Assist in specialized protocol support; manage safety workflows for advanced therapies; coordinate device and biomarker studies. |
| CH 19. Career Development for CRAs: Entry‑Level Certifications; Networking; Time Management; Leadership Traits; Mentorship; Lateral Growth; Technology Trends; CV Building; Transition to CRA/Coordinator Roles; Lifelong Learning | Develop professional skills: certification planning, networking, time management, career mapping, and continuous skill development in clinical research. |
| CH 20. Certification Exam: CRA Competency Exam (25 Questions) | Validate CRA proficiency across trial support, ethics, data management, monitoring, and operational competencies via examination. |
Research Assistant Certification Reviews
Excelente course! Some lectures are a bit quick and one has to hear them again
Excelente course! Some lectures are a bit quick and one has to hear them again
Read LessThe course was very informative and relevant to the job that I currently do.
The course was very informative and relevant to the job that I currently do.
Read LessMaterial was explanatory.
Material was explanatory.
Read LessCCRPS Research Assistant Grads Land Better Roles Faster Due to our In-Depth Training Approach
| CTAC Grad Results | Details |
|---|---|
| CTAC Certification Overview | • Online certificate + LinkedIn badge issued immediately after passing• Competency exam: 50 scenario-based MCQs• Passing threshold: 70% (two attempts included) |
| CTAC Grads Landed Job Roles At | • Pharmaceutical Companies (12 institutions)• Healthcare Systems and Hospitals (18 institutions)• Universities and Academic Medical Centers (15 institutions)• Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) (10 institutions)• Government Health Systems (5 institutions) |
| Job Titles CTAC Grads Earned After Date Of Course Enrollment | Clinical Research Assistant · Research Assistant · Clinical Study Assistant · Clinical Trial Assistant · Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator · Clinical Research Data Assistant · Research Study Assistant · Clinical Project Assistant · Patient Recruitment Assistant · Regulatory Affairs Assistant · Clinical Trial Administrator Assistant · Clinical Trials Support Specialist |
Learn more about ACTAC Research Assistant Certification Program
What makes clinical research assistant training the smartest entry into healthcare today? Clinical research is booming, and yet, there’s a talent "knowledge" gap. The CTAC course fills it. Our 114-lesson curriculum arms you with everything from GCP mastery to real-world patient coordination strategies, so you're not just job-ready, you're recruiter-attractive from day one.
How do I break into clinical research without a degree or prior experience? It starts with certification. ACTAC is designed for high school grads, career switchers, and pre-meds. By focusing on practical knowledge like protocol adherence and patient safety, it provides a shortcut to roles normally reserved for experienced professionals.
What internal motivators do successful research assistants often share? A love for science, a desire to help others, and a need for meaningful, future-proof work. CRAC speaks to that purpose, turning passion into proficiency through interactive content and mentorship.
Why is self-paced training more effective for research assistants than traditional college courses? Because clinical research evolves fast. Our CRAC course updates in real-time, unlike static university syllabi. Plus, flexible learning means you can study around your life, without compromising depth or support.
How will this course help me stand out to employers? Every module is crafted around real clinical trial tasks. You’ll simulate informed consent, adverse event logging, recruitment strategies, and ethics compliance. Plus, our LinkedIn badge and certification prove your readiness on sight.
What’s the real-world ROI of the CRAC course? Graduates report salary increases, role transitions into CRC, and immediate job offers, even in competitive metro markets. The course pays for itself faster than most certifications.
What’s inside the 100+ lessons? You’ll deep-dive into phases I–IV, IRB submissions, HIPAA, GDPR, AE reporting, decentralized trials, feasibility planning, regulatory audits, trial management systems, and much more.
Why do CRAC grads move into coordinator roles faster? Because we don’t stop at assistant skills. Our curriculum includes project management, leadership, and site communication strategies, ideal for early advancement.
Can this certification help me go global? Yes. CRAC meets ICH-GCP and FDA/EMA standards, preparing you for multinational research centers and global CROs.
How do I know this course is credible? It’s accredited by CPD, and ACCRE, with a 27,000+ learner community across 40+ countries. Plus, lifetime updates mean your skills stay fresh.
What does mentorship in this program look like? live Q&As, private feedback on assessments, and direct access to certified researchers make sure no question goes unanswered.
I’m a pre-med. How does this help my med school chances? Admissions committees love research exposure. This program gives you hands-on experience, a formal certificate, and actual trial knowledge that sets you apart.
What if I struggle with the content? We provide over 450 quiz questions, 500+ real-world examples, and downloadable study guides. You’re never left behind.
How does this help me if I already work in healthcare? Nurses, medical assistants, and public health grads use CRAC to pivot into higher-paying, non-bedside roles in research—without starting over.
What pain points does CRAC really solve? Uncertainty, underemployment, lack of flexibility, and no growth path. Our training bridges those gaps with practical, high-demand skills and a proven roadmap to advancement.
How does the certification exam work? After lesson completion, you’ll take a 50-question, scenario-based exam with two attempts included. Pass it, and you’re certified instantly.
What kinds of clinical trials will I support after training? Oncology, cardiology, neurology, rare disease, pediatrics, you name it. ACTAC includes specialty modules covering key therapeutic areas.
Can I access this course on mobile? Absolutely. Learn on your phone, tablet, or desktop with full syncing and bookmarking features.
How do I talk about this training in interviews? We give you the words: resume templates, mock interview scripts, and insider role-matching guidance.
What’s the biggest career mistake this course prevents? Waiting too long to build credibility. ACTAC lets you hit the ground running—so you don't lose out to someone else who took the leap sooner.
How does CRAC help with career longevity? By building layered expertise. From entry-level coordination to senior oversight and even RA roles, your knowledge stack keeps growing.
How many hours should I commit each week? Just 4–6 hours weekly can get you certified in under a month—and we have thousands of grads to prove it.
Will I learn how to manage trial data? Yes. You’ll use CRFs, validate data, resolve queries, anonymize records, and prepare for audits like a seasoned pro.
How do I use this to transition from academia? CRAC shows how to translate academic research into clinical relevance, helping PhDs and grads enter industry faster.
Is this just for people in the U.S.? Not at all. We have students across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It’s global by design.
Do I need to renew this certificate? Never. It’s yours for life, with lifetime access to content updates and regulatory changes.
How is your course different from low-cost micro-credentials? Micro-courses offer breadth, not depth. CRAC dives into every detail; from ethics approvals to decentralized trial logistics.
What’s the alumni community like? We offer networking, job boards (coming May!), and referrals, plus an exclusive alumni badge for enhanced credibility.
How fast will I see job results? Some grads get interviews within 2 weeks. Others land coordinator roles in under 60 days. It depends on your effort, but our tools are here to help.
Why should I trust this course with my career shift? Because we built it to be the program we wished existed when we started. And now? It’s trusted by thousands and backed by results you can see.
A clinical research assistant is a cornerstone of any well-run clinical study. They bridge science and operations by managing protocols, facilitating communication, and handling patient data in compliance with regulatory standards. To secure a research assistant position, certification from a globally recognized program like ATCAC signals your job readiness to hiring managers.
Clinical research assistants support Principal Investigators in trial execution. Tasks include maintaining regulatory binders, coordinating site visits, recruiting participants through inclusive outreach, and documenting protocol deviations. Lesser-known but highly valued skills include mastering CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), prepping for IRB submissions, and conducting patient exit interviews—each covered thoroughly in ATCAC.
Unlike surface-level crash courses, the ATCAC program dives into nuanced areas often overlooked:
Pre-screening analytics: how to interpret eligibility flags from EHRs
Subject retention psychology: engaging long-term study participants
Adaptive protocol management: modifying recruitment strategies on the fly
Site startup delays: how to help mitigate them through interdepartmental coordination
Real-world simulation scenarios based on actual multicenter trials
ATCAC graduates are prepared not just to get hired but to thrive in even the most complex clinical environments.
Most job seekers only look at hospitals or universities. ATCAC reveals overlooked opportunities in:
Contract Research Organizations (CROs) conducting international trials
Virtual clinical trial companies optimizing decentralized protocols
Patient recruitment firms specializing in rare disease trials
Health tech startups developing AI-powered EDC systems
Government labs running NIH-funded longitudinal cohort studies
Beyond listing your research assistant certification, include:
Metrics (e.g., "coordinated 25 participant visits with 98% retention")
Regulatory proficiency (GCP, Part 11, GDPR, HIPAA)
Systems knowledge (REDCap, Medidata, Veeva Vault)
Communication strengths (subject consent, team reporting)
Did you know location and indication type heavily influence clinical research assistant salary? For example:
Oncology and neurology trials typically pay 10–15% more due to complexity.
Trial assistants in NYC, SF, or Boston earn $65,000–$80,000, compared to $50,000 nationally.
ATCAC-certified professionals have reported salary bumps within three months of completion.
New grads often overlook specialized entry points. Some of the best entry level research assistant jobs are in Phase I units, registry studies, and mobile research teams. These roles offer extensive cross-functional exposure, which fast-tracks growth.
Don’t just rely on job boards. ATCAC students learn to:
Tap into alumni referral networks
Reach out to local IRBs and PI networks
Optimize LinkedIn profiles for recruiter algorithms
Use location filters on global CRO portals like Parexel, ICON, and Labcorp
While most listings mention data entry and subject screening, the real job includes:
Interpreting lab results for protocol compliance
Managing deviations during monitoring visits
Communicating AE reports between investigators and sponsors
Ensuring clean closure of EDC systems during site closeout
These advanced topics are embedded in ATCAC’s lesson structure, giving you insider-level understanding before your first day on the job.
With lifetime access, global recognition, and job coaching baked in, ATCAC offers not just education but real results. Whether your goal is to qualify for your first research assistant position or pivot into a higher-paying clinical career, ATCAC is your competitive edge.
Excelente course! Some lectures are a bit quick and one has to hear them again
Excelente course! Some lectures are a bit quick and one has to hear them again
Read LessI learned so much about Clinical Research. The course goes deep into the role of everyone involved in research and explains very well the different types of research. It explains very well the role and responsibilities of the research assistant.
I learned so much about Clinical Research. The course goes deep into the role of everyone involved in research and explains very well the different types of research. It explains very well the role and responsibilities of the research assistant.
Read Lessinformative
informative
Read LessMaterial was explanatory.
Material was explanatory.
Read Lesshi, As a new member to research , i found this course extremely useful . it covers all basics of ich and gcp guidelines in details and gives you a structure and basic skeleton of how research works in usa and its members resposibilities . helped ...
Read Morehi, As a new member to research , i found this course extremely useful . it covers all basics of ich and gcp guidelines in details and gives you a structure and basic skeleton of how research works in usa and its members resposibilities . helped me build a basic frame work initially and now im moving to research associate course which is further elaborating all the topics. i highly recommend the clinical trial assistant course .
Read Less