Career

in
Clinical
SAS
(A Guide for Fresh Graduates
and Career Switchers)
 WHAT IS CLINICAL SAS?

Clinical SAS refers to the application of the SAS (Statistical Analysis System)
software suite in the field of clinical research and pharmaceutical development. SAS
is a powerful tool for data management, statistical analysis, and reporting. In clinical
research, SAS is used extensively to analyze and manage clinical trial data, ensuring
that it meets regulatory requirements and standards.

KEY COMPONENTS OF CLINICAL SAS:

Data Management:

Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting errors in data.

Data Transformation: Converting data into a usable format.
Data Integration: Combining data from different sources.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive Statistics: Summarizing data using measures such as mean, median, and
standard deviation.
Inferential Statistics: Making predictions or inferences about a population based on
sample data.
Survival Analysis: Analyzing time-to-event data, such as time to disease progression
or time to death.

Report Generation:

Creating detailed reports and tables that summarize the results of statistical
analyses.
Generating graphs and charts to visually represent data findings.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensuring that all analyses meet the guidelines and standards set by regulatory
agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European
Medicines Agency).
Maintaining documentation and audit trails to support regulatory submissions.
Clinical Trial Phases:

Phase I: Assessing the safety of a new drug or treatment in a small group of healthy
volunteers or patients.
Phase II: Evaluating the efficacy and side effects in a larger group of patients.
Phase III: Confirming effectiveness, monitoring side effects, and comparing with
commonly used treatments in large groups of patients.
Phase IV: Conducting post-marketing studies to gather additional information on the
drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.

CDISC Standards:

Adopting standards set by the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium

(CDISC) for data collection, sharing, and reporting.
Common CDISC standards include SDTM (Study Data Tabulation Model) and ADaM
(Analysis Data Model).

Case Report Form (CRF):

Designing and using CRFs to collect data from clinical trials.

Ensuring that data is accurately and consistently captured for analysis.

Protocol Development:

Writing detailed protocols outlining the objectives, design, methodology, statistical

considerations, and organization of a clinical trial.
Ensuring that protocols meet scientific and regulatory standards.

Spec Sheet:

Creating specification sheets that define the data elements, formats, and validation
rules for clinical trial data.

Project Management:

Overseeing the clinical trial process from planning to execution and reporting.
Coordinating activities among different stakeholders, including researchers,
statisticians, and regulatory bodies.

Importance of Clinical SAS

Clinical SAS is crucial for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries as it provides
a standardized, efficient, and reliable method for analyzing clinical trial data. This
ensures that the results are accurate, reproducible, and can be trusted by regulatory
authorities and the scientific community. Using SAS in clinical trials helps to
streamline the drug development process, reduce time to market for new therapies,
and ultimately improve patient care.
 WHO CAN BECOME CLINICAL
SAS PROGRAMMER
A Clinical SAS Programmer is a professional who applies SAS programming skills to the analysis
and reporting of clinical trial data. Becoming a Clinical SAS Programmer typically requires a
combination of education, technical skills, and relevant experience. Here are the qualifications
that can help an individual pursue a career in this field:

Educational Background:

Degree in Relevant Fields:

A bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences, computer science, statistics, biostatistics,

mathematics, public health, or a related field.
Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge, especially for more senior positions.

Certification:

SAS certification programs such as Base SAS, Advanced SAS, and Clinical Trials Programming
using SAS can enhance credibility and job prospects.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in SAS:

Strong knowledge of SAS programming, including data step processing, PROC SQL, and macro
programming.
Familiarity with SAS procedures commonly used in clinical research, such as PROC MEANS,
PROC FREQ, PROC REPORT, PROC TTEST, and PROC GLM.

Understanding of Clinical Data Standards:

Knowledge of CDISC standards such as SDTM (Study Data Tabulation Model) and ADaM (Analysis
Data Model).
Understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines set by bodies like the FDA (Food and
Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency).

Data Management Skills:

Experience in data cleaning, transformation, and validation.

Ability to handle large datasets and complex data structures.
Statistical Analysis

Basic understanding of statistical concepts and methods used in clinical research.

Ability to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.

Project Experience:

Involvement in projects related to clinical data analysis, report generation, and regulatory
submissions.

SOFT SKILLS:

Attention to Detail:

Meticulous approach to data handling and analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance with
regulatory standards.

Analytical Thinking:

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets.

Communication Skills:

Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with clinical researchers,
statisticians, and regulatory authorities.
Ability to present findings clearly and concisely.

Teamwork:

Ability to work well in a team environment, as clinical research often involves collaboration
among various stakeholders.

Additional Qualities:

Continuous Learning:

Commitment to staying updated with advancements in SAS programming, clinical research

methodologies, and regulatory requirements.

Adaptability:

Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and regulatory guidelines.

Ethical Standards:

Adherence to ethical guidelines and practices in clinical research, ensuring data integrity and
patient confidentiality.
 CAREER PATH
Entry-Level Positions:

Clinical SAS Programmer Trainee

Junior Clinical SAS Programmer

Mid-Level Positions:

Clinical SAS Programmer

Statistical Programmer

Senior-Level Positions:

Senior Clinical SAS Programmer

Lead SAS Programmer
Clinical Data Manager

Specialized Roles:

SAS Programmer Analyst

SAS Biostatistician
Clinical Data Analyst

By meeting these qualifications and continually developing relevant skills, an individual can
successfully pursue a career as a Clinical SAS Programmer. This role is essential in the
pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, contributing to the development and approval of new
therapies and treatments.
 Clinical SAS Programming Syllabus
(FOR SELF LEARNER)
BASE SAS

Data Steps

Input Methods:
List
Column
Formatted
Name

INFILE Statement Options:

FLOWOVER
MISSOVER
STOPOVER
TRUNCOVER
SCANOVER

Character Functions:
scan
substr
compress
translate
tranword
find
upcase
propcase
lowcase

Numeric Functions:
int
ceil
floor
sum
min
max
round
range
largest
smallest
Concatenation Functions:
cat
catt
cats
catx
||

Missing & Not Missing Values

Conditional Statements:
if
if then
if then else
if then do
where
select when
select otherwise
first.
last.

Operators:
Logical (and, or)
Comparison (in, like, contain, between, >, <, =, !=)

Statements:
keep
drop
rename
length
retain
label
title
footnote

Options:
firstobs
obs
keep
drop

Importing and Exporting Data:

proc import
proc export

Creating Library:
libname
 Combining Datasets:
Vertically (set)
Horizontally (merge)

Program Data Vector (PDV)

Converting Variable Types:

input
put

PROC Steps

Common Procedures:
proc freq
proc means
proc sort
proc print
proc transpose
proc format
proc univariate
proc rank
proc append
proc content
proc summary
proc stdize

ADVANCED SAS

SQL
Creating tables
Adding new variables
Conditional statements
Functions
Operators
Grouping
Sorting
Joins (inner, left, right, full)

Macro Language
Introduction
Macro types (%let, %put, %macro, %mend, symput)
Parameters (positional & keyword)
Variable types (global & local)
DO loops (iterative, do until, do while)
Arrays
CLINICAL SAS

Clinical Trial Phases

Case Report Form (CRF)
CDISC Standards
Protocol
Spec Sheet
Project Management
SDTM (Standard Data Transfer Model)
ADaM (Analysis Data Model)
Tables, Listings, and Reports

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Communication Building
Tests and Exam Preparation (including mock interviews)
CV Making
Job Application using LinkedIn
Base SAS Preparation

This syllabus provides a strong foundation for a career in Clinical SAS programming. By
mastering these topics, you'll be well-equipped to handle data management and analysis tasks
in clinical trials.
 TRAINING AND TOTAL COST FOR
CLINICAL SAS LEARNING
(3-4 MONTHS)

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE SELF STUDY

EXPENCES
(OFFLINE) INR (ONLINE) INR INR

TRAINING 40-90 K 40-90 K 0-10 K

GLOBEL CERTIFICATION 15 K 15 K 15 K

SAS SOFTWARE FREE FREE FREE

FOOD AND HOSTEL

25k 00 00
(3 MONTHS)

OTHER (OPTIONAL) 1K 1K 1K

80,000- 55,000- 15,000-25,000

TOTAL
1,40,000 INR 1,10,000 INR INR

You can complete your Clinical SAS training independently with just basic clearance,
while institutes often charge around ₹50,000 or more for their courses. Although
these programs promise 100% placement assistance, it's important to note they do
not guarantee a job. Many individuals I've encountered paid ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 for
training at top institutes and received 3-4 interview calls, but not everyone secured a
position.
Remember, institutes provide placement assistance, not a guaranteed job. If you're
motivated and willing to learn on your own, you can acquire the necessary
knowledge to land a job. This will also help you build essential skills like research and
problem-solving, which are invaluable in your future career.
If budget constraints are an issue, you don't need to spend on an institute. Start
studying independently and use your own knowledge to secure a position.
Believe in your abilities, stay motivated, and pursue your dreams with determination.
You have what it takes to succeed!
 PREREQUISITES OF THINGS
Laptop: A mid-range laptop with adequate specifications to handle data processing and
analysis tasks.

Network: A stable and reliable internet connection for accessing resources, downloading
software, and participating in online learning.
By investing in these essentials, you can effectively pursue a career in SAS programming,
whether through self-study or structured training programs.

SALARY IN CLINICAL SAS PROGRAMMING

The salary for Clinical SAS Programmers can vary depending on factors such as location,
company size, and the individual's educational background and experience. Here’s a
general overview of what you can expect at different stages in your career:

Entry-Level Clinical SAS Programmer:

India: The average salary for an entry-level Clinical SAS Programmer in India ranges from
₹3,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per annum.
United States: In the U.S., entry-level positions typically offer between $60,000 to
$80,000 per annum.
Europe: Salaries can range from €40,000 to €60,000 per annum, depending on the
country.

Mid-Level Clinical SAS Programmer (3-5 years of experience):

India: Salaries can increase to ₹6,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per annum.

United States: Mid-level professionals may earn between $80,000 to $100,000 per
annum.
Europe: Salaries for mid-level programmers can range from €60,000 to €80,000 per
annum.

Senior-Level Clinical SAS Programmer (5+ years of experience):

India: Senior professionals can earn upwards of ₹12,00,000 to ₹16,00,000 or more per
annum.
United States: Senior-level salaries can range from $100,000 to $120,000 or more per
annum.
Europe: Salaries can exceed €80,000 per annum, depending on the specific country and
employer.
While entering the field of Clinical SAS programming at an
entry-level position can be challenging due to limited openings
and high competition, it is not impossible. By building a strong
resume, gaining practical experience, and leveraging
networking opportunities, you can improve your chances of
securing a position. Salaries in this field are competitive and
increase significantly with experience, making it a rewarding
career choice for those with the right skills and dedication.

Note: I have observed that some individuals have received

entry-level salaries of ₹10,00,000 to ₹11,00,000 per annum,
which indicates that this field offers excellent career
prospects for those who excel.
Companies and Their Types Hiring
SAS Programmers
Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are companies that provide support to the
pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries in the form of
outsourced research services. These services include clinical trials management,
clinical data management, statistical analysis, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory
support. CROs play a crucial role in drug development by conducting clinical trials
to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs and medical devices. They employ SAS
Programmers to manage and analyze clinical trial data using SAS software,
ensuring accurate and reliable results.

CROs

1. PPD
2. ICON plc
3. PAREXEL International
4. QuintilesIMS (IQVIA)
5. Covance
6. Syneos Health
7. Celerion
8. Charles River Laboratories
9. Medpace
10. PRA Health Sciences
11. ICON Clinical Research
12. Worldwide Clinical Trials
13. Synteract
14. Veristat
15. Premier Research
16. Chiltern (A Covance Company)
17. WCG (formerly WIRB-Copernicus Group)
18. BioClinica
19. Medpace Holdings
20. Novella Clinical (a Quintiles company)
Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical companies are firms that discover, develop, manufacture, and

market drugs for use as medications. They range from large multinational
corporations to small biotechnology startups. These companies conduct extensive
research and development (R&D) to create new drugs, often conducting clinical
trials to test these drugs in humans. SAS Programmers are employed by
pharmaceutical companies to manage and analyze clinical trial data, support
regulatory submissions, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH)
guidelines.

Pharmaceutical Companies

1. Pfizer
2. Novartis
3. AstraZeneca
4. Merck & Co.
5. Bristol-Myers Squibb
6. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
7. Johnson & Johnson
8. Eli Lilly and Company
9. Sanofi
10. Roche
11. Abbott Laboratories
12. Novo Nordisk
13. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
14. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
15. Biogen
16. Amgen
17. Gilead Sciences
18. Genentech (a member of the Roche Group)
19. Celgene (a Bristol-Myers Squibb company)
20. Akebia Therapeutics
Biotechnology Companies

Biotechnology companies use living organisms or biological systems to create

pharmaceutical and medical products. They specialize in developing
biopharmaceuticals, which are drugs derived from biological sources such as
proteins, antibodies, or genetic material. Biotechnology companies conduct R&D to
discover and develop new therapies, often relying on clinical trials to test these
therapies in patients. SAS Programmers in biotechnology companies are
responsible for managing and analyzing clinical trial data, performing statistical
analysis, and supporting the interpretation of study results.

Biotechnology Companies

1. Biogen
2. Amgen
3. Gilead Sciences
4. Genentech
5. Vertex Pharmaceuticals
6. Biogen Idec
7. Seattle Genetics
8. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
9. Alexion Pharmaceuticals
10. Incyte
11. Jazz Pharmaceuticals
12. BioMarin Pharmaceutical
13. Shire Pharmaceuticals
14. Celgene
15. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
16. Bluebird Bio
17. Exelixis
18. Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical
19. Atara Biotherapeutics
20. Bio-Techne
Medical device companies

Medical device companies design, develop, manufacture, and market medical

devices used in healthcare settings. These devices range from simple tools (e.g.,
syringes) to complex instruments (e.g., MRI machines). Medical device companies
conduct clinical trials and studies to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their
products. SAS Programmers in medical device companies manage and analyze
clinical trial data to support regulatory submissions, evaluate device performance,
and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as the FDA's Quality
System Regulation (QSR) and ISO 13485.

Medical device companies

1. Abbott Laboratories
2. Medtronic
3. Johnson & Johnson
4. Boston Scientific
5. Siemens Healthineers
6. Stryker
7. Becton Dickinson (BD)
8. Baxter International
9. Zimmer Biomet
10. Edwards Lifesciences
11. Smith & Nephew
12. Terumo Medical Corporation
13. Philips Healthcare
14. Intuitive Surgical
15. Hologic
16. ResMed
17. Varian Medical Systems
18. Masimo
19. Align Technology
20. Thermo Fisher Scientific
Health Informatics and Analytics Companies

Health informatics and analytics companies specialize in collecting, analyzing, and

interpreting healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and
optimize healthcare delivery. These companies use advanced analytics and data
science techniques to derive insights from large datasets, including electronic health
records (EHRs), claims data, and clinical trial data. SAS Programmers in health
informatics and analytics companies manage and analyze healthcare data using SAS
software, applying statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to identify
patterns, trends, and associations that can inform clinical decision-making and
healthcare policy.

Health Informatics and Analytics Companies

1. Cerner Corporation
2. Epic Systems Corporation
3. Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
4. McKesson Corporation
5. Athenahealth
6. Change Healthcare
7. MedeAnalytics
8. Optum
9. Philips Healthcare
10. GE Healthcare
11. IBM Watson Health
12. SAS Institute
13. Oracle Health Sciences
14. Inovalon
15. Definitive Healthcare
16. Health Catalyst
17. IQVIA
18. Leidos Health
19. Health Fidelity
20. Innovaccer
Health Informatics and Analytics Companies

Health informatics and analytics companies specialize in collecting, analyzing, and

interpreting healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and optimize
healthcare delivery. These companies use advanced analytics and data science
techniques to derive insights from large datasets, including electronic health records
(EHRs), claims data, and clinical trial data. SAS Programmers in health informatics and
analytics companies manage and analyze healthcare data using SAS software, applying
statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns, trends, and
associations that can inform clinical decision-making and healthcare policy.

Health Informatics and Analytics Companies

1. Cerner Corporation
2. Epic Systems Corporation
3. Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
4. McKesson Corporation
5. Athenahealth
6. Change Healthcare
7. MedeAnalytics
8. Optum
9. Philips Healthcare
10. GE Healthcare
11. IBM Watson Health
12. SAS Institute
13. Oracle Health Sciences
14. Inovalon
15. Definitive Healthcare
16. Health Catalyst
17. IQVIA
18. Leidos Health
19. Health Fidelity
20. Innovaccer
Thank you for reading all the information shared. If
You Want to Learn Clinical SAS feel free to message
me. I believe that sharing knowledge not only helps
others but also enhances my own skills. for your self
study i will share some basic tips with you that's
definitely boost your Learning.

In the future, I will be posting more content about

SAS, so don't forget to like, share, and comment, it
will motivate me to continue sharing valuable
insights.

Saurabh Patil
SAS Programmer