SoCRA

The Society of Clinical Research Associates

Kimberly B. Bradley, CCRP

Overview
Background and Growth Mission Certification Getting Involved

Background
Founded and Incorporated in 1991 First annual conference in 1992 CCRP certifications began in 1995 Quality Education, Peer Recognition, Professional Certification

Current Membership
11,350 members (as of December 31, 2008)
>6,687 are CCRP certified

41 countries represented Six continents 53 Chapters

Mission Statement
The express aim of SoCRA is to provide training and continuing education for clinical research professionals and to establish and maintain an international certification program for clinical research professionals.

MissionMission-Specific Actions
Establishing educational programming and provide continuing education Establishing an internationally recognized certification program, and Fostering the professional development and peer recognition of Clinical Research Professionals

Clinical Research Professional

Clinical investigator, sub-investigator, subclinical researcher, research nurse, administrator, coordinator, consultant, or educator in clinical trial managementinvolved in one or more aspects of clinical trials research

Clinical Research Professional

data collection, analysis, or monitoring case management of protocol participants recruitment and enrollment of human subjects protection of subjects and subjects rights through IRB relations development of informed consents preparation of adverse event experience reports construction or monitoring of case report forms maintenance of drug accountability records grant and budget development report preparation education of other health-care healthprofessionals, patients or families regarding clinical trials protocol development program administration research program audit

SoCRA Membership
Open to any clinical research professional Do not have to be certified (or obtain certification) to be a member Local chapter membership included automatically

Virginia Membership
159 members, 76 certified CCRPs
7 VCU members certified CCRPs

Certificationi Certificationi CCRP

SoCRA Membership (prior to or at time of exam application) Eligibility requirements Successfully pass CCRP Exam ReRe-certify every three years
recertification exam 45 hours continuing education

Minimum Experience
Two years of full time employment in clinical research during last five years, OR Degree in Clinical Research, with 1 year of full time experience during the last two years, OR 12 or more semester hours in a clinical research curriculum with a degree in a related field and one year of experience during the past two years.
See exam application for details on degrees and information on qualification with part-time hours. part-

Common Questions Will work pay for it?!?!?!

Will I get a raise?!?!?!

Exam Expense
SoCRA Membership is $75 per year Certification exam is $195 (member rate) Recertification is $100 (every three years)
SCT (Society for Clinical Trials)
$110 annual membership; no certification available

ACRP (Association of Clinical Research Professionals)

$150 annual membership $20$20-25 charge to join local chapter $410 for certification exam (includes $100 application fee, member rate)

Benefits of Certification
Raises are department specific and usually multi-factorial multiInternationally recognized Commitment to the field of research Proof of knowledge and familiarity with regulations

Salary Survey
CCRP not directly correlated with higher salary
only applies to newly certified CCRPs with three years or more of certification make above average salaries

Higher incomes associated more with education and years experience

Salary Survey Findings

More involvement in professional organizations, including attending the SoCRA annual conference and education workshops, is associated with higher compensation.

Get Involved
Step One: JOIN! The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Sally Berger

Get Involved!
Attend an Annual Conference
September 2009: Nashville, TN Gaylord Opryland Hotel Future Dates:
September 2010: Dallas, TX September 2011: San Francisco, CA September 2012: Las Vegas (not finalized)

Get Involved
Attend Educational Courses
FDA Clinical Trial Requirements Clinical Site Management Device Research Workshop Clinical Science Course SOP Development and Implementation Monitoring Workshop

Get Involved
Attend local chapter meetings
Meet in conjunction with department meetings Sponsor SoCRA programming and certification tests Hold mini conferences for locals

Get Involved
Take the CCRP Exam Speak at local and/or national meetings Volunteer for committees or Board membership

Always ChangingW
Research is a field of constant change
Regulations Clinical Care Technology

Education and involvement are essential for career movement and field advancement

Finishing Quote
If you want to accomplish anything in life, you can't just sit back and hope it will happen. You've got to make it happen.
Chuck Norris