SoCRA The Society of Clinical Research Associates Kimberly B. Bradley, CCRP

Overview Background and Growth MissionCertification 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.”

Mission-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, clinical researcher, research nurse, administrator, coordinator, consultant, or educator in clinical trial management…involved 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 professionals, 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

Certification—CCRP SoCRA Membership (prior to or at time of exam application) Eligibility requirements Successfully pass CCRP Exam Re-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.

Common Questions Will I get a raise?!?!?! Will work pay for it?!?!?!

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 $20-25 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 Internationally 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 Changing… 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