The CTSI Translational Workforce Development Program offers the following education and involvement opportunities for clinical research professionals, research coordinators and nurses.
Clinical trials are critical for developing and delivering evidence-based care. Trial success often depends on clinical research professionals’ work as vital members of the research team. Opportunities such as study groups for research certification, seminar series, professional associations and online resources help to grow research at UF and make a difference in patients’ lives.
The weekly CTSI email newsletter, Quick Links, provides the latest information on seminars, courses and other events related to translational research. If you’re interested in information specific to clinical-research professionals, email Bob Kolb to join his coordinators’ liststerv.
“For me, attaining certifications was a must. I knew that by earning and maintaining research professional credentialing, I would set myself apart. Research is my passion, and I wanted to be respected as a knowledgeable, reliable, trained, and thoroughly experienced research professional.”
Amber Bouton
FORUM
Clinical Research Professionals Advisory Council
An ongoing forum for networking and resource sharing within the clinical research community at UF.
EDUCATION
Research Coordinator Leadership Development Program
Six-month program with monthly two-hour sessions designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of research coordination. Email Bob Kolb if you are interested.
certificate
CTSI Certificate of Basic Coordinator Training
Entry-level education for those who wish to become a clinical research coordinator, including health professionals working in nursing, nutrition, respiratory therapy, occupational/ physical therapy or similar allied health fields.
SEMINARS
CTSI Clinical Research Professionals Advisory Council seminar series
Part of the Clinical Research Professionals Advisory Council. Seminars on the last Friday of the month from noon to 1 p.m focus on topics that aim to foster development and share resources.
EDUCATION
Research Coordinator Certification Study Groups
Entry-level education for those who wish to become a clinical research coordinator, including health professionals working in nursing, nutrition, respiratory therapy, occupational/ physical therapy or similar allied health fields.
EDUCATION
CTSA DIAMOND Portal for education and training
The DIAMOND project is an online educational portal for shared competency-based educational offerings, assessments and training resources for clinical research professionals. It also provides an e-portfolio system for individualized professional development planning.
listserv
Research Coordinator online community
The Next National Research Coordinator Consortium (NRCC) provides an ongoing forum for deliberate and meaningful discussions around the multifaceted, expanding role of coordinators among the Clinical and Translational Science Award hubs. Contact Bob Kolb to subscribe to the listserv.
council
Diversity & Cultural Competence Council (DC3)
Part of the Clinical Research Professionals Advisory Council. This council was established to help UF clinical research professionals become competent communicators and actors in the intersectional areas of diversity and culture. With the clinical research professional and community member in mind, this council seeks to develop opportunities in raising awareness of distinct needs for diversity and inclusion, while identifying and disseminating best-practice information in the UF clinical research community.
Courses
Career Pathways for Research Professionals – GMS5905 (3G27)
This career-development course focuses on what it means to be a “research professional”, in particular what it means to support the conduct of research in a variety of career pathways other than as a faculty member.
Fall 2019 details:
Thursdays at 12:50 – 2:45 pm (6-7 period)
Health Science Center Room N1-07 (located in the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine office suite, near the Sun Terrace)
Instructors: Lauren Solberg, JD, MTS; and Bob Kolb, RN, MS, CCRC
To register:
- Currently Registered UF Students, follow the deadlines listed here.
- Full-time UF employees: You could be eligible for tuition assistance through the Employee Education Program. To register, go to Checklist for Students Attending UF , select non-degree student registration, and click here for the non-degree registration form. When you fill out your form, select the college from the dropdown menu (be sure to select the option that includes “Employee Education Program” in the name)
Related resources
- The Clinical Trials Submission Process Manual was created by Jennifer Hosford, a graduate of the Academy of Research Excellence. It’s an incredible tool for both novice and experienced coordinators. If you wish to contact Jennifer, call (352) 273-9173 or email jenniferhosford@medicine.ufl.edu.
- Research coordinators are encouraged to consider membership in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA). These organizations provide research coordinators with opportunities for professional development and certification. More information about the benefits and costs of membership can be found in this side-by-side comparison.
- The Association of Clinical Research Professionals published a special journal issue in December 2015 titled Careers in Clinical Research.
- Enhancing Clinical Research Professionals’ Training and Qualifications (ECRPTQ): Recommendations for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training for investigators and study coordinators
- Education and training of clinical and translational study investigators and research coordinators: A competency-based approach
- More educational opportunities for Research Coordinators through the CTSI Translational Workforce Development Program
- 9 Tips for Professional Email Communication
- On the new NIH Protection of Human Subjects site, you can find useful information about proposing and conducting NIH extramural research involving human subjects, including policies, regulations, training, resources and updated information on the revised human subject regulation (Common Rule).