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ProceduresStudiesWorking in clinical research with a medical or paramedical qualification from outside the EU

Working in clinical research with a medical or paramedical qualification from outside the EU

JRS FranceProposed by JRS France Updated on il y a un an

Clinical research is conducted on sick or healthy individuals with the aim of advancing biological or medical knowledge. For example, it may be carried out to determine the effectiveness or safety of a new treatment or the use of a new medical device..

The number of clinical trials continues to rise worldwide (+40% since 2015) and professionals in the sector (hospitals, healthcare companies, subcontractors) are regularly recruiting.

In clinical research, there are two jobs open to non-EU qualified nurses, pharmacists, doctors or laboratory technicians after a short training course (around 200 hours).

  • Clinical Study Technician (TEC): acts as an intermediary between the investigating doctor, the medical team and the patients. In particular, they are responsible for collecting the personal information of patients in a research study. They analyse these information, share them with the medical teams, classify them and monitor patients throughout the study. They work at a single site, such as a clinical investigation centre within a university hospital (CHU). This job is accessible for holders of a Bachelor's degree (2 or 3 years).
  • Clinical Research Associate (ARC): acts as an intermediary between the sponsor (who commissions the study) and the investigating doctor. They have no direct link with the patients. In the case of studies involving several clinical investigation centres, they may have to work at several sites and therefore travel frequently. In particular, they are responsible for monitoring and controlling the scientific, technical and regulatory quality of the trial. This job is generally open to those with 5 years' higher education.
You need a very good level of French (B2/C1) to work as a TEC, and a very good level of French and English (B2/C1) to work as an ARC.

How to do it?

The main specific training courses are:

  • DIUFARC - TEC (diploma for training clinical research assistants and clinical study technicians)
  • DU ARC/TEC (university diplomas)
  • Private ARC/TEC training courses
As employers generally recruit at Master's level to work as a Clinical Research Assistant (ARC), it is preferable to first apply for a job as a Clinical Study Technician (TEC) if you have a degree in paramedical science (Bachelor's degree ). With experience as a TEC, you can then apply for a job as an ARC.

These web sites offer a (non-exhaustive) list of training courses region by region:

The admission requirements for these different courses vary from institution to institution. In general, the following are eligible to enroll:

  • candidates with a 2- or 3-year post-secondary degree (in medical and scientific fields),
  • state-certified paramedical professionals,
  • individuals already engaged in this professional activity.
Some French Masters allow direct access to TEC/ARC work, particularly if you already have professional experience in the field of clinical research. For example: Masters in Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance; Masters in Clinical Development and Research or Masters in Public Health.

There is a charge for the courses, which can range from 700 to 4,000 euros.

Not all courses can be funded by France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi). It is best to choose a course that is accredited by France Travail and offers support in finding your first job.

There are several types of financial assistance available, depending on the applicant's situation, the status of the establishment providing the training (university/private school, etc.), the type of training (face-to-face/teleconference) and whether it is provided through initial or continuing training:

Private training centers are more expensive, but often offer support for preparing financial files.

Registration procedures and dates vary from institution to institution.

Most courses require at least :

  • a cover letter
  • a CV
  • proof of diploma
The course takes around 200 hours.

To work as a TEC or ARC, you have to take an exam following the training.

The final national examination validates the training. It consists of a 4-hour written examination followed by a 10-minute oral examination.

For some courses, a provisional certificate can be obtained after passing the exam, and must be followed by a work placement lasting several months (e.g. in a hospital, in a pharmaceutical industry R&D department or in a CRO-type service provider). The diploma is issued once the placement report has been validated.

You can do your own work placement as a stepping stone to your first job if your course does not offer one.

Here are three web sites where you can find different TEC internship offers:

What happens next?

Clinical research associates and clinical study technicians may work in hospitals, cancer centres and public health institutes, or in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly through CROs (Contract Research Organizations)..

The first job (with no experience other than the end-of-study placement) is difficult to get. You have to be prepared to go through a lot of interviews and use your networks as much as possible. If your first job is a positive experience, it becomes much easier to find other jobs later on.

Here are three websites that list job vacancies:

StudiesTrainingHealthStart or resume health studiesFind a training course in healthStudy or work in the health sector

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