Important information
Proposed by
Target audience
Price
Requirements
Where is it?
Working in clinical research with a medical or paramedical qualification from outside the EU
What is it?
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.
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
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.
There is a charge for the courses, which can range from 700 to 4,000 euros.
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:
- education grants based on social criteria
- grants from regional councils
- individual training assistance (AIF) from France Travail for job seekers.
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
To work as a TEC or ARC, you have to take an exam following the training.
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)..
Here are three websites that list job vacancies:
Did you find this sheet useful?
Thank the contributors who wrote and translated it for you!
Related topics
8 contributors mobilized