World-Class Clinical Research Professionals
Since October 2019, Arnaud Villier has been the coordinator of start-up operations at the Unit for Innovative Therapies at Montréal’s CHUM Research Centre.
“It is a job where you have to make sure that each of the steps that precede the start of a clinical trial in patients is completed in accordance with good clinical practice principles. For example, I am in charge of reviewing the protocol proposed by a sponsor, assessing the complexity of the procedures to determine their feasibility in terms of material resources and in terms of personnel. Evaluating and negotiating budgets are also part of my daily tasks. In my previous mandate at the CHUM, I was responsible for submitting projects to Health Canada, if necessary, and to the research ethics board, as well as for drafting patient consent forms,” he states.
Like many research professionals, Arnaud Villier is a CCRP®-Certified Clinical Research Professional. In 2016, after ten years of experience as a clinical research technician and coordinator, he completed this internationally-recognized program offered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).
In Canada, there is no mandatory training for clinical research professionals, whether they are coordinators, technicians, research nurses or physician-researchers. However, the field of clinical trials is highly regulated and requires specialized expertise to protect patients and ensure data quality.
“This certification is beneficial to anyone working in clinical research. I learned a lot about regulations and ethics. The program covers everything from data entry, managing side effects experienced during research, and how research ethics boards operate. Since regulations and practices are constantly evolving, this training keeps you up to date,” he says.
Healthcare professionals who are interested in obtaining the CCRP® accreditation must first apply for the exam, pay the exam fees (USD$395 for members, USD$450 for non-members), and pass the exam. The SOCRA offers online preparation resources as well as classes (additional fees may apply).
Apply for the Next Certification Exam
The next Society of Clinical Research Associates CCRP® certification exam hosted by CATALIS Québec and the CHUM research centre will be held in Montréal on February 15, 2021. Applicants must complete their registration by January 4, 2021.
Bursaries to support research profesionnals’ continuing education are offered by CATALIS Québec in collaboration with the Association québécoise des infirmières et intervenants en recherche clinique (AQIIRC).
The AQIIRC will also be offering web-based study group conferences that will be open to all.
Tips on preparing for the exam
- Apply now to increase your chances (70% success rate);
- Study the documentation provided by the SOCRA;
- Take part in a study group hosted by the AQIIRC to facilitate learning and the sharing of information: simply contact info@aqiirc.qc.ca
For more information about the CCRP® certification exam
https://www.socra.org/certification/ccrp-certification-exam/exam-overview/
For more information about CATALIS Québec – AQIIRC’s bursary program
CATALIS Québec and AQIIRC are launching a joint advanced training bursary program
