Online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals

MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals

Drexel University’s nationally ranked College of Medicine offers an accredited online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program. A non-thesis, fully online graduate degree program, this clinical research MS program is uniquely designed for residents, fellows, clinicians, and other health professionals.

Many of our online MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals students are physicians in a fellowship program and research nurses. Typically, they are seeking to finish their research and develop their clinical careers.

Program at a Glance

• Semester Credits: 36 credits
• Average Completion Time: 2 to 3 years
  • You may take up to 7 years to complete the program
• No thesis, on-campus, or residency requirement
• Courses are led by distinguished researchers, administrators, lawyers, and scientists with extensive experience in clinical research
• Curriculum melds quantitative principles with an understanding of research processes and administration
• Uses a simple, easy-to-use, interactive online format that caters to active and at-work clinical researchers

What is a MS in Clinical Research for Physicians & Health Professionals?

The online Master’s in Clinical Research for Health Professionals at Drexel is a 36-semester credit (12 course) program. It prepares health professionals, like you, with an extensive study and understanding of the scientific, ethical, and regulatory aspects of clinical research. Many students complete the requirements of the online clinical research master’s degree in just 2 to 3 years.

What Will I Study?

The clinical research for health professionals curriculum provides access to a wide range of courses, while giving you an opportunity to grow your confidence in scientific writing and research. This format can help you gain some vital hands-on experience as you apply knowledge to interpret and present the findings of clinical research.

Apart from choosing a total of 5 courses, the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program requires you to conduct at least 9 hours of research per week (3 credits per semester). At the end of each semester, you’ll document your research and progress through a 7-10-page journal format paper.

As an online clinical research graduate student, you will also earn additional real-world clinical experience through a comprehensive mentored research project. A key requirement of this mentored research is the support of a doctoral-level (MD/PhD) mentor/advisor located at the institution where your research will be conducted.

This is not a sub-investigator or clinical research associate working for a principal investigator. Rather, under the guidance of your mentor, you’ll work to develop an original research proposal. Most of the fellows in the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program have their research published in medical journals.

Learn with the Best – Student Testimonial

Alumni like Anthony Weekes are spearheading change in the clinical research field every day.

What is the difference between an MS in Clinical Research Management vs Clinical Research for Health Professionals?

The MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals features required courses, writing, and independent research. It meets the needs of health professionals, fellows, and clinicians engaged in research or who want to add these skills to their clinical career.

By comparison, depending on your plan of study, Drexel’s MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management may meet the needs of professionals and clinicians who want to develop clinical management and leadership skills. Since it does not have core requirements, you will work with an advisor to craft a personalized study plan. When chosen carefully, the courses in the clinical research organization and management program can also serve as preparation for several industry certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA).

The chart below itemizes other similarities and differentiators between Drexel’s online MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management and the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals programs.

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Clinical Research as a Health Professional?

The online clinical research master’s degree for health professionals often acts as an advanced preparation for independent investigators and other practicing researchers familiar with the industry. Many graduates are seeking to pursue careers in the conduct of translational, pharmaceutical, and/or biotechnology research.

Clinical Research Scientists conduct research that deals with human or animal diseases, preventive methods, and treatments to improve human health. Many also write and publish articles in scientific journals. Some related job titles include Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Pharmacologist, and Senior Research Scientist.

Recent studies indicate the demand for Clinical Research Scientists and Clinical Investigators will grow at a faster than average rate in the next few years. To get started in this broad field usually requires a master’s degree, though there can be distinct requirements for each role.

The table below outlines other potential opportunities and workforce data:

*Source: O’Net

Master’s in Clinical Research for Fellows & Health Professionals Salary Expectations

Salaries for clinical research professionals vary due to influences such as location, position, education, and experience. Just to give you an idea, nationwide, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinators reported average annual salaries of $118,970 in 2017. In the state of Pennsylvania, for the same year and job title, the average salary was slightly higher at $120,040.

The table below charts the average annual salary (2017) breakdown for some job titles graduates of the MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals program may strive toward:

Related Programs

Drexel University offers several other online clinical research master’s and certificate programs designed to match your career goals:

• MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management
• Certificate of Study in Clinical Research
• Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research Certificate

If you have questions, please contact:

Patricia Cashin
Academic Administrator
215.762.4075
pcc36@drexel.edu

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.