Why Clinical Research is a Fast-Growing Career Field & How to Get Started

The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, with new treatments, medications, and medical devices being introduced daily. At the heart of these advancements is clinical research. Clinical research is a branch of medical science that involves the study of health and disease in humans. Its purpose is to understand the safety, efficacy, and side effects of medical treatments, devices, and interventions. As the demand for new therapies increases, so does the need for skilled clinical researchers who can lead groundbreaking studies and drive medical progress.

The Growing Demand for Clinical Researchers

Several factors are fueling the rapid expansion of the clinical research industry: 

1. Increasing Global Health Challenges

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, along with new infectious diseases like COVID-19, has heightened the demand for clinical trials aimed at developing new treatments and vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that clinical research is crucial for addressing global health crises and enhancing patient outcomes. 

2. Expanding Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industries

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are making significant investments in research and development (R&D), resulting in a substantial increase in clinical trials worldwide. The U.S. National Library of Medicine currently lists over 460,000 registered clinical trials globally, reflecting the industry’s rapid expansion and the growing demand for professionals to manage these studies. 

3. Job Growth & Career Stability

The demand for clinical research professionals continues to grow, making it a stable and rewarding career path. According to Indeed, the average salary for Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) in the United States is approximately $83,325 per year, with variations based on experience, location, and employer type. As the field expands, professionals with a Master of Clinical Research may have greater opportunities for leadership roles and higher earning potential. 

Advance Your Career with a Master of Clinical Research

Earning a Master of Clinical Research from Ohio State online can give you the expertise, hands-on training, and industry connections needed to excel in this field. With a fully online format, this program is designed for working professionals looking to advance their career in clinical research, which may include obtaining an entry level position or aspiring for a  leadership role at an academic medical center, pharmaceutical company, or contract research organization (CRO) among many other entities.  

The flexibility of this program is ideal for working professionals. Moreover, the program offers extensive learning from medical product development and regulations to study design, data management, project management, and a capstone course. In this capstone course, you will develop a culminating project and an ePortfolio. The culminating project will fall into one of four categories:  

Option 1: A Systematic or Integrated Review of a research topic  

Option 2: A Research Proposal/Grant Submission 

Option 3: A Manuscript for submission to a Journal 

Option 4: An individualized scholarly project of student’s choice (May include a mentored project). 

This program will mold you into a sought-after clinical research professional.  

Ohio State’s Master of Clinical Research: Where Graduates Go 

With 390 graduates from Ohio State’s Master of Clinical Research program, alumni are making an impact in various sectors of the industry. Out of 295 graduates with available data: 

• 62% work at site/academic medical centers, contributing to research conducted at hospitals and universities. 

• 19% work at pharmaceutical companies, helping develop and test new drugs. 

• 15% are employed at contract research organizations (CROs) that manage clinical trials for biotech and pharma companies. 

• 4% work in other areas, including medical devices, technology, consulting, and more. 

Find more information here on how Ohio State’s Master of Clinical Research can help you take the next step in your career!