Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate
- Next Application Deadline:
- October 31, 2026
- Credit hours:
- 12
- Next Term Start Date:
- January 11, 2027
Jump start your career in the rapidly expanding field of clinical research
Ohio State’s online Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate prepares healthcare professionals and students in any field to be leaders in the management of human subjects research. With this clinical research certificate, you’ll build a solid foundation in clinical research management and learn how to apply bioethical standards to the medical development and innovation of complex clinical research studies in the healthcare and biopharmaceutical environments.
Coursework for the online Clinical Research Management graduate certificate meets the major competencies established by the Joint Task Force Core Competencies for Clinical Research Professionals.
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“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad -
“While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty.”
Stephanie Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
“I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized.”
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
"Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others."
Cara North Ohio State Online Grad -
"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
The certificate program consists of four courses (12 credit hours), and it can be completed in less than a year (three semesters).
Yes. If you choose to continue your education in clinical research, you may transfer 100% of the Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate course credits into Ohio State’s online Master of Clinical Research degree program. Completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
Yes, this program is 100% online, offering flexibility for working professionals like you to study from wherever you are.
Yes, this online program is fully asynchronous, meaning you can log in to view instructional materials and complete your work whenever it is best for your schedule.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants may be considered for the next available start term, subject to admission requirements. Students accepted into the program will be notified within a few weeks of completing their application.
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Academic Calendar
Multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s online non-degree programs, so you can decide when to take the next step toward earning your Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate.
Spring 2027
Application Opens
June 16, 2026
Application Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Term Start Date
January 11, 2027
Summer 2027
Application Opens
November 1, 2026
Application Deadline
March 31, 2027
Term Start Date
May 10, 2027
Autumn 2027
Application Opens
April 1, 2027
Application Deadline
June 30, 2027
Term Start Date
August 24, 2027
Admission Criteria
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for admission to the Clinical Research Management certificate:
Your degree must be from an accredited bachelor’s program. Students may apply to the certificate while their bachelor’s degree is still in progress, but must receive their degree prior to beginning enrollment in the program. GPAs are reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Applicants whose GPAs fall below 3.0 may still apply and be considered for admission.
How to Apply
You can complete an application online on Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions website. A non-refundable $60 application fee is required at the time of submission.
Upload a CV or resume no more than two pages long.
To complete your application and verify your degree and undergraduate GPA, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from Ohio State do not need to be submitted. All transcripts must be received by the application deadline.
Transcripts should be sent directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus OH 43218-2004
or
gpadocs@osu.edu
When applying:
You may upload scanned copies of official transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates to the online application system. Note: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
These scans help form a complete application packet, but they do not replace the need for official documents.
What is not accepted. These types of documents will not be used for degree verification or GPA calculation:
Advising reports
Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
Documents with a URL across the top
Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree granting graduate program at Ohio State for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Be sure to choose the appropriate application for “current or former” Ohio State students after following this application link. In addition to that online application, you must complete a Supplemental Application. This separate application can be submitted at the time of your online application or after by using the Admission Uploader. Choose any of the following options to access this application:
MS Word Document: Supplemental Certificate Application (To download, select “Save”)
Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required, and how to submit scores may be found on The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
Admission Timeline & Deferrals
Applicants can track their application status through their Applicant Center. Allow up to five business days for material status updates to be reflected.
Graduate transfer applications can email OnlineEnrollment@osu.edu for application status.
Rolling admissions
Applications are reviewed weekly, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.
- Deadline
- The application and all required materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on the posted deadline.
- Decision
- Applicants will receive an admission decision within three weeks of submitting their application and all required materials.
- Most applicants are notified by email and through their Applicant Center.
- Accept
- Students must accept their admission offer by two weeks prior to the start of the admission term.
- Students who do not respond to their offer of admission by the deadline will have their offer cancelled.
- Admission cannot be deferred. Students unable to start in the admitted term must reapply for a future term.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
This online graduate-level Clinical Research Management certificate will prepare you for your next steps with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills in human subjects’ research regulations, conduct, management and leadership.
Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Work Activities
Design and validate clinical databases, including designing or testing logic checks. Process clinical data, including receipt, entry, verification, or filing of information. Generate data queries, based on validation checks or errors and omissions identified during data entry, to resolve identified problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $67,240
- Mid Level: $120,230
- Senior Level: $199,130
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
33.5%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Data Scientists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Social Science Research Assistants
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
Work Activities
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols. Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms. Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $79,710
- Mid Level: $167,220
- Senior Level: $316,850
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.7%
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- Social Science Research Assistants
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Work Activities
Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews. Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results. Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,260
- Mid Level: $69,460
- Senior Level: $130,860
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Data Scientists
- Management Analysts
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Statistical Assistants
- Statisticians
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Clinical Research Management certificate includes 12 credits of graduate coursework, is offered 100% online and asynchronously and is designed to be able to be completed in three semesters. The curriculum meets the internationally recognized Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency framework.
Concepts and policies for the responsible conduct of research (RCR), Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and dissemination of findings will be introduced.
Function of clinical research in medical product development and the regulatory process of new medical products. Laws and regulations concerning the development, testing, commercialization, and total product life cycle for medical products. Regulations governing the conduct of clinical research, including study sponsors, investigators, and Institutional Review Boards.
Fundamental principles of clinical research operations from study site selection to study closure from the perspective of sponsors and clinical research sites including an introduction to database design, management, quality assurance, and reporting for site and sponsor operations.
This course covers concepts and application of total quality management for federal regulation of medical product development including drugs and medical devices. (Offered: Summer semester)
This course covers the principles of project management and strategic planning in healthcare, clinical research, and regulatory settings. (Offered: Summer semester)
This course provides an introduction to fundamental principles of clinical research data management and informatics to include the acquisition and management of data during clinical research studies, including source data, data entry, data quality assurance, reporting, and security. (Offered: Spring semester)
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
The online courses in Ohio State’s Clinical Research Management Graduate Certificate are led by esteemed College of Nursing faculty. The Ohio State University College of Nursing is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence for Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development.
Featured Faculty
Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice, Master of Clinical Research and Undergraduate Clinical Trials Sciences Certificate, College of Nursing
“There is a national demand for clinical research professionals. This certificate offers students a broad foundation in the management of human subjects research and credible educational credentials to break into the clinical research industry or advance their career.”
Faculty
Carolynn Jones, DNP, MSPH, RN, FAAN
Clinical Professor; Director, Master of Clinical Research Program; Co-Director of Workforce Development, OSU CCTS
Amy Mackos, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor, Director of Biomedical ResearchTestimonials
Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students succeed.
“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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