In the fight against diseases, trained research coordinators are on the front lines making research happen.
The IDeA State Consortium for Clinical Research Resource Center (ISCORE-RC) was created by the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute with a bold mission to equip individuals in IDeA states with the training and tools needed to contribute to clinical research.This will help ensure that medical advances spurred on by research have the ability to reach every corner of the country.
ISCORE-RC has now reached a new milestone, graduating its 50th trainee from Clinical Research Coordinator Development Program (CRCDP). This program was designed to increase and improve clinical research workforce capacity in IDeA States in conjunction with NIH CTR and CTSA programs.
Graduates of the CRCDP earn a micro credential that formally recognizes their training and readiness to contribute to clinical research teams.
Reiterating the importance of CRCDP’s core objective, Meghan Reeves, ISCORE-RC director, said that “clinical study opportunities should be available to communities, and by training new clinical research workforce, there will be enough well-trained professionals to execute new studies and bring groundbreaking opportunities to the communities they serve.”
Sarah Haymond, ISCORE-RC assistant director of Experientials, stated that as ISCORE Resource Center celebrates this milestone, the team is focused on welcoming and training more participants.
“Reaching 50 graduates is a huge milestone for the certificate program and we are excited to welcome more participants” Haymond said. “The feedback received from trainees, preceptors, and charter sites has been tremendous, showcasing the program's impact on enhancing the skills, confidence, and career development of clinical research coordinators.”
Amy Fitzgerald at the University of Nebraska Medical Center recently became the CRCDP’s 50th graduate. Reflecting on her experience, Fitzgerald noted the transformation the program brought to her career.
“I came into my role with a good clinical nursing background but with a limited research background,” Fitzgerald stated. “This course helped me take the knowledge I had from previous roles and build upon it creating a smooth transition to being a clinical research coordinator. It helped me become more confident in my role and grow as an asset in my team.”
To support the continued professional growth of graduates like Amy, the ISCORE Resource Center established the Clinical Research Coordinator Academy - an initiative designed to help alumni maximize the impact of their newly acquired skills and knowledge.
“Amongst other things, the Academy offers advanced certificate training as well as networking opportunities for graduates,” Haymond said. The goal is to continue supporting clinical research coordinators in their careers and ensure they have the necessary tools to help meet the growing demand for highly skilled coordinators.
ISCORE-RC is always accepting applications for the next generation of clinical research coordinators. The program provides online learning and hands-on training that can be completed in as little as three months. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a research coordinator can visit the ISCORE-RC CRCDP webpage.
ISCORE-RC Background
ISCORE-RC is funded by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U24GM150446) to serve as a catalyst to increase the number of clinical studies in IDeA states.