CRP Professional Development
Contact Information:
- Catherine Brown, MEd, CCRP; crbrown@vcu.edu
- Shirley Helm, MS, CCRP; shirley.helm@vcuhealth.org
The clinical research field is constantly evolving with new regulations, guidelines, methodologies, and technologies. Continuous learning and professional development play a pivotal role in ensuring that CRPs remain current with these changes to maintain the quality, integrity, and ethical standards that are the foundation for all clinical research. In addition, professional development enhances CRP skills and knowledge, provides opportunities for career advancement, and improves overall job satisfaction.
CRP Professional Organizations provide a wealth of resources and opportunities for the Clinical Research Professional and are well positioned to respond to emerging trends and current topics. Offerings include educational resources through webinars, workshops, and continuing education; Networking opportunities through conferences and symposia; Career Development; and Advocacy and Representation contributing to industry standards.
Professional certifications provide validation of professional competence, professional recognition, and may lead to career advancement (including increased earning potential) as well as personal satisfaction.
Professional Organizations and Certifications
Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
SOCRA is a non-profit, charitable and educational membership organization committed to providing education, certification, and networking opportunities to all persons involved in clinical research activities.
Offers the Certified Clinical Research Professional certification (CCRP®)
The Central Virginia SOCRA Chapter is sponsored through the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Translational and Clinical Research. The chapter provides a meeting venue for CRPs to learn, exchange information, grow professionally in clinical research, acquire CE for SOCRA CCRP® re-certification, and build strong foundations for successful clinical research outcomes. The Central VA SOCRA chapter is open to all regardless of SOCRA membership. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
ACRP is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote excellence in clinical research and whose vision is that clinical research is performed ethically, responsibly, and professionally everywhere in the world.
Offers multiple certifications based upon specific CRP roles (ACRP-CP®; CCRA®, CCRC®; CRPI®, ACRP-MDP®, ACRP-PM®)
Virginia Chapter: As a chapter of the ACRP, we foster connections among our members and offer local opportunities for personal and professional development. We proudly serve the state of Virginia by offering networking activities, educational opportunities, and providing up-to-date information for our members.
International Association of Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN)
IACRN is a professional nursing organization. Its purpose is to define, validate and advance clinical research nursing as a specialty practice and to support the professional development of registered nurses who directly or indirectly impact the care of clinical research participants across all clinical specialties.
Offers Clinical Research Nurse credentialing (CRN-BC@) by portfolio through the Clinical Research Nurse Certification Council
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
NCURA is a non-profit professional society dedicated to advancing the profession of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and the fostering of a diverse, collegial, and respected global community.
Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC)
RACC is committed to the continuing improvement of the research administration profession and to assisting in the education and training of individuals who wish to become proficient in the research administration field.
Offers the CRA@, CPRA@, and CFRA@ certifications through a voluntary program for the certification of individuals who meet the requirements established by RACC.
Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI)
SRAI is the premier global research management society providing education, professional development and the latest comprehensive information about research management to professionals from over 40 countries.
Offers 10 certifications in the field of research administration and management which includes hospitals, universities, nonprofits, and commercial institutions.
Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the highest ethical standards in research. We fulfill our mission through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building.
Offers certification as a Certified IRB Professional (CIP®)
Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)
RAPS is the largest global organization of professionals involved with regulatory and quality for healthcare products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biologics, diagnostics, and digital health.
Offers Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC®) and Regulatory Compliance Certification (RCC®)
CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Program
-
CITI is dedicated to serving the training needs of colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, technology and research organizations, and governmental agencies, as they foster integrity and professional advancement of their learners.
-
Explore additional CITI modules (e.g. Basic and Advanced Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Study Designs, Export Control Regulations, Clinical Trial Billing) available to VCU/VCU Health members beyond VCU’s required GCP training. In addition, multiple webinars are available on emerging trends and current topics. To “add a course (or webinar)” - log in using the institutional single sign on and scroll to the bottom of the CITI page.
-
The career pathing process is driven by the employee and their skills, knowledge, abilities, interests, and career objectives. Employees can use career paths as an actionable, technical, skill-based, and competency-based plan to grow and develop in their current job family or a different job family of interest at VCU.
- CRP job roles primarily fall within the Research and Innovation and Legal, Audit, and Compliance job families. Explore your current job position and the pathway from Emerging to Core to Expert levels as well as roles within other job families.