Clinical Research

Admissions Requirements

• Submit a graduate application and application fee of $50
• A health-related undergraduate or graduate degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution
• A current resume/CV documenting professional experiences and educational achievements
• Official transcript from each college or university from which you have earned a degree or post-baccalaureate credits

Deadline to Apply: Rolling admissions to July 1 for fall semester start.

Additional Admissions Information

Application Fee Waiver

If you meet any of the criteria below, you are eligible for a $50 fee waiver when completing Radford's application. Please indicate on the application that you are using a fee waiver:

• Veteran or active duty military
• Virginia K-12 Educators (must be full-time regular employees)
• Alumni of Radford
• Current Radford student
• Current Radford employee
• First generation college student*
• Pell eligible as an undergraduate student*

*Please call Radford Graduate Admissions at 540-831-5371 to request first generation and/or Pell eligible status fee waiver.

English Proficiency

Students who have not earned a degree in the United States must submit the following:

• Proof of English proficiency.  International students must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic exams.  TOEFL scores with minimum scores of:
• computer-based – 213 or higher;
• internet-based (IBS) - 79 or higher;
• paper-based (PBT) - 550 or higher;
• IELTS: 6.5 total band score or higher

Transfer Credits

• You may transfer up to twelve (12) graduate credit hours to the MS Health Sciences program. (Refer to the Transfer of Credit Policy  in the Academic Policies section of the Radford Graduate Catalog.)

Academic Calendar

Here is a link to Radford’s academic calendar with future semester dates: https://www.radford.edu/registrar/academic-calendar.html

Radford Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Curriculum and Sequence

The certificate curriculum is offered as synchronous fully online courses in a 7-weeks format. Courses include flexible Zoom sessions to connect with faculty and other students. Taking two courses each semester, you can complete the certificate in one academic year (9-months). 

Fall Semester

First 7 Weeks

HSCR 555 Clinical Research Methods, 3 credit hours 

The course provides a thorough overview of regulatory, ethical, Good Clinical Practice and the principles surrounding clinical research requirements and conduct. To explore, evaluate and utilize skills concerning research-oriented bibliographic inquiry, with an emphasis on evidence-based review and synthesis of applicable literature. 

Second 7 Weeks

HSCR 565 Clinical Research Administration I, 3 credit hours 

This course will describe and apply the principles of conduct, compliance, management, and importance of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines in the development and operations of clinical trials. The student will examine the roles and responsibilities of the clinical investigation team, emphasizing human protection, privacy, and regulatory adherence. 

Spring Semester

First Seven Weeks

HSCR 575 Clinical Research Administration II, 3 credit hours 

This course will describe and apply principles of conduct, compliance, management, and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) of a clinical trial and translational research study.  Students appraise and apply concepts including site management, ethical and legal responsibilities, financial implementation, documentation, recruitment, in adherence to regulatory guidelines.  

 Second Seven Weeks

HSCR 635 Medical Product Development and Regulation, 3 credit hours 

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of U.S. medical device design, development, 510(K) clearance, and prospective meta-analysis  (PMA) approval requirements. The course provides an in-depth analysis surrounding quality assurance consisting of regulatory compliance, medical device trends, and developments within the U.S. and other markets. 

Core Competency Framework for Clinical Research Professionals

Radford University's Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research aligns with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Core Competency Framework, ensuring graduates meet industry standards. The framework includes eight domains critical for success in clinical research: 1) Scientific Concepts and Research Design, 2) Ethical Participant Safety Considerations, 3) Investigational Products Development and Regulation, 4) Clinical Study Operations (Good Clinical Practice), 5) Study and Site Management, 6) Data Management and Informatics, 7) Leadership and Professionalism, and 8) Communications and Teamwork. Within each Domain are specific competency statements which are expressed at a Fundamental, Skilled and Advanced level.

The Leveled Core Competency Framework for the Clinical Research Professional Version 3.1 by the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (JTF) and the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard (MRCT Center) is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

For more information, visit the JTF Competency Framework website. (https://mrctcenter.org/clinical-trial-competency/framework/domains/#1583339088748-40ab180f-f2c2.)

Clinical research is an exciting and essential part of the healthcare system—connecting science, safety, and innovation to improve lives. If you’re passionate about learning, organization, ethics, and impact, this could be the path for you.

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research is designed for individuals from a range of backgrounds, including:

• Nurses
• Research Laboratory Technicians
• Clinical Trial Assistants
• Data Coordinators
• And others interested in transitioning into or advancing within clinical research roles

You don’t need a specific degree to get started—just curiosity, a desire to contribute to health breakthroughs, and a willingness to grow your skills. Whether your background is in health sciences, psychology, biology, nursing, business or another field, clinical research offers diverse roles with flexibility, growth potential, and a strong sense of purpose.

You will thrive in clinical research if you:

• Love to learn and stay on top of new technologies and treatments
• Want a career with variety, where no two days are exactly alike
• Value clear communication and building professional relationships
• Enjoy documentation, staying organized, and following ethical guidelines
• Have strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Are curious, take initiative, and always look for ways to improve
• Appreciate structure, safety, and standards in high-stakes environments
• Want to make a difference in patients’ lives—whether directly or behind the scenes

Graduates are prepared to enter a range of roles, including:

• Clinical Research Administrator/Manager
• Clinical Research Coordinator​
• Clinical Trial Assistant​
• Regulatory Affairs Associate​
• Data or Safety Monitor​
• Site Management Associate​

Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and academic research institutions.​

Radford University’s Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research supports clinical research educational requirements toward candidate eligibility to take the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) certification exams. More information about the professional societies and their certification opportunities can be found at: Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) https://acrpnet.org/ and Society for Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) https://www.socra.org/.

If you are interested in working in Virginia, clinical research professionals have been recognized as a career in demand by the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Sciences Careers- (https://virginiahealthcareers.org/health-careers/).

During your certificate studies, you will have access to a faculty advisor and a career coach with Radford’s Center for Talent and Career Development to help you explore your strengths, interests, and professional opportunities in clinical research.

Throughout the certificate program, there are opportunities for you to participate in Radford’s career coaching and clinical research mentorship program, engage in networking opportunities, and attend conferences.

Radford faculty and students are active members of the Virginia Chapter of the American Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and Appalachian Translational Research Network that hosts webinars and educational events.

Students are regularly invited to participate in local, regional, and state activities, such as the Radford Series on Public Health and Healthcare Leadership, the Waldron College Interprofessional Practice and Education Symposium, Carilion Clinic Research Day, and Appalachian Translational Research Network Annual Health Summit.