Radford University’s fully online Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research prepares you for a meaningful career at the intersection of science, healthcare, and innovation. Whether you’re new to clinical research or looking to deepen your expertise, this program provides the essential knowledge and skills to succeed.
You’ll explore clinical trial design and coordination, product development, and regulatory affairs—while gaining a strong foundation in ethics, compliance, and participant protection. With an emphasis on current industry standards and real-world applications, this certificate opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and beyond.
Radford University is a member of the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research. This is a network of academic programs, industry partners, and individuals committed to the development of high-quality educational programs encompassing all areas of clinical research that are based in academic credit-granting institutions.
Admissions Requirements
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:
*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:
Transfer Credits
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:
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:
Graduates are prepared to enter a range of roles, including:
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.
Rebecca McIntyre, DHA, MSHA, CCRP
Assistant Professor and Clinical Research Administration Coordinator