
How ICON is investing in the future of Clinical Research Associates
At ICON, we’re committed to the development of all our team members – particularly the next generation of clinical research professionals. The market has seen a shortage of CRAs in recent years, and with demand expected to grow, many sponsors and CROs are finding themselves competing for scarcely available talent to support their clinical research. Much of this shortage can be attributed to the perceived need to have the “magic” two years of experience in order to be considered competent to monitor – however, there is no shortage of talent on the market waiting to be trained in the profession.
CRAs are a crucial component of the clinical project lifestyle, where new regulations, systems and procedures are becoming more common and are therefore leading to more training and regulatory requirements. One of the biggest factors contributing to the global shortage of CRAs is the lack of training opportunities for clinical professionals to begin their careers, according to Drug Discovery and Development magazine. At ICON, we’re navigating this shortage by creating dedicated training programmes to develop the industry’s best CRAs.
We’ve taken a proactive approach to ensuring our CRAs are not only market-leading in terms of knowledge and training, but also so that we have a pipeline of talent to secure a steady stream of CRA professionals into the future. We do this by investing in the development and ongoing education of both internal staff and new graduates looking to enter the CRO industry.
Depending on the individuals’ circumstances, background, experience and local market, ICON offers the following development programs as a route into the CRA world:
Online University College Dublin (UCD) Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research
The Graduate Certificate has been developed with the UCD Medical School and is delivered in an online learning environment, which provides freedom and flexibility in terms of where and when you learn. Students have constant access to tutors at the UCD Clinical Research Centre during the six-month program, which features assignments and online exams. This program is aimed at employees currently working in CTA roles, and those in related areas, who aspire to develop a career as a CRA.
CRA Graduate Program
This six-month programme is ideal for new graduates, providing a dedicated learning environment which includes classroom delivery, online learning and one-to-one coaching. Students will experience on-site visits and group presentations, with hands-on experience critical in developing the right skills and behaviours CRAs need to conduct independent monitoring. As they learn about the industry and build clinical development and technical knowledge, students will be well-equipped to join the clinical research field.
CRA Academy Program
An accelerated 3-month course, the CRA Academy Program is ideal for those who have some level of industry experience, such as study coordinator, data manager, CTA, or other roles where site contact has been experienced. Like our Graduate Program, it offers a blended learning approach while taking into account individuals’ previous experience. The program aligns learning and development activities to effectively build the skills and capabilities of newly hired Junior CRAs, contributing to accelerated drug and device development and outcome research.
Find out more
Sign up for post alerts
ICON & You
The potential of together.
Careers that improve the lives of patients, our clients and each other. Are you ready to make a difference?
View jobsRelated jobs at ICON
Salary
Location
Mexico
Department
Clinical Operations Roles
Location
Mexico
Remote Working
Home-Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Support
Job Type
Permanent
Description
The Investigator Payments Group (IPG) is the investigator payments function for ICON Clinical Research. The department role is to ensure timely, accurate and efficient execution of investigator paymen
Reference
2025-120584
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Rita VillavicencioAuthor
Rita VillavicencioSalary
Location
Poland
Department
Clinical Operations Roles
Location
Poland
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Support
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a SMA I, you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.
Reference
2025-120533
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Dagmara DrozdowskaAuthor
Dagmara DrozdowskaSalary
Location
Spain, Barcelona
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Barcelona
Madrid
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Support
Job Type
Permanent
Description
We are currently seeking an In-House Clinical Research Associate (IHCRA) to join our diverse and dynamic team. As an IHCRA at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the execution and managem
Reference
JR132403
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Sophie BinghamAuthor
Sophie BinghamSalary
Location
Hungary
Department
Clinical Operations Roles
Location
Hungary
Remote Working
Home-Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Trial Support
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a CTA you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, Healthcare lintelligence.To be an integral part of the study team by providing administrative and
Reference
2025-120643
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Orsolya BerkeAuthor
Orsolya BerkeRelated stories
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/07/2025
Summary
Precision at the Outset: The Strategic Role of Site Selection and Activation in Clinical Trials The success of any clinical trial begins well before the first patient is enrolled. Behind every sit
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/04/2025
Summary
Cybersecurity in Clinical Data Management In clinical research, data is both a vital asset and a significant responsibility. As trials become increasingly digitised and decentralised, the protectio
.png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/03/2025
Summary
Finding the Specialisation for You Clinical research is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field that brings together scientific innovation, operational rigour and patient-centric thinking. While many
Recently viewed jobs
Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.
At ICON, our employees are our greatest strength. That’s why we are committed to empowering you to live your best life, both inside and outside of work. Whether your ambition is lead a global team, become a deep scientific or technical expert, work in-house with our customers or gain experience in a variety of different ICON functions, we will support you in realising your full potential. See all locations Learn more about Our Culture at ICON