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
We're invested in training and developing clinical research professionals who can make a real difference in the lives of others. Find out more about why you should consider a career in clinical research, and if you’re interested in our current vacancies, click here to see our latest clinical research jobs.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

CTA

Salary

Location

Brazil, Sao Paulo

Location

Sao Paulo

Bogota

Remote Working

Office Based

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Clinical Trial Administrator to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Clinical Trial Administrator at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in assisting with the design and a

Reference

JR126281

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Author

Moushami Roy

Author

Moushami Roy

Read more Shortlist Save this role

IHCRA

Salary

Location

Argentina, Buenos Aires

Department

Clinical Monitoring

Location

Buenos Aires

Remote Working

Hybrid: Office/Remote

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking an IHCRA (In-House Clinical Research Associate) 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

JR126249

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Author

Florencia Pistolesi

Author

Florencia Pistolesi

Read more Shortlist Save this role

CTA

Salary

Location

Turkey

Department

Clinical Operations Roles

Location

Turkey

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a CTC (Supply) you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.

Reference

2024-115187

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Author

Tuba Su

Author

Tuba Su

Read more Shortlist Save this role

Clinical Research Associate II ( CRA )

Salary

Location

Sofia

Department

Clinical Operations Roles

Location

Sofia

Remote Working

Remote

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

As a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.

Reference

2024-114830

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Author

Dariusz Sternlicht

Author

Dariusz Sternlicht

Read more Shortlist Save this role

View all

List #1

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

Full Service

ICON Strategic Solutions

Government and public health services

Global Business Services

Overview of Service Lines

Why icon? full service mean for you?

graduate What does full service mean for you?

How ICON is investing in the future of Clinical Research Associates

ICON & You
The potential of together.

Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.

Government and public health services

Why icon? full service mean for you?

How ICON is investing in the future of Clinical Research Associates

Sign up for post alerts

ICON & You The potential of together.

Impactful work. Meaningful careers. Quality rewards.

ICON & You
The potential of together.