Is the Clinical Research Associate (CRA) role an entry-level?

Can you start as a CRA or you need a supporting role to begin with? 🤔
The industry is still lacking Clinical Research Associates, and it’s expected to last until 2030. Hm.. Then, the question arises: can I start directly applying to a CRA position?
I have 2 answers based on my own experience and based on the member CRAs in CRAConnect community:

💫 Yes - You can begin your career in clinical research as a CRA. However, the trainee, junior or in-house roles are a more rare find and it depends on the industry demand at the specific time you are applying.

⭐️ No - Not necessarily. It’s a great, great option to begin your career path with a supporting role, such as Clinical Trial Assistant (CTA), Study Start-up (SSU) or any other supporting role.

I did that myself. I started as a CTA. One year in which I learned so much more about clinical trial documentation, processes, and regulation that I could have learned as a CRA. Because I had time, I wasn’t distracted by traveling, by back to back monitoring visits and I could focus on exposing myself to the new knowledge, learn and train myself.
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📌 If you want to grow and develop your skills and expertise, join CRAConnect - the international CRA Community that empowers every CRA out there with knowledge, networking, and exposure. If you want to join us and take courses, engage in discussions and join our events, sign up!

SIGN UP HERE:
https://craconnectcommunity.com

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Email: maria.milas@craconnectcompany.com

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