My name is Polachai Ernie Sakchalathorn and I’m the guy behind ClinicalResesarchAssociateCRA.com. I have been in clinical research since 2007. My career started in academic science. After 6 years in academic lab, I transitioned into clinical research, working as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) at a hospital site for 3 years. From there I progressed into a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) role at various companies (an in vitro diagnostic company, various drug companies, and a contract research organization (CRO) company) for 8+ years. I am currently a Senior CRA at a medical device company.
I was a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) when I was a CRC in 2010. Currently, I am a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) since September 2013.
Looking back to when I became interested to pursue clinical research career, it was not easy for me to find out about the potential career path and the inside knowledge about the industry. Information were available, but were scattered throughout different resources and forums out there. This is one reason I created this website; to help provide a place for clinical research career source for those who want to get into the industry.
Another reason I created this website was to help those who want to get Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification through SOCRA. I had a hard time studying for the SOCRA CCRP exam in between my full time work schedule in the office and traveling to sites. The vast and dense information out there were cumbersome and not easy to personally understand. I needed summaries in bullet points to help break down the information. The study guide on this website is exactly that. The study guide was created from the note I took when I was studying. From these notes, I was able to pass the SOCRA CCRP exam with a score of 96% (I answered 130 questions correctly out of 135 questions total). CLICK HERE to learn more about this study guide.
If you’re new to the industry or you are planning to take the SOCRA CCRP exam, I’m here to help. Please shoot me any questions, comments, or suggestions anytime.
Sincerely,
Polachai Ernie Sakchalathorn
Related pages
- CRA Career Development
- CRA Certification
- Email/Download Troubleshoot & FAQs for ES' SOCRA CCRP Study Guide
- ES' SOCRA CCRP Study Guide
- Jobs
- Purchasing Multiple Copies of the ES' SOCRA CCRP Study Guide
- Recommended Books
Hi,
I am researching how to become a clinical research associate. I have no experience in clinical research. My experience is in Pharmaceutical sales and I have a degree in Pharmacology.
My understanding is that I can’t get CRA certification if I don’t have experience in clinical research.
Your advice will be appreciated.
Hi Tosin,
Getting experience is the key for me (that was how I got into clinical research). Lower clinical research positions may be something to consider. These include being a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) at a hospital or clinic or a Clinical Trial Assistant / Associate (CTA) at a drug/device company. Relevant experience definitely helps when applying for these positions. Your science background definitely will help. Applying to as many positions as possible and be willing to take not so ideal position to get into the door can help. When I first started, I worked as a CRC recruiting patients at a hospital working at night and weekend. But that position allowed me to get into the industry and progressed from there.
Also, I would not rule out getting into a clinical research training program. You can do this at the same time while working at one of the positions described above. There are programs (either full time or part time) that are offered through colleges or universities that focus on clinical trial design and management. However, it’ll cost you to attend and there are no guarantee that you will get a clinical research job afterward.
It’s difficult to get that first position in clinical research. It’ll take time, work, and going through lots of “No” before a “Yes”. But once you are in, then there are room to move up the rank for sure. Please see http://www.clinicalresearchassociatecra.com/getcra/ for more information. I hope this helps.
Ernie S.