“The field of biotechnology, device development and clinical development is one where what was not possible in the past, happens every day today,” said Michele Welch, program director and lead faculty in the University of Delaware’s Clinical Trials Management Certificate.

“Clinical research is a field for individuals who have a passion for leaving their footprint in research as well as seeing the impact their efforts make to humankind,” added Welch.

With steady growth in the field, the job of clinical research associate has been listed on CNNMoney/PayScale.com's “top 100 careers with big growth, great pay and satisfying work” for several years running. Other careers in the clinical research field range from the principal roles of investigator or research nurse to the support roles surrounding regulatory compliance, scientific writing, marketing and communications, project management, data analysis and more.

Now in its tenth year, UD’s Clinical Trials Management Certificate is offered completely online. The upcoming spring program takes place Feb. 20-May 22.

"Over the course of my career in this industry, I've seen firsthand that professionals need a broad and comprehensive preparation in order to be successful in the ever-changing pharmaceutical/device environment,” said Welch. “UD’s certificate program has been designed to help individuals understand the challenges that the industry faces today and provides them an overview of opportunities for career change. Students will come away with a solid understanding of the intricacies and rigors of new product development and be better prepared to undertake the challenges posed by today's global regulatory environment."

The curriculum of the Clinical Trials Management Certificate covers core concepts consistent with the Academy of Clinical Research Professionals certification exams, a valuable credentialing opportunity for clinical research professionals.

This program is appropriate for professionals with a strong science and/or health-care related background, including, but not limited to, nurses, pharmacists, medical technologists and physicians.

Interested individuals are invited to attend a free information session on Monday, Jan. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. in Newark, Delaware. The information session is free, but reservations are requested. Virtual info session attendance will be available for prospective students from out of the area. For details and to RSVP, visit this website.

This noncredit program is offered through the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies. UD students and UD alumni are eligible for a discount when enrolling in this program. Other discounts include a military/veterans discount, and a group discount when two or more individuals from one business or organization register for the program.

For more information about the Clinical Trials Management Certificate, including a detailed curriculum, visit the website, write to continuing-ed@udel.edu or call 302-831-7600 or 1-866-820-0238.