Clinical Data Management Training Programs and Requirements

Clinical data managers categorize, arrange and track the information that researchers collect during clinical trials of pharmaceuticals and other medical treatments. They must have comprehensive knowledge of regulatory agency guidelines regarding pharmaceutical research.

View 27 Popular Schools »

Training Requirements and Recommendations

Clinical data managers usually have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, work experience and sometimes professional certification. Specific educational requirements vary by employer, although most prefer graduate-level education in the biological or life sciences. Such positions require extensive knowledge of clinical trials and associated regulations.

Formal Education

Clinical data management training heavily emphasizes ethics in research as well as the regulatory aspects of clinical data collection and drug development. Post-baccalaureate certificates in clinical trials are the most frequently offered programs to prepare graduates for direct work in the field.

Clinical Trials Management Certificate

Programs in clinical trials management usually last from 1-2 semesters and include courses on the clinical trial lifecycle, clinical study design, clinical research methodologies, regulatory issues, biostatistics, ethics and database management. Distance-learning and traditional classroom options are both available. Those currently working in a biomedical field or as clinical trials staff are generally eligible to enroll.

Job Experience

Prospective employers generally require job candidates to have 2-5 years of experience in assisting with clinical trials in order to obtain the appropriate experience necessary for the clinical data manager role. Specific skills include the development of electronic case report forms, data management plans, data review and reconciliation. The ability to work on a team and to provide leadership to support personnel is also important.

Licenses and Certifications

The Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM) offers a Certified Clinical Data Manager certificate. The criteria for certification include a combination of work experience and education totaling a minimum of four years. Following verification of experience, applicants must then pass an examination to earn the certification credentials.

Workshops and Seminars

Webinars and workshops are available through SCDM that provide professional advancement opportunities or preparation for the certifying exam. Sample topics include project management, advanced data management plans, query processing and database updates. Other programs focus upon the management of lab data and identification of data trends.

Additional Professional Development

Depending upon the size of the research study, staffing may include one or more clinical data management positions. Therefore, entry-level professionals may acquire additional experience under the supervision of others. Additional, clinical data managers may join the SCDM in order to obtain access to certification processes, educational opportunities and career assistance.

Show me popular schools

Related to Clinical Data Management Training

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Clinical Data Management Certificate and Certification Programs

Clinical data managers coordinate and oversee the clinical trials used to test new pharmaceutical drugs and medical...

Masters in Clinical Data Management: Program Summary

Clinical data management, usually called health information management, is the storage, retrieval, inspection and...

Online Courses, Classes and Training in Clinical Data Management

Clinical data management courses are usually available as part of a certificate or degree program in clinical research...

Schools with Clinical Management Degree Programs: How to Choose

Clinical management concentrates on the operations component of health services. This can involve monitoring trials,...

Clinical Data Manager: Job Information and Requirements for a Career in Clinical Data Management

27 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics