Study job descriptions for clinical research associates and identify the necessary skills. These may include the ability to design data collection forms or train people to meet industry standards.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses relative to clinical research associate job requirements. This will help you determine your training needs.
Research available training options. Before you can train as a clinical research associate, you must have a degree in a related field such as life sciences or medical technology. Experience as a medical worker or lab technician is also valuable.
Interview the experts. Talk to someone who works as a clinical research associate and find out what his job involves. Ask about the good and bad aspects of the work to help you make an informed decision about clinical research associate training.
Consult professional associations. The Society of Clinical Research Associates and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals are ideal sources for information about clinical research associate training.