MSN in Clinical Research Administration at George Washington University

[WannabeaFNP]

Hi Guys,

I am a Research Nurse with my BSN. I have been in research for several years and am looking to take the next step in my career. Because I work full-time and am a full-time wife and mother I am looking for a good distance learning/online degree program in which to obtain my MSN.

Does anyone have any personal knowledge on GWU Clinical Research Administration Degree Program (i.e. difficulty of getting accepted, ease of getting a job after obtaining degree, difficulty of course load while working full-time...)?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[desertflower100]

What is the next step you are going for? You should research the options in clinical research first. If you want to move on to Clinical Research Associate you will be on the road 60-80%. You could work in an office as a Clinical Trials Assistant but would need to relocate to say RTP, San Diego, Austin, etc. I have been in the industry for years and really don't think an MS degree will get you farther than you could go on your own, say by relocating or being willing to travel a great deal. A BSN would be enough. But again, need to relocate, travel, etc. Very difficult to get into project management jobs witout clinical research associate experience. You could become a clinical research coordinator with what you have now. Hope this helps.

[WannabeaFNP]

Thanks for your response desertflower100 and advice.

It is a personal goal to obtain my MS. I worked in clinical research on the private Investigator Site side for 8 years. I am now working on the academia side of clinical research. All of the project managers I've met during my 9 year stint in research have at least a masters degree. I have conducted trials with most large US and worldwide Pharm companies. I wish to gain experience with a big pharm company but I donot want to start out as a Clinical trial assistant or in-house CRA. Even without experience I hope to enter that world as a regional CRA or regional project manager. I have too much experience in clinical research to work as a clinical trial assistant.

After gaining the needed experience my ultimate goal is to become a research consultant, contract with the FDA as an auditor and work for the CDC as a research consultant.

[desertflower100]

Pharmas are notorious for lay-offs. Your best bet without experience is with a CRO. I am a project manager with an MS but they didn't give me the promotion because of that. But through years of CRA experience. An MBA would be a better bet for entry-level project management positions. None of us want to start at the bottom and work up-but that is the reality in this industry. Especially in this economy. Good luck.

[WannabeaFNP]

Good to know...thanks again!