Research Coordinators with CCRC or eligible for the CCRC?

[mommyonamission]

Hi - I'm curious to know how many research nurses are certified (CCRC). A friend of mine was talking to me about a job in Miami for a clinical research coordinator that's she's helping to recruit for and she asked me how many research nurses may have this designation. Since I work in research now I have come across folks with that certification but not many nurses. Also, my coworker has worked in research for the last 10 years (masters level nurse) and she's not a CCRC ...although I think she's eligible.

[anc33]

There are actually two research certifications for coordinators, CCRC (ACRP) and CCRP (SOCRA). I personally have ACRP certification however I do not have many colleagues that are certified through either organization. When I worked previously in phase I all of my fellow nurses either held certification or were studying for the test. I do think certification is beneficial. Just studying for the exam itself and learning all of the ins and outs of the federal regs has made me a much better coordinator. I feel like I have a better global understanding of the field than many people I currently work with. I would encourage anyone who is serious about research to pursue certification.

[drkalpesh555]

I have 2 years of experience working as CRC, would u please guide me how to prepare for exam?

should I purchase study material for same from ACRP because its too costly?

I hope u will reply dear.

Thanks

[ResearchNurseRNCCRC, MSN]

I have it (CCRC), have had it for over 2 yrs :)

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

A bunch of nurses where I work that do clinical trials have it. I think the majority do. I would like to get it, but my husband and dogs keep distracting me.........

[ResearchNurseRNCCRC, MSN]

It's easier to pursue if your employer pesters you about it. At my company, it's EXPECTED.

[ClinicalResearchNurs]

I am not sure that the number of research nurses or study coordinators who are RNs with a CCRC (Certification from ACRP or SoCRA) is as high as you think. While those organizations DO provide a certification exam, keep in mind, you don't have to have an RN or a degree to take the exam.

What will be evolving is a Certification from the International Associates of Clinical Research Nurses- hopefully in the near future- after they complete the process of obtaining approval of the "Scopes of Practice" for clinical research nurses by the ANA and other accrediting bodies. Then the certification that is gained from that will be more in keeping with advanced practice nursing- and open many doors.

For years study coordinators have learned their roles "on the job" or "by the seat of the pants". I've found that hiring nurses with ED or ICU experience make good coordinators, but that is not universally true.

Great new programs are evolving for study coordinators and I've been involved in training and teaching study coordinators for years- since I've been in the field for 25. I urge all nurses in clinical study coordinating to look at the IACRN because the aim of this group is to improve and mentor the field - and do not hold interests by special interest groups such as pharmaceutical sponsors and contract research organizations.

This is a great field for nurses! But to answer your initial question- when surveying the nurses who were members of the IACRN, only a small number of these highly engaged study coordinator nurses had a CCRC. I think that is an interesting statistic. The membership is up to 300.

Just saying.

[ClinicalResearchNurs]

Deterrent to CCRC- expanding costs of the exams, the meetings, and lack of institutional support of some of the costs. While costs of professional certifications in other disciplines in nursing are usually born by the nurse herself, the costs from ACRP is rising.

I've preferred an advanced degree to the CCRC, I think it means more.