How to Become a Clinical Programmer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Clinical Programmer
What does a Clinical Programmer do?
A Clinical Programmer evaluates, develops, and maintains clinical database and analyzes clinical data. Codes, tests and documents databases. Being a Clinical Programmer performs data validation and develops algorithms for data management, typically using SAS programming language. May require a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Clinical Programmer typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Clinical Programmer gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be a Clinical Programmer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
A clinical programmer works with a staff during clinical trial testing, quite often in the medical field.
This type of programmer might also be responsible for analyzing facts and statistics.
Often, this programmer will handle schedules and deadlines for the team as well and work with them to develop operating procedures for storing clinical data.
There can be many levels of clinical programmers within a clinical trial, especially if its scope is large.
Some programmers may focus only on data entry, while others may help with testing.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Clinical Programmer
Best tips for those who want to become a Clinical Programmer
Here are some tips to become a Clinical Programmer.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Clinical Programmer
Best colleges and universities for Clinical Programmer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Clinical Programmer
Is being a Clinical Programmer Worth it?
An SAS Clinical Programmer should go to an SAS training institute and get training in the following skills.
Of course SAS is essential to become an SAS Clinical Programmer, but you will also need to know RTF (Rich Text Format), in which many reports are written up.
MSc in Clinical Trials The MSc in Clinical Trials is a two year part-time distance learning course that provides in-depth training in the principles and practice of conducting large-scale, randomised clinical trials.
Fundamentals of Clinical Trials RegulationsThis course will take you through the history of clinical trial regulations, the new Clinical Trial Regulation and best practices for ensuring a timely clinical trial authorisation.
With the growth of the industry a number of clinical trial management organizations and business models have come into existence which include full-service Contract Research Organizations (CROs), early phase CROs, Site Management Organizations (SMOs), companies offering fewer but specialized services such as Clinical Data Management, Business Consulting, Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPOs) etc.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Clinical Programmer
What skills do you need to be a Clinical Programmer?
Management often looks to professional level roles for execution on their visions and goals, as such some specific skills are required. The workload of this role requires knowledge of: Data Analytics, Data Architecture, Data Management, Metadata Design and Development, Modeling, Programming, Sas Administration. Sometimes for this role, knowledge of the following is helpful: Programming Language. If you highlight these skills during your interview process, you will be more likely to land the job!
Knowledge of clinical trial design and basic statistics (a plus).
Ability to work in a team environment with data managers, medical personnel, clinical monitors, statisticians, programmers, and medical writers.
Experienced clinical programmer desired for a long-term, temporary role.
Candidate must have a bachelor's degree, five years' exp, clinical database design expertise, strong communication/collaboration skills, and SQL programming knowledge.
5+ years of experience in programming with clinical trial data and preparing programming and validation documentation in the CRO and/or other data management activities in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Step 6: View average salary for Clinical Programmer
How much does a Clinical Programmer make?
The average salary range for a Clinical Programmer is from $78,665 to $99,261. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Clinical Programmer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Clinical Programmer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Clinical Programmer jobs?
Here are some Clinical Programmer jobs in the United States.