Challenges:
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Perceived as admin staff
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Not having a degree can hold you back
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MSc in Clinical Research is sometimes not being accepted for CRA role
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Company Policies - some smaller companies will give you a chance if you have the right amount of experience and knowledge without having a degree
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No recognised course or certificate for CTAs
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Companies view of CTA – attitude needs to be changed to be made aware of the important role we do
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HR/Senior Management/Old School not recognising the role of a CTA
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Global policies within companies
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No set name for CTA/ PA/ TA etc – so many different acronyms, makes it difficult for role to become recognised
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Company not spending the money on training / courses
Ideas to overcome the issue:
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Degree / ICR Exam
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MSC in Clinical Research
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Present at the next department meeting and give a short overview about what the CTA job entails people are unlikely to know what a huge job the CTA does. You could also do this to other departments that you work with to make them more aware
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Mentoring and Coaching
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More one to ones with your Manager to discuss your development
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New ideas on processes/ changing ways of working for the better
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Make yourself know within your department, attend all project meeting/Inv meetings were possible. Don’t be afraid to ask to attend
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Be confident and speak up to Project Managers/CRAs if you have any issues or better, don’t be intimidated they will probably appreciate your input
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Prepare a career plan for CTAs in your department and list the types of training that are available for CTAs and present this to your Manager – if you don’t ask you wont get!
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Create job descriptions for different CTA gradings – junior, senior & principal. These can be taken to your Manager/the HR department to regrade job roles
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Take on as many additional responsibilities as possible (within reason!)
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Department newsletter – include items on CTA team to raise profile
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E-Learning / Check Internet for Training Courses – many different clinical training companies out there
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Open University-type studying
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Become a subject matter expert on something within your role/company
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Join the CTA Sub Committee – we’re always looking for new members
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Review your current job description and make sure it reflects what you do day to day
How the ICR can help:
