What is a Clinical Research Associate (CRA)?

Hey Everyone! Thanks for tuning in! Join me as I walk through the ins and out of the CRA role.

[@emmat5691]

Girl thanks so much for your videos! I am a nurse trying to get a CRC/CRA position. I’ve always loved research when in school but never knew i could do something like this. I’ve been applying like crazy to positions. I’m hoping something works out. Your channel/tiktok is so appreciated 🥹

[@MarleyKim]

I know something will workout ! u got this ! thanks for tuning in

[@NakiaMarie]

Have you looked into Clinician to CRA programs? I’ve seen that before with a couple of CROs. Good luck!!!

[@emmat5691]

@@NakiaMarie yes!! So they need like 5 years experience nursing. I’m only like 1 year in 🤦🏽‍♀️ i would love to do that.

[@matlhogonoloportianakedi1268]

We share the same sentiment

[@ilykepink]

Thank you for clarifying we need GOOD CRAs cause chile…🤦🏾‍♀️

[@Taylor-io6eu]

Thank you for putting out this great content!!

[@MarleyKim]

my pleasure

[@jakeriaharris8446]

This is very helpful I’m currently in the process of finishing up my last year in college and my major is healthcare administration

[@MarleyKim]

Awesome ! Good luck love

[@kasha.kay.kreates.9333]

Watching your video gave me some hope!! I was about to go change majors as I never found a decent phone job with my BS on Biotech. I didn’t know CRA was something you can get a job with BS. But now i will apply for jobs in this field.

[@MarleyKim]

Yes clinical research is a great field. But a CRA is not an entry level position so you may not get a job as a CRA to start. Many people transition from a clinical research coordinator (which is entry level) and work their way up. God bless and I pray you get the job you are looking for.

[@kasha.kay.kreates.9333]

@@MarleyKim Thanks hun!!! Yes I am looking for CRC jobs as we speak and I am also watching your video as we speak lol…. I wish i knew about clinical research, I wasted so many years trying to look at other careers thinking BS biotech won’t find me a job!!!

[@MarleyKim]

@@kasha.kay.kreates.9333 don’t worry about what u didn’t do, today is a new day and you’re creating a new path! you got this stay diligent, prepare yourself, educate urself and it will work out with God’s grace ♥️

[@ZayTones]

I'm a patient services rep right now at a cancer hospital with a B.A trying to get experience in an entry level research position like research data, RA, crc etc before trying to become a CRA and it's so hard! Most don't even ask for experience but won't even interview :(...I dont understand and it's a bit discouraging but I won't stop till I get it! I updated my resume a bit and trying to finish a class I bought from VIARES to try and spice up my resume a bit so I pray it helps.

[@bromistadavis8556]

Try being a coordinator or working for an ARO for an entry level position like eTMF Document Specialist, that's what I did. I was a research associate for a huge oncology hospital network for almost 2 years absorbing skills before working for an ARO.

[@MarleyKim]

yes don’t give up, I applied to nearly 300 positions when I first started, u have to really really want this, bc getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. You got this !

[@ZayTones]

@@bromistadavis8556 thank you sooo much for this!!

[@ZayTones]

@@MarleyKim yeah im sure im up there with that amount of applications too lmaoo but thank you!!

[@MarleyKim]

have you had interviews with any of the companies ?

[@delilahmoody7504]

Love your videos, so much great content! Do you travel weekly or it depends on what’s going on with the sites? I’m a cardiovascular intensive care RN newly transitioning to a CRA II! I’m excited to use my experience as a clinician in the clinical research space 🙂

[@MarleyKim]

I travel based on the monitoring plan and since we do risk based monitoring, based on the need at the site. my monitoring plan has like a 10-12 week period. But the last 3 weeks for instance i’ve been on site multiple times a week for site engagement. so it can vary. And that’s awesome what made u make the switch ?

[@delilahmoody7504]

@@MarleyKim oh okay that’s good to know. I was told up to 70% travel, but hard to know what that looks like yet. Honestly, tired of the bedside, poor treatment of nurses, being told no on vacation time, poor work-life balance (I could go on for days). We do a lot, but never paid our worth 🤷🏽‍♀️ I’m looking forward to this change and the remote work when not traveling.

[@MarleyKim]

hmm so the 70% travel truly depends on ur protocol, if u have a monthly quota like 7-8 days onsite a month or what ur monitoring plans say. I don’t do 70% a month I only go for positions that are 60% and under. So closer to 50% of travel and I ask for local sites bc I want the option to co monitor in different states if my workload isn’t as hectic but I don’t like flying far anymore. That was fun in the beginning but my life is heading in a different direction now. But i’m happy for u and yes this will be an amazing change from bed side. my sister has been an rn for a long time and is a nursing professor as well. And I keep trying to convince her to come to this side and she tries to convince me to come to her side 😂

[@delilahmoody7504]

@@MarleyKim Ohhhh okay, that makes sense. I start in December, but I was told that travel is usually grouped together (depending on what’s going on at the site I guess). I don’t mind the travel cuz it’s not going to be anything like when I was a travel nurse! Really appreciate you & your channel. It wasn’t easy finding life of a CRA on YT, TikTok, IG etc. But then I found your channel 👏🏽👏🏽 Originally my focus was nurse anesthesia, then a few things happened that changed my mind. Nursing is a great career & provides so many ways to make an impact (not just at the bedside). I see why your sister encourages you to be a nurse, but you’re killing it on the research side 🤗

[@MarleyKim]

thanks so much for ur kind words. I really appreciate it. And yes u have options to jump around so job security will always be there for u and that’s a wonderful luxury. And i’m glad u were able to find me here on youtube, I started making day in the life content on tiktok but then decided to do more on youtube bc I could explain more on this platform. I hope to make some content for tiktok soon. and Blessing when u start ur first day as a cra! you got this and i’m proud of ya !

[@dajanadedic5133]

Great video! Thanks so much for all the insights (both this video and your others, they’re all great). I was wondering if i could ask how the training program is for junior/entry level CRA’s? I have 8 years of clinical healthcare experience but only basic research experience. I’m interested in this role but also wondering whether the on site training would be sufficient, or whether it’s worthwhile to consider doing self study or preparation courses beforehand. Thanks so much again! Wishing you a lovely day :)

[@MarleyKim]

my pleasure thanks for watching. I would join a company that trains you like parexel or iqvia

[@bromistadavis8556]

Another great video! 🥰 Are you able to do one with travel hacks/must haves when you're an on-site CRA?

[@MarleyKim]

yes sure that’s a great idea

[@MarleyKim]

I tell y’all how to loop visits, what to bring onsite and for travel

[@bromistadavis8556]

@@MarleyKim That would be great - no rush!

[@MarleyKim]

sounds like a plan

[@FastBrandon-h5o]

Modesta Hill

[@tomikacaldwell709]

Can you do travel blogs? It’s my favorite content to watch

[@MarleyKim]

currently all my sites are local but I do have some day in the life videos

[@matlhogonoloportianakedi1268]

I’m a registered nurse and I’m doing my Masters degree, I’m interested to be CRA after I’ve obtained my Masters in Nursing.

[@alexuswilliams-christian6718]

Is a CRA different from a GCP Auditor? Or are they one in the same?

[@MarleyKim]

I believe they are different.

[@kasha.kay.kreates.9333]

Do you know of any moms who are CRA’s, how do they handle the travel?

[@MarleyKim]

yes I do, they have supportive families that keep their children or some moms travel with their kids and spouse.

[@kasha.kay.kreates.9333]

@@MarleyKim Thanks hun!!! my kids right now are 11 and 8, I am gonna start looking CRC jobs and by the time I get CRA job in few years and travel, my kids will be older and it’ll be ok to maybe travel without them.

[@rophnaicadesruisseaux8950]

Do cra work in a lab?

[@MarleyKim]

no

[@ikmaduka5445]

Pls can I reach you on phone to help mentor me One one one to get into CRA