A clinical data manager is in charge of ensuring that pharmaceutical and biotechnological test results are collected, managed, and submitted for government approval. To work as a clinical data manager, you must have a bachelor’s degree or a training certificate in the field of data management. You should be familiar with some data management software and have a basic understanding of computer programming. Before you work as a clinical data manager, you may want to get some kind of professional certification in this field.
Before they can put their products on the market, pharmaceutical and biotech companies must get government approval. Clinical trials and studies must be carried out, and the data collected must be managed throughout the process. A clinical data manager is in charge of ensuring that this information is collected, managed, and submitted in a timely and efficient manner. During clinical studies and tests, the manager must also ensure that all governmental regulations are strictly followed. You must meet certain educational, work experience, and computer skill requirements to become a clinical data manager.
A college degree in data management or information technology is required before you can work as a clinical data manager. You will take science, research methods, pharmacology, biology, and ethics courses as part of your education. For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient, though some employers may require completion of graduate-level studies in computer or life sciences. Most potential employers will also expect you to have some work experience. This type of work experience is usually obtained through a college-sponsored internship program.
A working knowledge of data management software, in addition to a college diploma, will almost certainly be required. You might also need to know how to use computer programming platforms like Structured Query Language. Additionally, prior to becoming a clinical data manager, experience with the programming platform known as Statistical Analysis System may be beneficial. Although programming skills are not usually required for employment, they may be useful in carrying out your responsibilities. These computer programming abilities may make you more appealing to potential employers.
Before you work as a clinical data manager, you should consider getting a professional certification. The Society for Clinical Data Management in the United States, for example, offers professional certification to candidates who meet certain criteria. To sit for the exam, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of practical work experience in clinical data management. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, the Society will accept an associate’s degree and three years of work experience. A college degree is not required to sit for the certification exam if you have at least four years of clinical data management work experience.