A drug safety associate is in charge of monitoring drug safety during the research and manufacturing stages, as well as after the drug is released onto the market. To work as a drug safety associate, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Before considering a candidate for a job, many employers will ask for prior experience working in a drug safety capacity. While a bachelor’s degree is usually required, there are a few different paths to becoming a drug safety associate. Those paths include becoming a registered nurse (RN), earning a PharmD, or earning a life science or related degree, as well as meeting the employer’s experience requirements.
For candidates who want to work as a drug safety associate, going to school to learn registered nursing is one option. Such candidates will need to become licensed and practice as a registered nurse after completing a nursing degree program. To gain relevant experience, prospective drug safety associates must apply for and work in a drug safety capacity while working as a registered nurse. Employers typically require several years of experience from RNs before considering them for such a position. Additionally, if they meet the employer’s experience requirements, those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing have a slightly better chance of landing a job.
A candidate who completes and graduates from a PharmD program is usually qualified to work as a drug safety associate. Candidates who choose this path must earn a bachelor’s degree in any field, apply to and be accepted into a PharmD program, and complete all graduation requirements. In order to become a drug safety associate, employers frequently require candidates with a PharmD to have at least one year of experience; however, most employers will accept required residencies or fellowships as experience. As a result, obtaining a PharmD degree is the most direct path to becoming a drug safety associate after graduation.
Another option is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biological sciences, or chemistry, though life science degrees are sometimes preferred by employers. However, holding one of these degrees does not automatically qualify a candidate for a job. Graduates, like those with RN credentials, will need to gain qualified experience with drug safety. Most employers will require at least four years of experience, with biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research industries being preferred. A master’s degree in one of the disciplines is frequently preferred, but not always required.