학술논문

Development of an undergraduate certificate in clinical and translational science: improving competence of the clinical research workforce
Document Type
article
Source
Frontiers in Pharmacology, Vol 14 (2023)
Subject
workforce development
clinical and translational science
clinical and translational research
curriculum development
undergraduate research training
clinical research professional
Therapeutics. Pharmacology
RM1-950
Language
English
ISSN
1663-9812
Abstract
Introduction: Academic research centers often struggle to recruit and retain a well-trained and diverse clinical and translational science (CTS) workforce. In particular, the clinical research professional (CRP) career pathway is not well known to undergraduate students and other individuals outside of academic medicine despite being a potential career route. To address these workforce challenges, the CRP Task Force at the University of Cincinnati (UC) aims to train a competent and diverse CRP workforce through targeted educational programming in the UC undergraduate population.Methods: Using a six-step curriculum development process that included: 1) performing a needs assessment, 2) determining content, 3) writing goals and objectives, 4) selecting the educational strategies, 5) implementing the curriculum, and 6) evaluating the curriculum, we designed an undergraduate certificate program in CTS.Results: The needs assessment included both internal and external data gathering to inform curriculum development and program decisions. Content was determined using the Core Competency Framework for the Clinical Research Professional Version 3.1., and program learning outcomes were written with both the competency framework and local workforce needs in mind. Educational strategies were selected based on optimization of available resources and local expertise with an emphasis on interactive didactics complemented by experiential learning. Implementation is underway and evaluation will follow once students begin enrolling.Discussion: By educating an undergraduate student population about CTS methods and career opportunities, we anticipate increased numbers of well-qualified, diverse applicants who pursue CRP careers locally and regionally.