About the Program
The Clinical Research Coordinator program will prepare students for careers in clinical research administration as Clinical Research Coordinators and Site Data Managers for pharmaceutical and clinical research trials. The program is designed to give graduates the knowledge, skills and abilities to manage clinical trials under the supervision of a principal investigator in a variety of venues such as research sites in medical centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotech companies or contract research organizations (CROs). Prerequisites to enter the program include college-level math, reading and computer skills. Although no other courses are necessary to enter the program, students are encouraged to pursue CPR certification prior to graduation.
The Clinical Research Coordinator program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree or an Advanced Technical Certificate for individuals who have already obtained a college degree.
Current Awards
About the Program Coordinator: Heather McCreery
Bio/Teaching Philosophy
Upon arrival in San Antonio, I took an oncology nursing position in a clinical research setting at The Cancer Therapy & Research Center. I quickly realized that I didn’t understand the research process so I focused on patient care. Over time I found that I really loved the blend of bedside nursing with the business aspects of drug development. Since the field of clinical research has only recently emerged an academic field of study, my training was strictly on-the-job. I was very excited to attend and graduate from the George Washington University with a Clinical Research Administration degree. As a result of my education, I received two promotions and was the Director of the Office of Clinical Research at the San Antonio Cancer Institute before joining Northwest Vista College in 2009.
My on-the-job training experience at CTRC has made me keenly aware of the value of a formal, academically challenging education. As a result, I seek opportunities to bring real world scenarios and experiences into the classroom. Many would agree that there can be a world of difference between the information provided in a textbook and the actual day-to-day experience when you are working in the field. I want to bridge that difference by blending the content in the text with what really happens in clinical research.
Education
M.B.A. from the University of Liverpool, UK
B.S.H.S in Clinical Research Administration from the George Washington University
Certificate in Clinical Trials Management and Regulatory Compliance from the University of Chicago
A.A.S. in Nursing from the Community College of Allegheny County
Credentials
Registered Nurse (RN) through the Texas Board of Nursing
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board