Advanced Training in Clinical Research (Certificate)
Degree Offered: Certificate
Program Leadership:
Elaine Ku, MS, MAS, Director
Admissions Inquiries:
Clair Dunne, Program Administrator
Program Description
Advanced Training in Clinical Research (ATCR) Certificate Program is a four academic quarter (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring — ten calendar months) program consisting of fifteen required courses and a variety of electives that provide detailed instruction in the methods of clinical research and ongoing methodologic guidance as scholars begin to implement their research projects.
Admission Requirements
Possession of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (equal to a letter grade of "B"). Preference will be given to scholars who have demonstrated knowledge or experience in some aspect of a health-related field (e.g., clinical practice, public health, health promotion) by virtue of either possession of a graduate or professional doctoral degree (MD, DDS, PharmD, PhD or international equivalent), being currently enrolled in such a program, or relevant work experience. Although not required, this prior knowledge or experience is preferred because program scholars will be required to perform original research in an area of their choosing to fulfill graduation requirements. Prior substantive knowledge or experience in a health-related field can be very helpful in identifying a research area of interest and in maintaining motivation for the work.
Established relationship with a research mentor at UCSF, defined as a faculty member in either of the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, or Dentistry. Scholars already at UCSF should have this established by the time of application. Those who are applying from outside UCSF should have this established by the beginning of the program. Applicants applying from outside UCSF are encouraged to identify and contact UCSF research mentors on their own or, after acceptance into the program, may request assistance from the TICR Program to help them identify a research mentor.
For scholars who are primarily based in other training programs at UCSF, supervisor's assurance that at least 70% of time will be available August through May to divide between the classroom activities of this program and the conduct of the trainee's clinical research projects.
Affirmation of the Professional Conduct Statement (signed during orientation).
Application information can be found on our website.
Learning Outcomes
To complete the program, scholars must accomplish program objectives, which are to:
- Learn the methods required to perform both observational and experimental clinical research;
- Plan and implement one or more clinical research projects; and
- Analyze, interpret, and present clinical research data.