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Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics
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Clinical Research Nursing Certificate
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  • ITMAT Ed Home
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  • Degree and Certificate Programs
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  • Clinical Research Nursing Certificate
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5f Clinical Research Nursing Certificate

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Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are now open.

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Review the added curriculum flexibility designed to better accomodate the schedules of working professionals!

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The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) Education program offers an online Clinical Research Nursing Certificate. Through a combination of didactic content, highly interactive and engaging learning experiences, and collaboration with other CRNs, the certificate program will prepare nurses to navigate the growing complexities of the clinical research landscape as well as improve the safety, quality, and experience of research participants.

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Bridging the gap between clinical care and research operations is an important and timely area of focus for both academic medical centers and study sponsors. The oversight of participants on high risk and early phase research protocols requires expert clinical oversight and coordination of care, and knowledge and experience in research execution. Graduates will have a foundational knowledge of the domains of clinical research nursing including human subjects protection, care coordination and continuity, contribution to science, and study management.

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Graduates will: 

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  • Understand care coordination and its application to the research process and the management of research participants
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  • Utilize quality improvement skills to support participants on clinical research studies
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  • Integrate new clinical research knowledge and clinical nursing skills
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  • Apply regulations, processes, and management of human subject research, focusing on the unique nursing contributions to clinical trials of drugs and devices
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  • Learn skills and tools required to effectively execute clinical research protocols in various patient populations and settings 
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Curriculum

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The certificate includes 4 courses (total 4 course units/ 4 C.U.s). 

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Course Descriptions

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Core/ Required Courses

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CRN students must take these three required courses:

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  • REG 5100: Intro to Clinical & Translational Research (Fall Term Only)
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  • REG 6310: Role of the Clinical Research Nurse: Principles Procedures and Purpose (Spring Term Only)
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  • REG 6320: Implementation of the Clinical and Translational Research Protocol: Nursing Considerations (Fall & Summer Terms)
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Approved Elective

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CRN students must choose one of the approved elective courses listed here:

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  • REG 6110: Clinical Trial Management (Summer Term Only)
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  • REG 6120: Introduction to Drug Development (Fall & Spring Terms)
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  • REG 6160: Quality Assurance (Fall Term Only)
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  • REG 6190: Research Ethics (Spring Term Only)
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This is a sample study plan to assist you to discuss your study plan with your program director or academic advisor. You will need to confirm your study plan.

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  • Spring: REG 6310 - Role of the Clinical Research Nurse: Principles Procedures and Purpose
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  • Summer: REG 6110 - Clinical Trial Management
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  • Fall: REG 5100 - Introduction to Clinical & Translational Research
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  • Spring: REG 6320: Implementation of the Clinical and Translational Research Protocol: Nursing Considerations
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This is a sample study plan to assist you to discuss your study plan with your program director or academic advisor. You will need to confirm your study plan.

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  • Term 1 - Spring: REG 6310 - Role of the Clinical Research Nurse: Principles Procedures and Purpose
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  • Term 2 - Summer: (option to not take class)
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  • Term 3 - Fall: REG 5100 - Introduction to Clinical & Translational Research
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  • Term 4 - Spring: REG 6320: Implementation of the Clinical and Translational Research Protocol: Nursing Considerations
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  • Term 5 - Summer: (option to not take class)
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  • Term 6 - Fall: Approved Elective (REG 6160: Qualtiy Assurance or REG 6120: Introduction to Drug Development)
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Program Information

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programdirectorphotoProgram Director: Amanda Brock, MSN, MBE, RN, CRN-BC has 15 years of experience in healthcare including inpatient and outpatient direct patient care, nursing leadership, and clinical research. She has her Master of Science in Nursing Health Leadership and a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. Amanda is pursuing her DNP in Executive Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania and expects to graduate in 2025.  Her clinical experience is with the oncology population, particularly sarcoma and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Association of Clinical Research Nurses. In her current role she is charged with formalizing career pathways for Clinical Research Nurses by way of academic programs, professional development opportunities, and professional organization membership and engagement.  She also oversees the clinical and research operations of the direct care research nursing units. She is enjoys leading teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of collaboration and respect.  

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Please review the Regulatory Affairs Tuition webpage for details. Tuition and fees are charged per c.u. and certificate program includes a total of 4 c.u. The program is not eligible for federal financial aid.

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Certificate Eligibility

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  • Applicants must be licensed nurses with at least 18 months of clinical experience
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  • An active RN license in any U.S. state
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What We're Looking For 

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  • BSN or a bachelor's in any related field preferred
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  • Existing experience in patient care and clinical expertise 
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  • Strong critical thinking skills and clinical judgment
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Application Process

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Applicants must submit a full application via the online form in Slate.

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The application form requires the following documents:

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  1. Transcripts 5
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    • Upload unofficial undergraduate and graduate, if applicable, transcripts into the application system
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    • Upon acceptance, candidates will need to provide official transcripts before beginning classes
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  2. Resume
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  3. Personal statement 5
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    • Respond to the following 2 prompts below. Each response should be 400 words or less. You may need to combine the two prompt responses into one document to upload. 5
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      • What are your short- and long-term professional goals, and how does the Certificate in Clinical Research Nursing help you meet your goals?  
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      • Discuss a challenge, setback, or failure that you have faced in your nursing career. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
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  4. One letter of recommendation; the online application system requires electronic submission of the letter by the recommender. 5
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    • Recommender may be faculty or an employer
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    • The letter should address the following: 5
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      • The suitability of the Clinical Research Nursing Certificate for the student's stated career goals
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      • The student's academic ability
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    • English Language Proficiency (e.g. TOEFL score) for applicants whose bachelor's institution did not conduct courses in English.
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The application does not require GRE score submission.

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Application Fee: $25

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After acceptance, applicants will need to provide proof of RN license and official transcripts.

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