Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Clinical Research: Academic overview

Learning outcomes

The Clinical Research Certificate program is a six month (two consecutive terms) program that awards a non-credit training certificate. The program was developed in conjunction with local research hospitals and ensures that participants learn all that they need to successfully begin working in the field.

Specifically, the Clinical Research program outcomes are:

• Demonstrate a foundational understanding of clinical research/trial methodologies described in study protocols, including study design, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Understand the life cycle of Clinical Research and apply case studies to the preparation and execution of clinical trials/investigations via site evaluation, initiation, interim process, and close-out visits in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and procedures.
• Articulate the ethics involved in clinical trials, including the protection of human subjects and data integrity.
• Apply critical thinking when planning and implementing a research study or related operational endeavor.
• Communicate and interact effectively in a professional clinical research environment.

In the last term of the program, all students participate in an Institutional Research Board (IRB) meeting at a research institution.

Our faculty review and update our program outcomes annually, ensuring that you are receiving the most relevant content possible. A list of all program modules/topics is provided in your D2L shell.

Curriculum

This is a cohort-based program with sequential coursework/progression required for all students to successfully earn the program certificates. A detailed calendar of the modules and their corresponding dates will be provided following registration and is also available in the course management system (Desire2Learn).

As a CEU program, CEU hours are earned each term. Students must successfully complete both terms to earn their program certificate.

Grading

All term courses are graded as Successfully Complete (SC) or Not Successfully Complete (NSC). In order to earn a Clinical Research certificate, students must pass all courses with a SC grade.

The program assesses students using a variety of approaches, including: quizzes, exams, papers, and discussion posts. See syllabus in D2L for more details.

Advising and counseling

The Clinical Research Program does not require students to meet with a faculty advisor. However, students seeking guidance can contact the program coordinator for support.

Learning support

Students seeking learning support can contact the program coordinator.

Withdrawal and re-entry

Program withdrawal process

The program adheres to the college’s withdrawal timelines. Please note, tuition is not refundable after the college’s published withdrawal timelines. Students needing to withdraw from the program after the published program drop dates should contact the program coordinator.

Re-entry and re-admission procedures

The program is a cohort model in which modules/terms need to be completed in sequence.

Re-entry in the program may be available in certain circumstances. Students who wish to discuss re-entry options should contact the program coordinator. Please note, re-entry decisions are based on a host of factors such as space availability and academic success in program courses.

If students are at risk of not passing a term, they are encouraged to contact the program coordinator as early as possible. The program coordinator will work with them to identify and discuss any available options.

In the case that a class cannot be finished due to extenuating circumstances and students have tuition-related questions, please refer to the college’s tuition appeal process for details and next steps.

Academic resources

The following are commonly used links that are helpful for the academic journey.

• Find these on the top bar of every college webpage:
  • A-Z resources list
  • Academic calendar
  • Schedule
• Academic Advising
• Bookstore
• Catalog
• Enrollment Services: Contact information to get help with registration.
  • Register for classes: A guide on how to register.
• General Education/Discipline Studies
• Grading guidelines: Refer to this and the Catalog Grades and Transcripts guidelines. Note that in some programs, the grading standards are different from PCC’s guidelines. Certain programs must comply with standards set forth by national board exam and regional testing agencies.
• Student Records: Update your contact information, request transcripts, and get help with tasks such as:
  • Advanced Placement
  • Credit for prior learning
  • Transfer credits to PCC: Students who are transferring coursework to Portland Community College must complete the following steps:
    • Follow the instructions on the Transfer Credits to PCC page.
    • Work with program admissions, program advisor, program director, or faculty department chair to submit requests for course substitutions as appropriate.
• University Transfer
  • Transfer articulation agreements – check to see if there is an arrangement with your program of study and your transfer college.
• Steps to graduation: Includes information about accessing GRAD Plan.

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