An NCI Micro-credentialing Model for Onboarding and Training Clinical Research Professionals in a Lean Fiscal...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research Operations
• Workforce Development
• Medical Education

Background:

• Clinical research professionals are vital for trial success, but training and retention face challenges.
• Budget constraints and declining indirect cost reimbursements exacerbate workforce issues.
• A need exists for effective, scalable training solutions in clinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a micro-credentialing program for clinical research staff.
• To assess the program's impact on learning, onboarding, and professional development.
• To provide a competency-based training aligned with industry standards.

Main Methods:

• A micro-credentialing program, the CRC Badge, was developed and implemented at an NCI-designated cancer center.
• The program offered self-paced, competency-based training aligned with the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency framework.
• Survey data from 38 staff completers were analyzed to evaluate learning gains and program impact.

Main Results:

• Completers reported substantial self-assessed learning gains in regulatory activities, research roles, and data management.
• The CRC Badge improved onboarding efficiency for new clinical research staff.
• The program stimulated interest in continued professional development among participants.

Conclusions:

• Micro-credentialing offers an effective approach to training clinical research professionals.
• This program demonstrated positive impacts on staff readiness and professional growth.
• Competency-based, self-paced training can address workforce challenges in clinical research.