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My ACRP Certification: Making a Difference
I started becoming interested in research over fifteen years ago while obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Kansas State University. I gained more knowledge as I began a Master’s program at the University of Minnesota and learned more about research design and how statistics are involved. My career path then changed directions when I decided to go back to school at Southwestern Illinois College to become a registered nurse. And now I have been involved in healthcare for the past eleven years. Starting out with general medical experience, along with long term care, emergency room, family practice, home health, psychiatric and now pulmonary medicine, I have built a strong knowledge base.
With my husband's job in the United States Air Force, we have to be relocated from time to time, and a few years ago our move to Wichita, Kansas changed my career path yet again. I was lucky enough to obtain my first official research position with Heartland Research Associates, where I learned from some great doctors and research professionals. I was excited that I finally got a chance to marry my research and medical interests together. After about two and a half years as a clinical research coordinator there, I was able to advance my career by taking the ACRP certification exam. With a solid foundation in research, some wonderful mentors, and a lot of studying, I passed the exam with flying colors.
A few months ago, the Air Force decided to transfer my husband again and this time we moved to Panama City, Florida. While there doesn't seem to be a lot of clinical research in the area, I found Emerald Coast Research Associates and set my sights on working for them. They are an excellent organization that focuses on high quality patient care. My experience, interview, and references all mattered but I truly believe that my ACRP Certification was a big part of the reason that I got the job.
ACRP claims that certification promotes professionalism, validates competence, shows a commitment to quality standards, and sets people apart, and I wholeheartedly believe all of that is true. I feel that peers, research sites, contract research organizations, and sponsors all appreciate the meaning behind certification and convey a certain level of respect to those who are certified. And my personal experience has also shown that my certification has improved my job mobility and income potential. The benefits of ACRP membership are great, as well. I enjoy having access to the website, interest groups, forums, the Clinical Researcher journal, continuing education opportunities, and networking.
I pride myself in being an intelligent, hard-working, and driven woman. So when I came across the opportunity to become certified by the most outstanding clinical research association, I jumped at the chance. Now thanks to ACRP and my CCRC credential, I can continue my career with confidence. I look forward to many more years ahead, being on the forefront of clinical research.
I started becoming interested in research over fifteen years ago while obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Kansas State University. I gained more knowledge as I began a Master’s program at the University of Minnesota and learned more about research design and how statistics are involved. My career path then changed directions when I decided to go back to school at Southwestern Illinois College to become a registered nurse. And now I have been involved in healthcare for the past eleven years. Starting out with general medical experience, along with long term care, emergency room, family practice, home health, psychiatric and now pulmonary medicine, I have built a strong knowledge base.
With my husband's job in the United States Air Force, we have to be relocated from time to time, and a few years ago our move to Wichita, Kansas changed my career path yet again. I was lucky enough to obtain my first official research position with Heartland Research Associates, where I learned from some great doctors and research professionals. I was excited that I finally got a chance to marry my research and medical interests together. After about two and a half years as a clinical research coordinator there, I was able to advance my career by taking the ACRP certification exam. With a solid foundation in research, some wonderful mentors, and a lot of studying, I passed the exam with flying colors.
A few months ago, the Air Force decided to transfer my husband again and this time we moved to Panama City, Florida. While there doesn't seem to be a lot of clinical research in the area, I found Emerald Coast Research Associates and set my sights on working for them. They are an excellent organization that focuses on high quality patient care. My experience, interview, and references all mattered but I truly believe that my ACRP Certification was a big part of the reason that I got the job.
ACRP claims that certification promotes professionalism, validates competence, shows a commitment to quality standards, and sets people apart, and I wholeheartedly believe all of that is true. I feel that peers, research sites, contract research organizations, and sponsors all appreciate the meaning behind certification and convey a certain level of respect to those who are certified. And my personal experience has also shown that my certification has improved my job mobility and income potential. The benefits of ACRP membership are great, as well. I enjoy having access to the website, interest groups, forums, the Clinical Researcher journal, continuing education opportunities, and networking.
I pride myself in being an intelligent, hard-working, and driven woman. So when I came across the opportunity to become certified by the most outstanding clinical research association, I jumped at the chance. Now thanks to ACRP and my CCRC credential, I can continue my career with confidence. I look forward to many more years ahead, being on the forefront of clinical research.
