Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Management
Program overview
Clinical trials are crucial for advancing medicine, improving patient outcomes, and bringing new therapies to the providers and patients who need them. KU’s graduate certificate in Clinical Trials Management prepares you to play a role in coordinating, managing, and supporting clinical research.
Designed for working professionals and graduates with a background in health sciences or related fields, KU’s graduate-level clinical trial courses focus on how clinical trials operate in the real world. You’ll learn how studies are planned and run, how to navigate regulatory requirements, how to manage data and timelines, how to become a clinical trial monitor, and how to collaborate across research teams — all with an emphasis on applying what you learn directly to your work.
With this certificate, you will:
- Strengthen your qualifications for roles in clinical research organizations, health systems, and pharmaceutical settings.
- Grow your expertise and credentials for continued graduate study or increased clinical research responsibilities.
This program is a strong fit for professionals who want to grow within clinical research or transition into the field. With the completion of 15 credit hours in five flexible courses, you’ll gain vital clinical research operations manager skills, setting you on a path to advance in professional settings, contribute to meaningful work, and build a sustainable, long-term career.
Program formats
This certificate offers the flexibility to complete coursework while continuing your professional work and building relevant experience in the field. Courses are offered in concentrated eight-week sessions, allowing you to progress through the program at a pace that fits your schedule, whether you are advancing in your current role or preparing for a new role in clinical research.
The program consists of five required courses that build a cohesive understanding of clinical trials management. While it is recommended to begin with the introductory course, you can take courses in a sequence that works for you, making it easier to stay on track while managing professional and personal responsibilities.
Clinical Trials Management career outlook
Clinical research continues to expand as health systems, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations work to develop new treatments and improve patient care. As a result, professionals with the skills to coordinate, manage, and oversee clinical trials are in steady demand across the industry.
Nationally, roles in clinical research and health services management represent a large and growing workforce, reflecting the value placed on professionals who can manage complex research operations and ensure compliance and quality across studies.
Potential careers
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)/Clinical trial monitor
Clinical data manager
Regulatory affairs specialist
Clinical trial project manager
Clinical quality assurance (QA) auditor
Clinical trials management skills are in demand across a wide range of organizations, including clinical research organizations (CROs), health systems, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. Employers are seeking professionals with a combination of clinical knowledge and operational skills to manage complex studies, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate across teams to keep trials moving efficiently and safely.
Top skills in job postings include clinical research, project management, data coordination, auditing, and workflow management.
Program snapshot
A snapshot of overall growth and job availability in clinical research and clinical trials management*
Clinical Trials Management
*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU programs. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions or income levels.
