M.Sc. in Clinical Research is a postgraduate degree course in medicine for the duration of two years.  In order to understand the clinical research’s scope in India, we need to have a look at what all is covered under this. The range of products includes drugs, vaccines, devices, diagnostic agents and treatment regimens. The sector itself caters to maintaining a space for the growth and longevity of human health.

Clinical research career begins with a post-graduate degree as it is a highly specialized field. It involves diverse researches and experiments conducted in clinics, particularly with living organisms. 

Eligibility Criteria for M.Sc. in Clinical Research

In order to pursue M.Sc. in Clinical Research, the candidate must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the degree program. Only after the candidates have garnered undergraduate degree in requisite fields, he/she will be able to apply for M.Sc. in Clinical Research from a recognized university such as Sharda University. The list is as follows (any one of the following):

  • An undergraduate degree in Life Sciences which includes a degree in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Botany or Zoology.
  • Doctors who have pursued M.B.B.S./ B.D.S./ B.A.M.S./ B.H.M.S./ B.U.M.S./ B.V.Sc./ B.S.S.M.
  • Bachelors in Physiotherapy, Pharmacists such as B.Pharm. or M.Pharm.
  • Nursing courses

The candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria when applying for the degree program:

  • Under graduation degree in the fields listed above from a recognized university.
  • A minimum aggregate score of 50% for the general category and 45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates at the level of graduation is required by the students.
  • Candidates awaiting their graduation-level examination’s results are also eligible to apply on a provisional basis.
M.Sc. in Clinical Research

M.Sc. in clinical research scope in India

M.Sc. in clinical research job opportunities is highly regarded and has paved a niche sector in India. In order to make a career after clinical research, one must understand the role of a clinical researcher in the research industry. Candidates enrolled in the course have the option of choosing one specific area of research from Translational research, Genetics Epidemiology and Patient-specific research. The candidates may even go for an advanced study of the sub-specialties of research design, data management, epidemiology and biostatistics.

The following activities are conducted by people who pursue the degree as a full-time career option:

  • Determining the appropriate quantity of drugs for the body, and their subsequent impacts.
  • Participating in organic activities conducted in the laboratory, clinic or a hospital.
  • Participating in the manufacturing of medicine and drugs.
  • Studying disciplines such as Epidemiology and Transplantation.
  • Studying drugs and medicine management.

Jobs after M.Sc. in Clinical Research are flourishing as there are many wider avenues opening each day for clinical researchers. After pursuing a post-graduate degree, the candidates are hired as:

  • Biostatistician
  • Clinical Research Analyst
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Clinical Research Physician

Some of the branches of clinical research also deal with researching medical equipment and medicines. This job is purely based on the parameters of safety and performance. It is another important industry that is running parallel to the medical stream and is quite significantly shaping the development of healthcare.

Scope of clinical research

Clinical Research is one such field which is evergreen as it is an offshoot of medical research and development. This involves the investigation of healthy and diseased bodies to generate information which can be of assistance to further medicine. The data gathered from the research is put to use in the treatment, diagnosis, prevention and reduction of diseases and their symptoms.

Here is a list of professions which will help the reader to understand the promising scope of clinical research:

  • Biostatisticians- Biostatisticians lead statistical analyses for an extensive variety of biology-related topics, and in addition, help with experimental designs. The study statistical design and help to determine the team’s needs and appropriate methods. Another role of biostatisticians includes granting applications, conducting data analyses and help in interpreting results. This job often requires teamwork in consultation with the research team.
  • Clinical health professionals- People who pursue clinical research are employed as physicians, nurses, dentists or pharmacists. In their role, they tend to research, develop and test new applications in medical science. This involves a very significant development of new applications including new vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical procedures as tested in clinical trials.
  • Clinical research analyst- Clinical Research Analysts work on medical studies designed to measure how much is a drug effective. Moreover, they are responsible for testing medical device and research on the process of the human body. Clinical research is often conducted in a hospital. Some of the healthcare centres and laboratories also appoint clinical research analyst.  The research analysts often work alongside professionals within the medical field.
  • Clinical Research Associates or Coordinators- The role is comprised of selecting suitable candidates for clinical trials, conducting tests and monitoring patients during the trials. They gather, create and study the information acquired through trials. Fields like Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals offer such positions and they are paid highly.
  • Clinical Research Managers- Clinical Research Managers are responsible for managing the clinical research department and overseeing clinical research studies. Individuals in this position, work on the development, management and completion of clinical research studies.
  • Health Services Managers- Health Services Managers have a variety of responsibilities ranging from administrative to executive tasks in hospitals or clinics.
  • Medical Assistants- Medical Assistants are professionals who work in hospitals, clinics or doctors’ offices. Their role primarily is comprised of discussing and recording patients’ medical history. They are also in charge of measuring a patient’s vital signs, administering medicine and creating a better communication channel with the doctors.

Clinical research is not only an upcoming but also a significant subject in the field of medical science. As we are progressing towards finding a cure for cancer and other deadly diseases, streams like clinical research will pave the way for medical sciences ahead. Clinical research scope in India, as well as its scope globally, will define mankind’s future.