The Clinical Research Professional (CRP) Apprenticeship is a 12-month program combining on-the-job learning and related instruction in theoretical, technical, and application training. Registered with the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the National Apprenticeship System, this intensive program offers apprentices 240 hours of classroom learning and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience.
My skills have increased, I am more confident, driven, a better communicator, and a more knowledgeable professional. I am able to negotiate and advocate for myself now in ways I had never dreamt of. I feel ready to encounter any situation, because I know I am ready.
Hadassah Berendzen, Former CRP Apprentice
The apprenticeship covers topics in the following domains:
- Scientific Concepts & Research Design
- Ethical and Participant Safety Considerations
- Investigational Products Development and Regulation
- Clinical Study Operations (Good Clinical Practice)
- Study and Site Management
- Data Management and Informatics
- Leadership and Professionalism
- Communications and Teamwork
Additionally, the WashU Center for Clinical Studies provides phlebotomy and ECG training and administers a clinical research professional proficiency test at the culmination of the program.
Department Responsibilities
The CRP Apprenticeship is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity that allows apprentices to contribute to active clinical trials and gain exposure to all areas of clinical research coordination. Departments directly support this workforce development by pairing expert researchers with apprentices.
Departments are responsible for the following:
- Apprentices join the department as full-time, benefits-eligible WashU employees. The departments must post the HR approved apprentice job description, select candidates to review, hire the apprentice as an Apprentice/Trainee Grade 8, and guarantee a minimum salary of $20/hr and benefits
- Place the apprentice with a team/journeyworker in the department to offer individualized on-the-job learning
- Promote apprentices to Clinical Research Coordinator-I (CRC-I) and offer the opportunity to return as permanent team members in CRP roles after the successful completion of the program
Apprentice Eligibility
Although the CRP Apprenticeship is meant to attract candidates with little to no experience, there are some requirements to ensure a good program fit.
- Must have at least some college credit(s) or one of the following degrees, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree or Master Degree, or applicable experience
- Meet Entrance Requirements by taking the WorkKeys Assessment. The Assessment to be taken by the applicant is the National Career Readiness Certificate, which includes Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents and achieve a score of 4 or better to be considered for this apprenticeship