In a world where clinical research drives life-changing advancements in healthcare, it is critical to have a team of well-informed, skilled, and dedicated professionals to carry out clinical trials. The Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship was developed at the WashU Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS), advancing the institute’s strong commitment to building a workforce of talented individuals poised to shape the future of healthcare.
Program Background
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical research field experienced a noticeable decline in workforce numbers. In response, WashU took action to attract interest in and strengthen retention within this critical career path.
Assistant Dean of Clinical Research Yi Zhang presented the vision to develop a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship to the ICTS leadership. With the enthusiastic support from Director William Powderly, MD, and Associate Director Nancy Sweitzer, MD, PhD, they decided to take a leap of faith in launching the apprenticeship.
In addition to leadership backing, the development of this program was inspired by the tremendous success of the WashU Medical Assistant Apprenticeship, led by Kathy Clark. A trailblazer for university-based DOL program collaboration, Clark had previously developed the DOL Medical Assistant Apprenticeship and was instrumental in guiding, mentoring and providing the framework for this new initiative.
Michelle Jenkerson, Associate Director of the Center for Clinical Studies, worked closely with Clark to develop and submit the DOL Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship proposal in 2022. The plan outlined a competency-based model that combined structured on-the-job learning and related instruction in theoretical, technical, and application training. As a 12-month program requiring 240 hours of classroom learning and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience, the apprenticeship promised to be intensive but rewarding.
Approved in 2023, the program was officially registered with the DOL as part of the National Apprenticeship System. It became one of the first university-based collaborations with the DOL to offer a Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship. More importantly, it served to attract talent from the region and create career pathways for individuals who might not have met traditional qualifications for entry into clinical research roles.
An Inspiring First Cohort
The first cohort included four remarkable individuals that demonstrated a strong desire to learn more about clinical research: Kesha Hanks, Kamryn Martin-Giacalone, TaQuia Johnson, and Hadassah Berendzen. These apprentices received classroom-related instruction led by Michelle Jenkerson, Rachel Cody, and Maria Westfall, while their one-on-one, mentored on-the-job learning took place within the Department of Medicine, through the Divisions of Cardiology, Oncology, and Infectious Diseases.
The apprentices were able to make meaningful contributions to active clinical trials and gained exposure to all areas of clinical research coordination. They rotated through regulatory, recruitment, finance, study management, participant interaction, bioethics, and data management groups. In addition, their sponsoring divisions provided infrastructure to support their careers, increase their visibility, and demonstrate institutional commitment to their success.
Kesha Hanks, who trained with the Cardiovascular Division, reflected on the challenges and growth that came with the experience:
My journey as an apprentice in the cardiology division has proven to be both demanding and fulfilling. I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience and collaborative teamwork with skilled healthcare professionals. The knowledge I’ve gained has been a transformative experience, not only enhancing my professional skills but also shaping my personal appreciation for the complexities of heart health.
Kesha Hanks
Kamryn Martin-Giacalone and TaQuia Johnson both trained in the Division of Oncology, with Martin-Giacalone focusing on sarcoma-soft tissue and bone cancers, and Johnson focusing on thoracic cancer. Both noted significant growth in confidence thanks to the program:
I feel like I have become much more confident in my ability to communicate effectively with both patients and physicians, which were both intimidating aspects of the job initially.
Kamryn Martin-Giacalone
I am much more confident in my skills now than I was in the beginning. I’ve also been able to expand on my understanding on what goes into this role.
TaQuia Johnson
The program provided greater insight into not just the what of training but also the why, leaving the apprentices devoted to ethical and people-first approaches in the medical field. Hadassah Berendzen, who worked on studies involving rabies vaccines and hormone therapies interacting with HIV medication in the Division of Infectious Diseases, shared a powerful takeaway:
I will do whatever it takes to help advance medicine and accessible healthcare!
Hadassah Berendzen
All four apprentices successfully completed the training, passed their final proficiency tests, and earned a certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor. Their supporting divisions offered promotions and extended invitations to return as permanent team members in clinical research professional roles, an opportunity made possible by the program.
Shaping the Future of Clinical Research
With the successful completion of its first cohort, the Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship has demonstrated the potential to transform how clinical research professionals are trained and supported. By pairing structured classroom instruction with hands-on mentorship, the program has helped individuals with little to no prior experience gain the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to thrive in the field.
Crucially, the program is reducing traditional obstacles to entry by valuing lived experience, dedication, and on-the-job growth alongside formal education. This approach, which is being implemented at WashU, is opening the door for individuals to pursue meaningful careers in clinical research. The university continues to lead efforts to expand opportunities with newly proposed career pathways in coordination, nursing, and finance, regardless of how individuals entered the field.
Extending this program model to other institutions has the potential to make a lasting impact on the field. WashU has been in conversation with Duke University as they work through the process of developing their own registered apprenticeship, and Michelle Jenkerson recently shared the program’s success and structure at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) conference. As other Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions explore similar efforts, the program at WashU serves as a scalable model for workforce development across the country.
By investing in people, building connections, and creating new pathways into clinical research, WashU is helping shape a more welcoming, skilled, and sustainable workforce…one that is ready to support the future of healthcare for years to come.