Become a Practicum Host

Each year, Western Continuing Studies invites clinical trials professionals to host post-degree diploma students for the practicum component of the Diploma in Clinical Trials Management. We work with you and our students to coordinate the best possible professional practicum placement for the applicant and organization. 

Program Overview

The Diploma in Clinical Trials Management is a post-degree program that includes 9 diploma-credit courses plus a student practicum for which the student receives academic credit. Students are eligible to apply to the Diploma in Clinical Trials Management only after successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Practicum Timing

The practicum is the final term of the Diploma in Clinical Trials Management. Students must complete 400 hours at their practicum site between May and August (exact dates may vary slightly). During this period, students are expected to be on site on a near full-time basis (i.e. 22 hours per week). 

Practicum Activities

There is not a prescribed list of activities that must be completed. Instead, the Practicum Supervisor helps the student to create six learning goals for the four month practicum based on the student’s interests, and current projects at the site.

Requirements of Practicum Supervisors

As students’ skills are at an entry level, supervision, explanation, and direction are vital. The student’s supervisor should be a practitioner who has at least 3 years of relevant clinical trials experience. Although the student can be expected to work fairly independently, contact and supervision is expected from the supervisor. 

The Role of the Practicum Supervisor

• Help the student to create six learning goals for the practicum; evaluate their performance in meeting the goals at the end of the practicum
• Review weekly journal entries submitted by the student; evaluate the student’s performance in reflecting in their journal at the end of the practicum
• Meet with the student once per week to discuss their progress and provide feedback
• Provide the student with a range of experience in as many aspects of clinical trials as possible
• Orient the student to the clinical trial function in the organization, including policies, procedures and personnel
• Monitor work assignments and provide constructive feedback
• Be available and accessible for counsel and advice
• Provide the student with networking opportunities 

Course List

• Introduction to Clinical Trials and Research
• Drug Development
• Organization and Monitoring of Clinical Trials I
• Regulatory, Legal and Ethical Issues of Clinical Trials
• Reading and Understanding Research Information
• Pharmacology for Clinical Trials
• Organization and Monitoring of Clinical Trials II
• Financial Aspects of Clinical Trials
• Communication Skills for Clinical Trials Managers

Through the course work, students have developed knowledge in:

• The historical background of the laws governing drug development (FDA Regulations)
• The key regulations that impact the development of drugs 
• The types of clinical trial designs 
• The place of allied health in health research 
• The terminology and definitions used in clinical trials 
• The laws that govern the drug approval process 
• The interpretation of safety and efficacy data 
• Strategies for organizing clinical trials and site management to ensure a successful outcome
• The principles of ICH GCP responsibilities in the clinical trial process 
• The importance of Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (GCP) and International Clinical Conference on Harmonization (ICH) ethics of clinical trials      

Remuneration

Successful completion of the practicum, based on the Practicum Supervisor’s evaluation of the student’s on-site performance, is a requirement of the academic program.  Postings for both paid and unpaid practicums are accepted.  In instances when previous practicums have been unpaid, many sites have chosen to offer a stipend or honorarium.

Submit a Posting

Contact Ashleigh Lerch, Work Integrated Learning Coordinator with the following information:

• Name and email address 
• Learning opportunities
• Skills required/valued
• Information regarding payment, honorarium, professional development opportunities, etc. (if applicable)

Looking forward to partnering with you during the upcoming year!

Find out more about the Diploma in Clinical Trials Management program.