Stephanie V

Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.

Was interested in nutrition.

Then I got my masters degree.

Took the best job I could find, but it wasn't great (coordinating a weight loss clinical trial).

Realized I could do more than counsel patients on diet.

Decided I wanted to make twice as much money.

Found out I could audit the clinical trials and travel and make more money.

Applied and applied to Clinical Research Organizations until I was hired.

And I kept applying for three years until I was hired to be a Clinical Research Associate.

Education

High School

Bachelor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Graduate
Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Career

Senior Clinical Research Associate

I audit clinical trials.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Medicine

Travel

Working Independently

Day to Day

I work from home, but travel to sites (doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics) 2-3 days / week (9 days / month) and review medical charts and data for patients that are participating in a clinical trial. I verify everything follows the clinical trial protocol, that the site is complying with FDA regulations and that the data matches up to what has been entered into an electronic reporting system / database. At home, I write reports on my visits and correspond with sites to answer questions.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Get a science degree (biology, nursing, nutrition) and start working as a research assistant. Look into getting a masters degree in clinical research.