Overview

In this graduate certificate program, you will learn research design concepts, analysis and the quality assurance required for daily operations in the clinical research field. You will examine clinical studies across the pharmaceutical, medical device and natural health product sectors that give the competitive edge required in this dynamic industry. In this hands-on program, you will work alongside industry professionals and develop a network of contacts ahead of graduation.

Career Opportunities

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options that you can explore:

  • Clinical research assistant
  • Clinical research associate
  • Clinical records associate
  • Clinical trials monitor

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Postsecondary diploma or degree or equivalent in life sciences, nursing or a closely related field of study. Postsecondary studies must include physical sciences courses such as chemistry and biology.
  • English proficiency for graduate certificates
  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a WES or an ICAS credential evaluation.

Prerequisites

It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.

Apply Now

To apply for the part-time Clinical Research graduate certificate program, visit the OCAS website.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

All Module 1 courses must be completed prior to registering into Module 2.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are able to:

  • apply Health Canada and FDA regulations to clinical research.
  • explain the product development process for products such as drugs, medical devices, biopharmaceuticals and natural health products.
  • identify the roles and responsibilities of the different positions Principal Investigator, Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Research Monitor, Study Coordinator, Study Participant within the clinical research process.
  • communicate professionally both orally and in writing within the clinical research environment.
  • create documentation examples that are integral to clinical research.
  • interpret data collected via clinical research procedures.
  • describe Good Clinical Practices as they apply to different aspects of the clinical trial.
  • analyze the principles of quality assurance as they apply all aspects of clinical research.
  • assess the compliance of clinical trial aspects to regulatory requirements (GCP, GLP, GMP).
  • incorporate ethical practices in all stages of the clinical trial.
  • compare and summarize international regulations, clinical requirements and best practices for the clinical research process.
  • design a clinical study for a given drug, medical device, biopharmaceutical and/or natural health product that complies with industry and government standards and protocols.

OSAP Funding Available

This program is eligible for OSAP funding.

Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.

Course load is calculated by dividing the number of courses you are enrolled in at the same time by the total number of courses per semester.

For example, in Clinical Research there are seven courses in Semester 1 and 4 courses in Semester 2.

To be considered for part-time OSAP, you must have a course load between 20 to 59 per cent. Course load with 60 per cent or more is eligible for full-time OSAP. If you are taking two or three courses Clinical Research in a given term, you may be considered for Ontario Student grants and loans depending on the course load.

  • two course (28-50 per cent)
  • three courses (42-75 per cent)

To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.

For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Pathways

Take your graduate certificate further

Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a master's degree program at one of our partner institutions.

To qualify for a master's degree program, you may require a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite. Visit our Degree Transfer Guide to learn more and explore your pathway options.

If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.

After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Residency Requirements

A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.

Program Contacts

Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975


Jacqueline Gage
Manager, Academic Programs
Jacqueline.gage@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0984