Applied Clinical Research
St. Cloud State at Plymouth Premier Program
Join One of Minnesota's Top Industries
Demand for skilled clinical research professionals is high and growing — spurred on by the growing health care industry, new product development and increasing demands for medical evidence by patients, practitioners and payers.
The Applied Clinical Research master's program is one of only three nationally-accredited clinical research master's programs by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program offers a portfolio/internship or capstone track and graduate certificate options at St. Cloud State at Plymouth in Plymouth, Minnesota. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. When spots are filled, applicants will automatically be considered for the next semester.
Classes are held in the evening during the workweek and Saturdays. Participation is available in person or virtually.
Applied Clinical Research is a STEM-recognized program for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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Why Clinical Research?
Clinical research professionals work in the medical device, biotech and pharmaceutical industries, in hospitals and clinics, at consulting organizations, in government and academia throughout the world.
- Clinical research professionals provide sound, scientific evidence about how a medical product performs in humans and ensure research is conducted ethically and lawfully.
- Well-designed, properly-executed clinical trials keys to success for most medical device companies and are critical to making safe and effective medical products.
- Clinical research is an exciting, rewarding and in-demand profession.
Admission Requirements and Details
When applying for a graduate program, the School of Graduate Studies serves as a liaison between the applicant and the program. Application materials should be sent to the School of Graduate Studies.
Once all application materials are received, Graduate Studies will forward materials to the program for review and an interview will be scheduled. Thereafter, an admission recommendation will be forwarded to Graduate Studies for a final decision and notification to the applicant.
For admission consideration, applicants must meet minimum Graduate Studies admission requirements. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required, but an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas is recommended:
- Engineering
- Science
- Biochemistry
- Biostatistics
- Public health
- Nursing
- Another relevant field
Once you submit your application, email acr@stcloudstate.edu so that your application can be tracked and fast-tracked.
Applied Clinical Research in Minnesota
employees in the greater Twin Cities area work in the medtech sector
Medtech employees earn on average 40% more than their counterparts in other industries
life science and medical companies operate in Minnesota
Program Student Success Measures
ACR Program-level Outcome Measure
- Direct: Reporting of student assessments mapped to program learning objectives.
- Indirect: Positive Placement Rate
Program Learning Outcomes (Spring 24 – Fall 24)
| Learning Outcome | Students Receiving a Grade of "A" or Higher | Students Receiving a Grade of "B" or Higher |
|
Explain the scientific and regulatory components involved in designing, developing, and using medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and combination products. |
69% | 100% |
|
Describe the history of ethics, human protections, standards, and regulations in clinical research. |
43% | 94% |
|
Apply the principles of evidence-based medicine in clinical research strategy, design, execution, and utilization. |
81% | 94% |
|
Describe the key components of a clinical development plan and contemporary clinical research operations, including study management and site management. |
89% | 100% |
|
Explain the responsibilities and working relationship between the key stakeholders in clinical research, including sponsors, investigators, and regulatory bodies. |
34% | 66% |
|
Describe the basic concepts of data management, including data acquisition, source verification, quality control, database management, and data analysis. |
72% | 89% |
|
Demonstrate effective professional oral and written communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. |
91% | 97% |
|
Describe the principles of effective leadership, including the importance of diversity in clinical research. |
83% | 93% |
Employed After Graduation
ACR Employment Outcomes
From 2018-2023, 100% of Applied Clinical Research graduates were employed within one year of graduation.
This result comes from 78 of 81 graduates during that time period responding to a SCSU Career Center survey.