Clinical Research Essential Skills

Students applying to the Clinical Research program must demonstrate sufficient physical and emotional health to be considered fit to participate in academic education and laboratory experiences, and to practice clinically with clinical research professionals and the public in a safe and effective manner*.

Please sign the Clinical Research Essential Skills Form certifying that you understand the physical and psychological requirements for clinical research professionals.

Review and Sign Essential Skills Form

IssueStandardExamples of Necessary Activities (Not inclusive)
Critical ThinkingCritical thinking ability sufficient for problem solving and clinical judgment.
  • Identify cause and effect relationships in clinical situations
  • Consider human research subject (participant) protection requirements and risks to research participants
  • Balance and manage multiple priorities
  • Make effective decisions quickly
Reading and ListeningReading and listening abilities sufficient to fully understand required activities.
  • Read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions to complete assigned activities and tasks
  • Read, understand, and adhere to all project activity due dates
  • Exhibit the ability to organize multiple assigned tasks and posted deliverable dates
Interpersonal SkillsInterpersonal abilities sufficient to interact appropriately with Sponsors, Principal Investigators, research site personnel, and contract research organization personnel.
  • Establish rapport with clients, research participants & colleagues
  • Cope effectively with stress in the workplace
  • Cope with client, research participant & colleague emotions calmly
  • Demonstrate a high degree of patience and compassion
CommunicationCommunication abilities sufficient for professional oral and written interactions.
  • Give formal/informal reports on research trial progress
  • Provide study specific training and education
  • Conduct interviews, in-services, and meetings
MobilityPhysical abilities sufficient to move throughout facilities and within small spaces to carry out responsibilities of job.
  • Move around efficiently in offices and research sites
  • Reach above head, lift, push, pull binders and other study supplies up to 10 lbs each
  • Ability to travel via airplane and ground transportation and maneuver luggage
Motor SkillsGross and fine motor abilities sufficient to carry out responsibilities of job
  • Handle/use paper and/or electronic documents and use assessment instruments
  • Inventory investigational product
HearingAuditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess client/colleague/subject needs and maintain facility safety.
  • Hear alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds and cries for help
  • Hear and respond appropriately to verbal communication
VisionVisual ability sufficient for observation and assessment.
  • Observe client/colleague/subject responses
  • Read assessment instruments
  • Read computer based applications including electronic files and electronic data systems
EmotionalEmotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Interact appropriately with peers, clients and supervisors at all times, including in high stress situations
  • Receive corrective feedback calmly
EnvironmentalAbility to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Adapt to variations in work schedule
  • Work in areas that are close or crowded
  • Work in high stress environments with client centered work and time sensitive deliverables.


*A prospective student with a disability that is concerned that the disability may impact his or her ability to perform one or more of these skills, provide patient care, or participate in other job activities, is encouraged to contact a disabilities services counselor for assistance by calling 919-536-7207.