Clinical Research Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Included below are answers to questions we typically receive about the Clinical Research Education and Training certificate program. Please also see our general FAQ's for answers to questions about registration and other departmental policies.
What is the CREAT-e Program?
The Clinical Research Education and Training Online (CREAT-e) Certificate Program provides clinical research professionals, and those interested in entering the field, with up-to-date knowledge on conducting, monitoring, and managing clinical trials within good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines and regulations.
Who is offering this Program?
The Program is offered by the Division of Continuing and International Education (DCIE) at California State University East Bay in collaboration with ClinfoSource, a California company that has been providing quality web-based GCP clinical research training for 7 years.
Why are you offering this Program?
Clinical research/drug development is a highly regulated field. There are many regulations and guidelines, as well as practical and ethical aspects, which a clinical research professional must know to do their job. This Program provides the information in a convenient manner through on-line education.
What are the advantages of completing this Program?
The Program gives you an opportunity to acquire skill-based training for the burgeoning field of clinical research/drug development, thus expanding your employment options. If you are already in the field, this Program will help you enhance your knowledge and meet requirements for documented training. The Program provides maximum flexibility for busy professionals to be trained at their convenience and leads to a university certificate in only 6 months. Since the program is completely online, it is able to utilize the latest interactive technology to keep students 'connected' with each other and the instructors.
What types of jobs will I be qualified for once I complete this Program?
This Program qualifies students for jobs at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and in contract research organizations (CROs) in clinical operations and clinical development areas. Specific jobs will be as clinical research associates, clinical research assistants, project managers, monitors, safety associates etc. Those who are already in these jobs can take this program to refresh their knowledge and to re-train (many drug development companies require their employees to be retrained every two years). It will help people in other functional areas in bio-pharma companies (such as in data management, medical writing, preclinical research) to train for 'clinical' jobs (listed above).
How do I register for this Program?
Simply visit our Web site at, select your courses, and complete your registration.
Who should take/can most benefit from this program?
Anyone interested in entering the clinical research / drug development field can take this program. Also, clinical research professionals currently working in biotech, or pharmaceutical companies and CROs who wish to refresh or enhance their knowledge.
Do I have to come to campus for these classes?
No. This Program is entirely web-based so that it can reach aspiring and current clinical research professionals anywhere in the world.
Are there any prerequisites for this Program?
Admission to the program is open to any interested student with an AA degree, or equivalent experience in the clinical research field.
What are the Recommended System Requirements?
PC Hardware and Software
- Intel® CoreT2 Duo Processor (any speed)
- XP/Vista
- 19" monitor
- 2 GB RAM / 4 GB for Vista
- 250GB HDD
- DVD/CD writer
- External video memory of 256MB
- External sound memory (optional)
- 10/100 Ethernet card and/or Wi-Fi Card
- Speakers
- Antivirus, Microsoft Office, Firefox
- Adobe flash player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Real Player, Quick Time
- Computer that is normally no more than 3-4 years old
MAC Hardware and Software
- G4 processor or higher
- OS 10.3.9
- 19" monitor
- 1 GB RAM
- 250 GB HDD
- DVD/CD writer
- 10/100 Ethernet card and/or Wi-Fi Card
- Speakers
- Antivirus, Microsoft Office, Firefox
- Adobe flash player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Real Player, Quick Time
- Computer that is normally no more than 3-4 years old
Do I get a certificate when I complete the Program? If so, who issues it?
Once you successfully complete all three courses in the Program, you will get a certificate from California State University, East Bay.
Do I have to take all three (3) courses or can I take just one or two?
Courses may be taken independently. However, to obtain a certificate, all three courses must be completed.
How long does it take to complete the Program?
The entire program, which consists of three 8 week long courses, can be completed in 6 months. Students who need additional time may take up to 12 months to complete the Program.
Do I have to come to the university campus for any reason such as to enroll, attend classes, or take exams?
No. The Program is entirely web-based. You can enroll and complete the entire Program from anywhere in the world if you have access to a computer and the Internet.
How much does the Program cost?
The estimated cost for completing the program is $4,650, or $1,550 per course. Please note that costs are subject to change without notice. Check our web site for current tuition fees.
Can I get any tuition assistance or loan?
Continuing Education is a registered provider for education/training loans through SLM Financial, a Sallie Mae company. The CSUEB school code is 606512. Contact Janet Kelly at janet.kelly@csueastbay.edu for more information.
Do I need any special or advanced computer skills or additional equipment to participate?
No, only basic computer skills, internet access, and a sound card or a telephone are required. Please check the ClinfoSource Web site for more information.
Once I register for a course, what happens next?
You will receive a letter from the University with a NetID and directions on activating it. You will use this NetID to access the course on Blackboard and through ClinfoSource. You can then log in at www.clinfosource.com and access the online modules for each course. (If you registered for a course at least one week before the course start date, you will receive the log in access approximately 3 days before the course start date. If you enrolled within a week of the course start date your account access will be available within approximately 3 business days after the course start date.) Please note: ClinfoSource can only set up online student accounts AFTER receiving the enrollment roster from the University.
What is BlackBoard? Do I need to take any additional training to use it?
No additional training is required. BlackBoard functions similar to using your email or any online chat or discussion forum. Instructors will communicate with you through the BlackBoard system, hold virtual office hours, post assignments, list resources, and provide a syllabus (which will include information on the webinar, final exam dates and times, and the grading system). If any help is needed or if you have questions, you can contact BlackBoard technical support at www.csueastbay.edu/servicedesk.
What does the Program consist of?
Online Learning Modules & Quizzes: Each 8 week course in the program will cover approximately 12 to 15 different topics via online learning modules. Content of the online modules is provided by ClinfoSource. You study them at your own pace and take an online test at the end of each topic.
Weekly Discussion Forum (Office Hours): Course instructors will hold online discussion forums at least once a week during the course. You can either attend them LIVE or access them asynchronously.
Course Assignments / Class Projects: To enhance the learning experience, each course will include class projects or assignments posted by the instructor. Students will receive credit towards their final grade for participating in the online discussion forums, and for completing the course assignments.
Webinar: One webinar will be held at the end of each course. The webinar may be attended LIVE or may be accessed asynchronously.
Final Exam: A comprehensive online final exam will be held at the end of each course.
How are the courses structured?
You can study the online modules at your own pace, but the instructor will assign certain topics to be completed at specific timepoints during the course. You are expected to complete the online topics as assigned before participating in the online discussion forums or the course webinar. The forum and webinar will not be used for extensive lectures but will be utilized for discussions, exercises, case studies, etc. The instructor may also assign other class projects via the forum and webinar.
Once the program starts, am I completely on my own because this is an online program or is there any structure?
You have 8 weeks to complete each course. You can take the online modules at your own pace, but within a structure designed by your course instructor. Through the Discussion Forum and at the course webinar, you will be able to interact with your instructor and fellow students throughout the course.
Who are the instructors for the program?
All course instructors are subject matter experts in the field, they have a minimum of 10 years' experience in clinical research, and are experienced in hiring, training, teaching and mentoring other clinical staff. All courses will have one primary instructor and one or more auxiliary instructors with special expertise.
What kind of interaction will I have with the instructor(s) since there are no classroom meetings?
Each main instructor will hold online office hours throughout each course during which you can chat with them live. If you cannot attend their 'office hours' you can still send online messages with your questions and comments via BlackBoard. All the discussions will be available online for access anytime during the course.
What if I have questions on the course contents?
Please bring them to your course instructor's attention by posting a question on BlackBoard or during weekly office hours.
Who should I contact if I have any problem logging into or using my ClinfoSource account?
Please check the FAQ section on ClinfoSource web site at www.clinfosource.com. If your question is not addressed, contact ClinfoSource by email at support@clinfosource.com.
What if I cannot attend the LIVE webinar?
Webinars will be recorded and posted online for asynchronous access. While all students are encouraged to attend the webinar live, you can access it online at your convenience within the timeframe set by the instructor.
How long will I have access to the online modules?
You will have access to the online modules until the end of the corresponding course.
How will I be graded?
Your grade will be based upon the online modules, active and relevant participation in the online discussion forum, completion of project(s) assigned by the instructor, participation in the webinar, and successful completion of the comprehensive final exam.
If you have other questions, please contact Janice Bruett at janice.bruett@csueastbay.edu or 510-885-2321.
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