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Best research assistant certifications
The best certifications for a research assistant are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, and Clinical Research Assistant.
Research assistant certifications demonstrate your competency as a research assistant to employers. However, not all research assistant certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best research assistant certifications. Obtaining a research assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for research assistants
20 best research assistant certifications
1. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
3. Clinical Research Assistant
1. Completion of an Approved Phlebotomy/EKG/I.V Program 2. Minimum of 80 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Medical Lab or Research Center 4. Minimum of 50 Successful Venipunctures 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) come from a wide variety of backgrounds. CRPs may have backgrounds in nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, business administration, health record maintenance, statistics, biology, teaching, or in other areas. CRPs work in various settings such as cooperative research groups; academic and private institutions; private offices; pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies; Clinical Research Organizations (CROs); Site Management Organizations (SMOs); independent research and development organizations; or organizations involved in the management of clinical trials. These varying backgrounds and settings contribute to the unique knowledge and diverse expertise of CRPs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Professional Researcher Certification (PRC)
Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) was developed as a powerful tool for researchers of all levels of work experience and education. MRA's goal is to encourage high standards within the profession to raise competency, establish an objective measure of an individual's knowledge and proficiency and to encourage continued professional development.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Physician Assistant - Certified (PA-C)
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories and the uniformed services.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 6 year(s)
7. Dental Assistant (RDA)
A Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental health team, competent via education, experience, and understanding of patient welfare. The Dental Assistant is qualified to provide support in administrative duties: chairside, laboratory, and radiological procedures, as defined by existing state laws. As an agent of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant strives to cultivate good will and confidence within the dental practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
8. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)
Certification is increasingly recognized by today's global clinical research industry. Study sites use certification for documentation to sponsors and CROs that the site is professionally managed.Certification assists the public, healthcare professionals and the industry itself by identifying standards for professional practice.The written CRC examination is a measure of a candidate's knowledge of information needed for the CRC to perform this role effectively and the competent application of that knowledge in the conduct of clinical trials.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Associate - Data Science Version 2.0
This certification enables the learner to immediately participate in big data and other analytics projects. The certification validates the practical foundation skills required by a Data Scientist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Prepare for a new career in the high-growth field of data analytics, no experience or degree required. Get professional training designed by Google and have the opportunity to connect with top employers. There are 337,400 U.S. job openings in data analytics with a $67,900 average entry-level salary. Data analytics is the collection, transformation, and organization of data in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision making. Over 8 courses, gain in-demand skills that prepare you for an entry-level job. You’ll learn from Google employees whose foundations in data analytics served as launchpads for their own careers. At under 10 hours per week, you can complete the certificate in less than 6 months. You’ll prepare yourself for jobs that include junior or associate data analyst, database administrator, and more. Upon completion of the certificate, you can directly apply for jobs with Google and over 130 U.S. employers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Astreya. 82% of Google Career Certificate graduates report a positive career outcome like a new job, promotion, or raise within 6 months.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
13. Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant : EDUCATION or Experienced 1. Completion of an Approved Medical Assistant Program 2. Minimum of 200 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Physician's Office or Urgent Care Center 4. Or A Minimum of 1 Year of MA Experience in Physician's Office 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
14. Clinical Trial Investigator (CTI)
Certification is granted in recognition of documented and verified work experience, education and after successful performance on a multiple-choice exam. The Academy offers the Clinical Trial Investigator Certification exam to qualified individuals. CTI certification signifies that a clinical research professional possesses a basic knowledge about the conduct of clinical trials and the responsibilities of clinical research. Certification assists the public, other healthcare professionals and the industry, by identifying standards for professional practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
15. SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling
Designed for SAS professionals who use SAS/STAT software to conduct and interpret complex statistical data analysis
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
16. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)
The CRA exam is a measure of the candidate's general and basic knowledge of the information needed to perform his or her on-job duties and responsibilities effectively. Certification is granted in recognition of the candidate's documented education and working experience as a CRA, and successful completion of the written exam. By granting the designation of CRA, ACRP is formally recognizing the professional CRA who has provided evidence that he or she meets these professional standards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
17. Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant (CP/CLA)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
18. Medical Assistant (MA)
A Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician office laboratory. The Medical Assistant, also a liaison between the doctor and the patient, is of vital importance to the success of the medical practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
19. Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA)
The ACCA Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA) is aimed at business professionals who wish to develop their understanding of data, and the skills and techniques available for data analytics. Using real practical business examples, learners are able to develop an understanding of how data analytics and data modelling can be used to garner business insights. Learners will learn about big data, the various sources of data, types of analytics, and become familiar with the range of tools and techniques required to extract, manipulate, interpret and present data. They’ll also learn about the need to be both sceptical and ethical when working in the data analytics field. Many of the data tools introduced in the certificate are widely and freely available, such as spreadsheet or database software. Learners will also be introduced to popular statistical and programming tools such as SQL, R and Python, as well as an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
20. Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA)
The new Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA- CBDA) recognizes your ability to effectively execute analysis related work in support of business analytics initiatives.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a research assistant?
The best research assistant certification is Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is awarded by the American Red Cross. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this research assistant certification:
- To become a certified Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for research assistants?
The most in-demand research assistant certification is Medical Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this research assistant certification will give you access to more research assistant jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a research assistant career and salary?
The Certified Clinical Research Professional certification will help you to secure a clinical research coordinator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A clinical research coordinator's average salary is $50,920 whereas research assistants make an average salary of $42,896.
The most common combination of research assistant certifications include: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, and Clinical Research Assistant.
Online courses for research assistants to earn certifications
1. Psychological Research
This specialization is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, ethics in research, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.\n\nLearners will develop knowledge about the fundamentals of research design for quantitative studies in psychology, analysis of data from quantitative studies in psychology, and ethical standards for conducting psychological research. Learning...
2. Data Science for Health Research
In Data Science for Health Research, learn to organize and visualize health data using statistical analysis in programs like R. Explore how to translate data, interpret statistical models, and predict outcomes to help make data-informed decisions within the public health field...
3. SPSS For Research
SPSS data analysis made easy. Become an expert in advanced statistical analysis with SPSS...
4. Statistics / Data Analysis: Survey Data and Likert Scales
How to Process Survey Data and Analyze Likert Scales In SPSS...
5. Market Research
The Market Research Specialisation focuses on the essentials of research and the research process. This Specialisation will teach you how to use qualitative and quantitative research methods, how to develop and manage a questionnaire development strategy, how to develop measurements, how to collect data and how to analyze and present them.\n\nOnce you have completed this Specialisation, you will have a good understanding of market research including:\n\nEssentials of market research Components...
6. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint
Research Methodology From A-Z. A Step-by-Step Guide Through Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation...
7. Statistics / Data Analysis in SPSS: Inferential Statistics
Increase Your Data Analytic Skills – Highly Valued And Sought After By Employers...
8. Applied Statistical Modeling for Data Analysis in R
Your Complete Guide to Statistical Data Analysis and Visualization For Practical Applications in R...
9. Data Science:Data Mining & Natural Language Processing in R
Harness the Power of Machine Learning in R for Data/Text Mining, & Natural Language Processing with Practical Examples...
10. R Programming: Advanced Analytics In R For Data Science
Take Your R & R Studio Skills To The Next Level. Data Analytics, Data Science, Statistical Analysis in Business, GGPlot2...
11. SPSS Masterclass: Learn SPSS From Scratch to Advanced
The Only Course You Will Ever Need to Learn IBM SPSS Statistics, Research, & Data Analysis Scratch to Advanced Level...
12. Core Spatial Data Analysis: Introductory GIS with R and QGIS
Become Proficient In Spatial Data Analysis Using R & QGIS By Working On A Real Project - Get A Job In Spatial Data!...
13. Research Methodology
Academic Research Business Research Thesis & Dissertation Report Research Paper / Journal...
14. R Level 1 - Data Analytics with R
Use R for Data Analytics and Data Mining...
15. Statistics for Data Analysis Using R
Learn Programming in R & R Studio • Descriptive, Inferential Statistics • Plots for Data Visualization • Data Science...
16. Complete Data Entry Skills Course - Learn Data Entry Skills
Learn Essential Data Entry Skills Now To Enhance Your Career -Word - Excel - Database - Data Entry Jobs...
17. Complete Data Wrangling & Data Visualisation With Python
Learn to Preprocess, Wrangle and Visualise Data For Practical Data Science Applications in Python...
18. The 16-hour SPSS Pro: Analysis, Interpretation, and Write-Up
16 Hours of Instruction From a 13 Year Researcher and College Instructor...
19. Qualitative Data Analysis using MAXQDA: Scratch to Advanced
Master Qualitative Research Method, Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis and more with MAXQDA Analytics...
20. Statistics/Data Analysis with SPSS: Descriptive Statistics
Increase Your Descriptive Data Analytic Skills – Highly Valued And Sought After By Employers...