Essentials of Research Administration

This course provides an overview of research administration.

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About this Course

The Essentials of Research Administration course explains concepts regarding research administration including the varying structures of sponsored programs, research advancement and development responsibilities, and award process specifics (pre-award, award negotiation and acceptance, and post-award). It also assists individuals working or seeking employment in research administration by exploring professional opportunities, various available resources, professional associations/organizations, advanced learning opportunities, and more.

It is intended for research administration professionals (sponsored programs professionals and managers), principal investigators (PIs), project directors, and others who are responsible for research administration. It may also help individuals determine whether a career in research administration is right for them.

This course was authored by Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA at Nordahl Worldwide Consulting and peer-reviewed by experts.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Principal Investigators (PIs), Project Directors, Research Administration Professionals

Organizational Subscription Price: Included as part of an annual subscription to our Research Administration Series, available as part of an organizational subscription package or for $675 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for government and non-profit organizations; $750 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for for-profit organizations.
Independent Learner Price: $139 per person

Demo Instructions

Course Content

Elements of Research Administration CME/CEU Badge

Describes the different areas within research administration including the varying structures of sponsored programs. It also explains the breadth of professional opportunities, resource associations/organizations, and advanced educational opportunities.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 16967 (English)
Author(s): Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA - Nordahl Worldwide Consulting

Elements of Research Development CME/CEU Badge

Provides an overview of the different aspects of research development as related to sponsored programs. It discusses the research administration professional’s responsibility for identifying new funding opportunities, creating collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary teams, and assisting in proposal development and communications with federal agencies.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 16968 (English)
Author(s): Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA - Nordahl Worldwide Consulting

Elements of Pre-Award CME/CEU Badge

Discusses pre-award activities related to sponsored programs that occur during the proposal development and submission phases. It identifies elements of a good proposal, understand proposal budgeting, and explain Just In Time (JIT) submissions, while pointing out award mechanisms and compliance items.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 16969 (English)
Author(s): Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA - Nordahl Worldwide Consulting

Elements of Award Negotiation and Acceptance CME/CEU Badge

Discusses the importance of award review, the principles of negotiation, compliance, and acceptance. This information also helps to explain the requirements for issuing timely sub-awards.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 16970 (English)
Author(s): Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA - Nordahl Worldwide Consulting

Elements of Post-Award CME/CEU Badge

Describes activities that occur after the award of a proposal. The primary focus is on the administration of the sponsored project, from fund management, liaising with sponsors, documentation and submission of reports, and project closeout.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 16971 (English)
Author(s): Sandra M. Nordahl, CRA - Nordahl Worldwide Consulting

Additional Modules of Interest

Overview of the Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA)

Discusses the general purpose of a CTA, roles and responsibilities of parties to the CTA, and how the CTA fits into the research enterprise. It also compares and contrasts clinical trials involving drugs, biologics, and devices from a CTA perspective.

Note: This module is part of the CITI Program’s Human Subjects Research (HSR) series, but is recommended as part of this course. For organizations with a “Make Your Own” custom subscription, use of this module requires adding Human Subjects Research (HSR) to your organization’s subscription.

Recommended Use: Supplemental
ID (Language): 17356 (English)
Author(s): Dex Bilkic, HBSc, MBA - Bayer Inc.; JoAnn Pfeiffer, DrSC, RAC, CCRA - Arizona State University

Understanding the Terms of the Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA)

Provides an overview of the context behind certain CTA terms and sections, types of language used for CTA sections, and some key elements of each section. It also outlines what should be addressed in the key sections of the CTA and the aim for each section.

Note: This module is part of the CITI Program’s Human Subjects Research (HSR) series, but is recommended as part of this course. For organizations with a “Make Your Own” custom subscription, use of this module requires adding Human Subjects Research (HSR) to your organization’s subscription.

Recommended Use: Supplemental
ID (Language): 17357 (English)
Author(s): Dex Bilkic, HBSc, MBA - Bayer Inc.; JoAnn Pfeiffer, DrSC, RAC, CCRA - Arizona State University

Role of the Researcher and Site in Managing the Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA)

Discusses key roles of the researcher and site in managing the CTA, including initial assessment, review, and implementation. It also describes how the CTA is linked to site policies, the protocol, and the informed consent form, and identifies key sections of the CTA that could present risk to the site.

Note: This module is part of the CITI Program’s Human Subjects Research (HSR) series, but is recommended as part of this course. For organizations with a “Make Your Own” custom subscription, use of this module requires adding Human Subjects Research (HSR) to your organization’s subscription.

Recommended Use: Supplemental
ID (Language): 17358 (English)
Author(s): Dex Bilkic, HBSc, MBA - Bayer Inc.; JoAnn Pfeiffer, DrSC, RAC, CCRA - Arizona State University

Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA) Negotiation for Researchers and Sites

Addresses strategies and preparation for CTA and study budget negotiations. It also identifies terminology and alternative wording options to ensure a fair and balanced CTA.

Note: This module is part of the CITI Program’s Human Subjects Research (HSR) series, but is recommended as part of this course. For organizations with a “Make Your Own” custom subscription, use of this module requires adding Human Subjects Research (HSR) to your organization’s subscription.

Recommended Use: Supplemental
ID (Language): 17359 (English)
Author(s): Dex Bilkic, HBSc, MBA - Bayer Inc.; JoAnn Pfeiffer, DrSC, RAC, CCRA - Arizona State University

CME/CEU Credits

To purchase CE credits and units, you need to be affiliated with an organization that subscribes to this course or buy it as an independent learner first. Learn more about CE/CME Credits.

Physicians
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$60
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Psychologists
CEP Credit/Hour
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$60
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Pharmacists
CPE Contact Hour
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$60
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Dentists
ADA CERP Credit
3 Credits
(5 CE certified modules)
$60
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Optometrists
COPE CE Credit
3 Credits
(5 CE certified modules)
$60
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Nurses
Nursing Contact Hour
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$50
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Dietitians
CDR CPEU
3 Credits
(5 CE certified modules)
$50
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Social Workers
Ethics CE Credit
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$50
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Athletic Trainers
Category A hour/CEU
3 Credits
(5 CE certified modules)
$50
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027
Other Participants
Certificate of Participation
3 credits
(5 CE Certified Modules)
$50
June 1, 2024
May 31, 2027

FAQs

What is the importance of this training?

Research administration is vital to any research organization since professionals working in this field play a key role in research development, proposal development and submission, award negotiation and acceptance, and the administration of a sponsored project. Concise training on these topics helps to ensure that research efforts continue to move forward in a compliant, efficient manner.

When should someone consider taking this course?

This course is suitable for learners seeking an educational resource on research administration, as well as a discussion of professional and personal development in the industry. There is no uniform standard for how frequently this training should occur. For a retraining (refresher) cycle, organizations and independent learners should designate the frequency of retraining. Unlike other CITI Program courses, there is no “refresher” version available at this time, but learners can retake the course or complete whatever subset of content their organization has selected for them.

How is this course structured?

This course consists of five modules that provide comprehensive training on the different areas of the sponsored programs administration profession. The modules contain detailed content, images, supplemental materials (such as, case studies), and a quiz. Learners may complete the modules at their own pace.

What topics does this course cover?

It discusses the elements of research administration, research development, pre-award, award negotiation and acceptance, and post-award. It also covers professional and personal development in research administration, such as professional responsibilities, opportunities, and educational resources.

What are the standard recommendations for learner groups?

CITI Program allows organizations to customize their learner groups, which means they can choose the content modules their learners need to complete. We will work with your CITI Program designated admin to determine the learner groups that best fit your organizational needs.

The standard recommendation for this course is to designate each module as required in a learner group. This helps to ensure a complete training for the learner. However, organizations may also elect to present certain modules as supplemental, particularly when the organizations provide specific training on the topic(s).

What are the advantages of CITI Program's Research Administration training?

It was developed and reviewed by industry experts to equip organizations and individuals with a resource that will enhance research administration processes and individual success in the field. The author has over 28 years of experience in all aspects of research administration. Along with CITI Program's advantages, including our experience, customization options, cost effectiveness, and focus on organizational and learner needs, this makes it an excellent choice for this type of training.

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