NCRCA Podcast: Insights for Clinical Research Professionals
The National Clinical Research Certification Association (NCRCA) podcast is a resource for employers, researchers and students who want to stay informed about best practices in clinical research and national certification standards. Clinical trials are highly regulated – staff must be trained, monitored and held accountable to protect participants and maintain data integrity. The NCRCA podcast brings those regulatory and ethical discussions to life through interviews, news updates and practical tips.
Why listen?
- Understand the regulated environment – Episodes explore the framework of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), FDA and ICH guidance and ethical standards that govern every aspect of research. You’ll learn why sponsors and regulators insist on standardized training and how certification programs support compliance.
- Hear from experts – The podcast features conversations with experienced coordinators, investigators, sponsor representatives and NCRCA‑certified professionals. They share real‑world insights on protocol adherence, informed consent, documentation and patient safety, topics that certified staff must master.
- Stay current on workforce standards – Learn about NCRCA’s national standards and accreditation requirements that verify individuals are qualified, trained and tested for their exact roles. Episodes explain how workforce certification improves data quality, reduces risk and strengthens sponsor confidence.
- Professional development – Beyond technical knowledge, the podcast offers guidance on career pathways, continuing education and emerging roles in clinical research. Listeners gain insight into training options such as employer‑led programs, one‑day certification workshops and conferences, and how these align with NCRCA credentials.
Sample topics
- Regulation and ethics – What regulatory bodies (FDA, ICH, HIPAA, IRB) expect of research staff and how national certification ensures compliance.
- Participant safety – Strategies for safeguarding patient rights, privacy and well‑being, including training in informed consent and emergency response.
- Data integrity – Best practices for source documentation, electronic case report forms and audit readiness.
- Workforce development – Interviews with employers about building certified teams, meeting CEU requirements and maintaining accreditation.
- Industry trends – Discussions on decentralized trials, technology adoption and evolving roles for research assistants, technicians and managers.
Where to listen
New episodes of the NCRCA podcast are released regularly and are available on major streaming platforms. Visit our podcast page to listen, subscribe and access show notes. Whether you’re preparing for certification, managing a research team or simply interested in clinical research, the NCRCA podcast is a convenient way to expand your knowledge and stay up to date.
Join the conversation
We welcome questions and topic suggestions from listeners. If you’re an NCRCA‑certified professional with a story to share, or a sponsor interested in discussing how certification supports trial success, please contact us. Together we can elevate the standards of clinical research and build a safer, more effective research environment.
Highlights include:
- Why clinical research is highly regulated and how the podcast addresses that.
- Emphasis on ethics, documentation, data quality and participant safety topics covered in episodes.
- Insight into workforce standards and certification requirements that improve data integrity and sponsor confidence.