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THE Government is pouring in $6 million into a new series of courses in clinical research to support its growth. The Clinical Research Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework, launched yesterday, includes the first master’s programme of its kind here, which will aim to give formal training and accreditation to clinical research associates (CRAs). Most of the 400 CRAs here are life sciences, pharmacy and nursing graduates who picked up skills on the job.
The three programmes offered are a WSQ diploma, a specialist diploma, and a graduate diploma in clinical research. Each can be taken part-time for up to 48 weeks. Students can also take all three progressively for a year full time, produce a dissertation, and receive a master’s. The courses are a tie-up between Singapore’s CSM Academy International and Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University.
Minister of State for Manpower and National Development Tan Chuan-Jin said in a speech at the launch at Biopolis yesterday that the framework will meet increasing demand for clinical researchers. “It is essential for the industry to focus on its overall operational efficiency in the way clinical trials are conducted,” he said. The Workfare Development Agency will be subsidising 70 per cent of the $12,000 course for Singaporeans and permanent residents.
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