MBA Clinical Research: A Detailed Guide

Imagine being at the forefront of groundbreaking medical advancements, where cutting-edge research and innovation combine with the art of managing complex clinical trials. But you may wonder that “What is clinical research” or “Why should you consider pursuing an MBA in Clinical Research?” The answer lies in the transformative power it holds. With this specialised MBA degree, you gain a unique blend of scientific expertise and business principles, positioning yourself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 

So, if you have a passion for healthcare, a curiosity for scientific discovery, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the medical field, then this blog is for you.

What is MBA in Clinical Research

• Clinical research refers to the scientific investigation conducted on human subjects to evaluate the safety, and effectiveness of new medical treatments, devices, or diagnostic tests.
• Clinical research aims to generate reliable data and evidence to support the development and approval of new medical products or to improve existing ones.
• As a Clinical Researcher, you will play an important role in conducting and overseeing clinical research studies.
• An MBA in Clinical Research is a specialised MBA degree of two years, with average fees of  ₹70, 000.
• This specialised MBA program combines business administration principles with the field of clinical research. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead clinical research projects effectively.
• The future scope of an MBA in Clinical Research is highly influenced by factors such as evolving regulations, technological advancements, and shifts in healthcare policies. 
• Staying updated with industry trends, gaining practical experience, and continuously expanding knowledge and skills will be valuable for professionals to seize opportunities and contribute to the future of clinical research.

Eligibility Criteria for MBA in Clinical Research

Given below are the MBA eligibility criteria specialising in clinical research:

• Students should complete their 12th standard with a minimum of 50% in the science stream.
• After that, students should complete their bachelor’s, preferably in life sciences, with a minimum of 50-60% from a recognised university.
• For admission into MBA programs in top institutions, students are required to give entrance exams, such as the CAT exam, XAT exam, and more. After qualifying for the written section, students are also required to clear the group discussion and PI for securing a seat. 

Syllabus of MBA in Clinical Research

The curriculum of an MBA specialising in clinical research is divided into four semesters, where students are taught theoretical concepts as well as giving practical exposure. Given below is a general MBA clinical research course with the topics and subjects commonly covered:

SEMESTER 1	SEMESTER 2
Financial Management	Management Information System
Marketing Management	Supply Chain Management
Human Resource Management	Legal Aspects of Business
Business Environment	Entrepreneurship Development
Organisational Effectiveness	-
SEMESTER 3	SEMESTER 4
Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Data Management	Corporate Policies and Strategic Management
Clinical Research Project Management	International Business Environment

Job Scope after MBA in Clinical Research

After completing an MBA in Clinical Research, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Here are some potential job roles and career opportunities along with clinical research salary in India:

Job Role	Job Description	Average Salary
Clinical Trial Coordinator	You will be responsible for assisting in the coordination and management of clinical trials.	₹3.2 LPA
Clinical Research Associate	You will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. You	₹3.5 LPA
Regulatory Affairs Specialist	You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, preparing and submitting regulatory documents, and managing interactions with regulatory authorities.	₹6 LPA
Clinical Consultant	You will be responsible for providing expertise and guidance to organisations or researchers in areas such as study design, project management, regulatory compliance, or business strategy.	₹6 LPA
Clinical Data Manager	You will be responsible for managing and overseeing the collection, processing, and analysis of clinical trial data.	₹6.5 LPA
Pharmaceutical Product Manager	You will be responsible for the strategic planning, marketing, and management of pharmaceutical products or therapies.	₹11.5 LPA
Clinical Project Manager	You will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of clinical research projects.	₹16 LPA

Top Recruiting Areas after MBA in Clinical Research 

Here are some of the top recruiters that frequently hire MBA graduates with a specialisation in clinical research:

• Dr. Reddy’s
• IQVIA
• Syngene
• Jubilant Lifesciences
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Reliance Lifesciences
• Cordlife

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA degree in Clinical research will help students to gain a powerful toolset that blends scientific knowledge with business expertise. This will put you in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, where you can drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of many. As you continue your educational and professional journey, remember to embrace the spirit of continuous learning. The field of clinical research is dynamic and constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities.

With Sunstone, students can learn occupational skills with the help of training courses. Students are benefited from 70+ training sessions from expert guest faculty (ex-IIMs, IITs). Along with this, students can get hands-on experience from capstone projects, which can be helpful in securing job offers. 

FAQs - MBA Clinical Research: A Detailed Guide

In which field can I work after my MBA in Clinical Research?

A few of the fields to work in after an MBA in Clinical Research are hospitals, biopharmaceutical companies, clinical research firms and more. 

Do I need to study science to pursue a career in clinical research?

Yes, having a career in clinical research requires you to study basic concepts of life sciences.

Which degree is best for clinical research?

A bachelor’s in pharma or biotechnology is best for clinical research.