CREMA (Clinical Research Education and Management Academy), a premier institute that offers state-of-the-art education in clinical research, has formed a joint venture with Canada-based Clinical Research International, allowing students to enrol for online certification courses.

The one-year online certification course will be offered to all students enrolling for the advanced post graduate diploma in clinical research (APGDCR) programme offered by CREMA.

CREMA has announced the launch of its full time course APGDCR at its campuses in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi. APGDCR has duration of one year, along with two months of internship in a reputed organization.

"Clinical Research International is a well-known company for its online education in clinical research. Students qualifying in this course are going to get an added recognition in the industry. The online certification will be particularly helpful for those students looking to work overseas," said Vijay Moza, chairman, CREMA.

The students will undergo complete web-based course in clinical research and will appear for 'online' examination. A certificate will be awarded to those students, who clear the exams.

Dr. Fred Salama, director of Clinical Research International said, "Combining CREMA's expertise in clinical research training with Clinical Research International's comprehensive set of training modules and web-based platform, will act as a synergistic tool to fully equip clinical research professionals for the clinical research industry in the region".

After an overwhelming response to its Bengaluru and Mumbai centres, CREMA will open its third campus at Shahidullahjab, near Saket in New Delhi by the end of May. The programmes offered by the centre will benefit the graduates in life sciences, pharmacology and medicine.

Over 300 students have enrolled with CREMA for various courses related to clinical research, including clinical data management and pharmacovigilance. These courses also impart necessary management education to the students.

Right now, there are about 10,000 clinical research professionals working across 280 clinical research organizations in the country. According to a recent McKinsey study, India will need the services of 50,000 clinical research professionals by 2010-11.