Lotus Clinical Research Academy (LCRA) has tied up with Birla Institute of Technology to offer M Pharm in clinical research. The two year programme will provide the much- needed fillip to the growing clinical trial industry which is facing an acute shortfall of professionals.

It is also in talks with the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR), UK for a collaborative training programme. LCRA has already tied up with the UK Institute for student memberships which entitles candidates to access material related to clinical research including database of trials and global regulatory guidelines.

"LCRA is now working out the modalities with BIT Ranchi, and by the year-end we will be ready to offer the course for the academic year 2008," said Sudhir Pai, managing director, Clinical Research Academy.

The Academy offers two diploma certificate courses spanning four months. The Bio-analytical Techniques course offered only by LCRA in the country provides hands on training in quantification of drugs in biological matrix. The other is course on Clinical Research Associates. Plans are underway to offer a Post Graduate courses in these specialties next year.

The first batch of 40 students for both courses with 20 students each have been suitably employed at reputed clinical research organizations like Clinigene, subsidiary of Biocon, Neogen and Lotus Labs.

"Currently, companies are struggling to get the right skilled trained force in clinical trials. However, with the increased awareness about the scope and job opportunities in the field among the students, training institutes like ours should be able to generate the workforce the industry is looking for", stated Pai.

A typical entry level salary at clinical research organizations is Rs 10,000 and within two years good candidates can earn Rs 30,000 depending on the organization.

Other than LCRA, institutions like Vaatsalya Healthcare, Asian Clinical Trials and Reliance in India, also offer certificate diploma courses in clinical trials. Manipal University is the only institution offering a post graduate diploma and degree course in Clinical Trials and Clinical Data Management.

LCRA is the only institute which offers certificate courses as a five day week programme. These day long course covers theory in the first half and practicals in the second half. There is also a well stacked library, computer lab and qualified faculty. Being a joint venture with Lab India Instruments, provides students that advantage of working on LCMSMS and HPLC instruments at its centre.