Who Can Apply?

The CANTRAIN GPT Career Discovery Program is designed for:

• Current undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral health sciences trainees enrolled at Universities of Eastern Canada (Ontario – Newfoundland and Labrador).
• Learners nearing the end of their academic programs and preparing to transition into professional roles.
• Individuals with limited exposure to clinical research but a strong interest in exploring careers in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, or medical affairs.

Our Purpose & History.

The CANTRAIN GPT Career Development Program was designed to provide health science trainees with insights into the knowledge and skills required necessary for to pursue meaningful careers in clinical trial operations, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs. The modules focus on facilitating career exploration and providing practical knowledge, professional connections, and opportunities for learners to explore career paths that align with their strengths and interests.

Building on the highly successful Clinical and Regulatory Affairs Experience developed by the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT) at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in 2018, with funding from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, this program continues to evolve in close collaboration with DCAT, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful for learners across Canada.

Our Learning Objectives

• Develop Knowledge in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs:
  Understand clinical trial processes, drug discovery, and regulatory frameworks, including Health Canada processes and health technology assessments.
• Foster Career Development and Networking Opportunities:
  Explore diverse career paths and build professional networks through interactive sessions and a capstone project.
• Enhance Transferable Skills:
  Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through collaborative activities and projects.
• Support Reflective Career Planning:
  Align career goals with personal strengths and identify knowledge gaps to guide next steps with confidence.

Module Types

• Live Webinars & Panels: Gain foundational knowledge on various clinical trials, regulatory, and medical affairs topics.
• Capstone Project: Participate in organizing a career panel offering a practical and collaborative forum for applying skills and expanding networks.
• Interactive Group Activities: Practice real-world scenarios in small groups.
• Self-Paced Module: An independent module to enhance time and project management skills.

Steps to Apply

1. Check Your Eligibility:
   
   1. Enrolled in a health or life sciences program at a Canadian university.
   2. Nearing the end of an academic program and preparing to transition into professional role.
   3. Interested in careers in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, or related fields.
   4. Be able to commit 2-6 hours per week for the duration of the program, including attendance at live sessions and participation in group activities.
2. Stay Connected:
   
   1. Follow CANTRAIN on LinkedIn and visit the CANTRAIN website for the latest updates on application timelines and announcements.
3. Submit Your Application:
   
   1. Complete the online form (around 30 minutes) with your academic background, career goals, and alignment to the program.
4. Adjudication Process:
   
   1. Enrollment is limited. Applications are reviewed during the adjudication process.
5. Prerequisites:
   
   1. Accepted learners must complete the CANTRAIN Common Core Foundation (12 modules) within the given period before the program begins.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the time commitment for the program?

The program requires a commitment of 4-6 hours per week, which includes attending live webinars, completing self-paced readings, and participating in group activities. Learners are encouraged to dedicate time to fully engage with the content and activities for the best experience.

Do I need prior experience in clinical research to apply?

No prior experience in clinical research is required. The program is designed to introduce learners to clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs, providing foundational knowledge and exposure to these fields.

What are the Common Core Foundation (CCF) modules?

The CCF is a series of 12 self-paced e-learning modules that provide foundational knowledge on topics such as clinical trial design, research ethics, and good documentation practices. Completing the CCF is a prerequisite for starting the program and ensures all learners have a shared understanding of key concepts.

Register here to access the CCF.

Can I apply if I am graduating soon or recently graduated?

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a health or life sciences program at a Canadian university. While recent graduates are not eligible, final-year undergraduates, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees nearing the completion of their studies are encouraged to apply.

What happens if I cannot attend all live sessions?

Learners are required to attend at least 80% of the live webinars and group activities to successfully complete the program. If you anticipate scheduling conflicts, please reach out to the program facilitator in advance to discuss accommodations.

What will I gain from completing the program?

By completing the program, you will earn a certificate of participation to showcase on your CV and professional profiles. You’ll also be better equipped with knowledge of the clinical research sector and a clearer understanding of your professional goals.

Program Completion.

To successfully complete the program, participants must:

• complete the CANTRAIN Common Core Foundation series of 11 e-learning modules;
• attend at least 80% of webinars and activities,
• complete the regulatory compliance courses (International Council for Harmonisation – Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Health Canada Part C Division 5 and Tri ­ Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2022) Learn more about these courses.

Your Career Journey Starts Here

Explore diverse career opportunities, connect with professionals, and gain the skills you need to take the next step with confidence. The CANTRAIN GPT Career Development Program is your gateway to explore career paths that align with your strengths and interests.