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Collaborative CRA Certificate Program for Oncology (C3PO)

The Collaborative Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Certificate Program for Oncology, or C3PO, is a collaborative initiative between the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office (CTO) and the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education (CRTEC). This comprehensive and professionally designed six-week program provides foundational knowledge, regulatory insight and practical application skills essential for success as a CRA.

Participants gain practical experience and training to support clinical trials in the Hollings CTO, affiliated hospitals and other organizations within the MUSC Regional Health Network.

C3PO Sessions

C3PO is a six-week didactic program that takes place over three months. There are three sessions consisting of five courses per session. Participants will obtain a digital badge for each session upon completing all courses.

Session 1: Foundations of Clinical Research & Regulations

Goal: Establish a strong foundation in clinical research principles and regulations.

Target Audience: CTO staff interested in SOCRA certification or learning more about research foundations.

Courses:

  • Course 1: Understanding Investigational New Drug (IND) Application Regulated Research (Part 1)
  • Course 2: Continuation of 21 CFR (Part 2)
  • Course 3: Exploring Human Research Protection
  • Course 4: Mastering Good Clinical Practice (Part 1)
  • Course 5: Mastering Good Clinical Practice (Part 2)

Session 2: Fundamentals of Cancer Care in Clinical Trials

Goal: Strengthen knowledge of oncology terminology and current standards of care for cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment to enhance the review and understanding of cancer treatment protocols.

Target Audience: All CRAs in clinical and administrative (regulatory and financial) roles.

Courses:

  • Course 1: Cancer Basics
  • Course 2: Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, and Staging
  • Course 3: Local Treatment Options for Cancer
  • Course 4: Systemic Therapy
  • Course 5: Hematological Liquid Cancer

Session 3: Research Operations and Compliance

Goal: Strengthen ability to review protocols, assess trial feasibility and implementation, and complete trial prioritization forms effectively.

Target Audience: CRAs (clinical and administrative) and Research Nurses who will read and implement cancer treatment protocols. Fundamental course for staff who will be conducting trial feasibility reviews for the Resource Allocation and Feasibility Team (RAFT).

Courses:

  • Course 1: Understanding Basic Biostatistics and Study Design
  • Course 2: Protective Reimbursement Analysis (PRA) Understanding Research vs. Standard of Care
  • Course 3: Understanding Patient Screening Procedures and Eligibility Review
  • Course 4: How to Complete a RAFT Review
  • Course 5: Group Presentation of the RAFT Review