An NCI Micro-credentialing Model for Onboarding and Training Clinical Research Professionals in a Lean Fiscal Environment

Clinical research professionals are essential to the successful conduct of clinical trials yet training and retention of this workforce remain significant challenges, particularly with constrained budgets and declining indirect cost reimbursements. This study describes the implementation, and evaluation of a micro-credentialing program at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The CRC badge, developed through a collaboration between Rutgers School of Health Professions, Rutgers Cancer Institute, and the New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science, offers self-paced, competency-based training aligned with the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency framework. Fifty-six clinical research staff were invited to complete the CRC Badge between May 2023 and May 2024. Survey data from the 38 completers (67%) demonstrated substantial self-reported learning gains across regulatory activities, research roles, and data management. Post-course results indicated that the CRC badge helped enhance onboarding efficiency and inspired interest in continued professional development. Administrative feedback confirmed improvements in staff readiness.