UH certificate program offered for thriving field of clinical research

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Jena L Funakoshi, (808)753-4113
University of Hawaii Cancer Center
Clifford Martin
Associate Director, University of Hawaii Cancer Center
Posted: Apr 18, 2023

Yonamine with a patient.
Yonamine with a patient.
Janice Yonamine
Janice Yonamine

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janice Yonamine, like many, was working from home and found her 15-year career as a state auditor was no longer fulfilling—she needed to make a change.

Through her job search, she discovered a position for a clinical trials support specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. Although she did not have clinical research or medical experience, Yonamine decided to take a chance—she applied and got the job.

To train and supplement her transition into the position, her hiring manager recommended she register for the inaugural Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program, which provides foundational clinical trial knowledge, including oncology clinical trial coordination, basic statistical and epidemiologic methods, ethical and regulatory aspects of human subjects research and protocol development. Yonamine was part of the first cohort of this program in 2020.

The field of clinical research is thriving in Hawai‘i. In fact, upon the successful completion of the three-month certificate program, students enter one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. (currently 14% annually). 

“The certificate program is the perfect starting point for anyone, whether you already have some background or experience, or if you're brand new to the field,” said Yonamine. “Clinical research is so dynamic and you will never go stagnant. There's always something new to learn and the science and research is always evolving and advancing. It is an exciting and meaningful career and you will never stop learning.”

Yonamine was promoted to a clinical research associate (CRA) in 2022 and served as a course instructor for the program last fall, teaching data management and cooperative group registration. She now sees patients at The Queen’s Medical Center, the Cancer Center of Hawaii and Hawaiʻi Cancer Care.

The certificate program is designed to train those interested in becoming a CRA at the UH Cancer Center, its affiliated hospitals or at other academic centers in support of clinical trials.

The program is offered online by the UH Mānoa Outreach College. The accelerated three-month program runs from August 23 to November 15, 2023. The deadline to apply is August 21, 2023.

Learn more and register for the Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program on the Outreach College website.

 

About the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center through its various activities, including scientific research and clinical trials, adds more than $57 million to the Oʻahu economy.  It is one of only 71 research institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute.  An organized research unit within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the UH Cancer Center is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, patient care and community outreach with an emphasis on the unique ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.  Learn more at https://www.uhcancercenter.org.  Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UHCancerCenter.  Follow us on Twitter @UHCancerCenter.