MGH Institute of Health Professions & Nursing Programs
Clinical Investigation Program
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Clinical Investigation: Certificate of Advanced Study


The 15 credit Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Investigation offers a broad, foundational education in the design, management, biostatistics, ethics, and regulatory aspects of patient-oriented clinical research.

Designed for anyone interested in a career in clinical research, the program attracts a diverse group of both experienced health care professionals and new college graduates including: nurses, pharmacists, physicians, biologists, chemists, information technologists, relational database managers, educators, engineers, and ethicists. Graduates of this program who also have MD, DMD, PharmD, or PhD degrees gain perspectives critical to a clinical investigator. Other health care professionals receive the education required to take on increasingly higher levels of responsibility as clinical researchers. Graduates from non-health care related disciplines gain the insight and experience needed to transition into a wide range of clinical research careers.

Featuring a parallel instructional format that includes both classroom and online options for many of its courses, the program attracts regional and national candidates and is ideally suited for individuals with full-time career obligations. Students typically take one or two courses per semester while working full-time.

Combining the CAS with Post-Professional Nursing or Physical Therapy

RNs who have matriculated into the Master of Science in Nursing, as well as licensed physical therapists in the Post-Professional Program in Physical Therapy (tDPT, advanced MS, or CAS), may petition to earn the Certificate of Advanced Study in Clinical Investigation (normally 15 credits) at a reduced credit requirement than if they were completed separately:

  • CAS combined with MS in Nursing - only 10 credits
  • CAS combined with tDPT, MS, or CAS in Physical Therapy - only 12 credits
Post-professional nursing and physical therapy students must be in good academic standing to seek this dual option; consult your academic advisor to learn more.