In 1992 the RACC began the CRA process to add a level of recognition and validation to our profession; to bring measurability and respectability. Two years ago the the Max Levine School at Cleveland State University began its Masters Certificate in Research Admin. I knew it was only a matter of time. However, to call it a "Masters in Research Administration" seems a little too broad given the following from their website: "As a part of an academic medical center and because of the many idiosyncrasies of healthcare research programs, the MRA curriculum will concentrate on the administration of healthcare related research." It seems more likely to be MHRA - "Masters in Health Research Administration". It also appears to be no indication they collaborated with any of the professional societies in developing the program (not that such would be a requirement - but it would make sense). I have been doing Research Admin market research and curriculum review for last year-and-a-half now and really trying to grasp what it would take to offer a 'true' MRA. In looking at some of the closely related fields (like the MBA), I have noted that in order to offer an MRA program it would almost have to be divided into areas of specialty - given the expanse of knowledge needed to work in RA - with a strong central core of business, policy development, project mgmt, and few other elements. That said, basically - RA as a profession is beginning to mature. Chuck Chermside wrote in this forum in Dec 2005: "Now remember, our profession is broad. No one can be highly expert across the board, but to be a CRA one has to know at least something of other specialties within the field. So a passing score on the CRA exam cannot be achieved by someone whose entire area of knowledge is tightly focused; RACC does not believe the CRA status is deserved by someone who is overly narrow. As I said, the goal is a "journeyman"; someone who can be dropped into the profession anywhere and function adequately with only a little learning of the peculiarities of the explicit environment, and will have the background to become good in short order." The CRA exam was a beginning. The next logical steps are the Master's Certs and academic degree programs. A foundation has been laid on which to build. As 'CRA: the next generation' - I say: "Let's build the future!" Kindest Regards, Michael DeShazo, CRA ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~= Budget/Fiscal Analyst Lead Grant and Contract Accounting, Team 6 3917 University Way NE Box 351122 Seattle, WA 98105-1122 Team Phone: 206-616-4968 Team Email: xxxxxx@u.washington.edu FX: 206-543-0764 Alternate Phone: 206-616-8062 Email tip: *Where applicable, include the U.W. budget# and nature of request in subject line.* WEB: http://www.washington.edu/research/gca/office/ ~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~= Lori Hulak said the following on 1/16/2008 5:38 AM: > What is the general opinion regarding this degree? > > > Lori B. Hulak, BA, CRA > Specialist, Grant Writer > Jefferson College of Health Sciences > 920 S. Jefferson Street > Roanoke, VA 24031-3186 > Phone (540) 985-8206 > xxxxxx@jchs.edu > >>>> Susan Greene <xxxxxx@MUSC.EDU> 1/14/2008 4:45 PM >>> > The MUSC contact for the MRA program is Ann Brown or Melissa Freeland at > 843-792-2118. > > To the Research Manager who just contacted me from MCG: > > I apologize for transferring you to the wrong number. (I slipped and > couldn't retrieve the line.) I don't have your name to call you if you > would please dial directly. > > You may also email xxxxxx@musc.edu. > > It's been one of those days! > Susan > > > > Susan A. Greene, CRA, Grants & Contracts Administrator > Medical University of South Carolina > Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (xxxxxx@musc.edu) > 19 Hagood Avenue, Suite 606 (express) > MSC 808 (regular mail) > Charleston, SC 29425 > PH: 843-792-2040; Main: 843-792-3838; FAX: 843-792-6447 > > > ====================================================================== > Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including > subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available > via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") > ====================================================================== > > > ====================================================================== > Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including > subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available > via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") > ====================================================================== ====================================================================== Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") ======================================================================
