To become a drug safety associate, candidates need a relevant bachelor’s degree and experience in drug safety. Paths to the position include becoming a registered nurse, completing a PharmD course, or earning a degree in life sciences. Employers often require at least one year of experience, and a higher degree is preferred.
A drug safety associate is responsible for overseeing drug safety during the research and manufacturing phases, as well as when the drug enters the market. To become a drug safety associate, prospective candidates will need a relevant bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Many employers will also ask for experience working in a drug safety capacity before considering a candidate for the job. While at least a bachelor’s degree is required, there are several paths to a position as a drug safety associate. These paths include becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), completing a FarmD course or earning a degree in life sciences or similar, as well as meeting the employer’s experience requirements.
Going to school to learn registered nursing is an option for candidates with professional aspirations to become associated with drug safety. Upon graduation from a degree program in nursing, these candidates will need to become licensed and practice as a registered nurse. When working as a nurse, potential drug safety associates will need to apply for and work in a drug safety capacity to gain relevant experience. Typically, employers will require RNs to have several years of experience before considering them for this position. Additionally, those who complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing generally have slightly better chances of securing a position if they meet the employer’s experience requirements.
Attending and graduating from a PharmD program generally qualifies a candidate to work as a drug safety associate. Applicants who take this path mean completing a bachelor’s degree in any course of study, applying for and gaining acceptance into a PharmD program, and fulfilling all graduation requirements. Employers often require applicants with a PharmD to have at least one year of experience to become a drug safety associate; however, most employers accept necessary residencies or fellowships as experience. Therefore, a PharmD degree provides the most direct route to becoming a drug safety associate after graduation.
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences, biological sciences or chemistry is another option, although employers sometimes look more favorably on a life sciences degree. Graduation with one of these degrees, however, does not automatically qualify a candidate for a position. Like those with RN qualifications, graduates will need to gain qualified experience in drug safety. Most employers require at least four years of experience and generally prefer this experience in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or clinical research. An advanced degree in one of the disciplines is also often preferred, though rarely required.
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