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Parexel's APEX CRA Training Program

Launch your Clinical Research Associate career

Rotating images of the APEX CRA Program Meetings in the US and EMEA. It's a mix of group pictures, people working in groups, visiting a Parexel logistics center and early phase clinical unit, and social events.

What is the APEX CRA Program?

Parexel's Accelerated Program of Education, Exposure, and Experience (APEX) is your fast track to becoming a skilled Clinical Research Associate (CRA). Since 2022, we've empowered over 320 graduates across the Americas and EMEA to launch successful CRA careers. APEX offers you comprehensive training and hands-on experience to transform your potential into expertise.

Is APEX CRA right for you?

You're an ideal candidate if you:

  • Are a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in:

    • Life Sciences
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Clinical Research
    • Nursing
  • Have less than 18 months of monitoring experience
  • Are passionate about clinical research and eager to learn

What APEX CRA offers:

  • Comprehensive clinical research training
  • Hands-on project and system experience
  • Personalized skill development in project management, regulatory compliance, data integrity and quality control, communication and problem-solving
  • Mentorship from experienced CRAs and leaders
  • A clear path to becoming a CRA at a leading global CRO

Application and selection process:

When applying to our APEX CRA Program, our hiring process will entail:

  • A CV review
  • Screening of qualifications
  • Interviews 
  • Post-interview selection

We are currently in between hiring cycles

The APEX CRA Program is currently only available in the Americas and Europe. Hiring for these regions occurs periodically based on business needs. Check this website regularly for open positions and updates on the next recruitment cycle. Open positions will be displayed below.

FAQ about the APEX CRA Program

What is unique about the Parexel APEX CRA Program?

  • Its focus on candidates with little to no clinical research experience
  • The program's collaborative development across multiple departments
  • How it aligns new CRAs with the company's culture and mission

Answered by Kelly Zwirn, APEX Program Director

How is the Parexel APEX CRA Program structured?

  • Blended learning method combining virtual and in-person training
  • Primarily uses Teams meetings with Parexel Academy trainers
  • Includes a week-long in-person session with traditional instruction and hands-on activities
  • Offers mock visit simulations and observation of real site visits (remote and in-person)

Answered by Kelly Zwirn, APEX Program Director

What support do you receive as a Parexel APEX CRA participant?

  • Continuous support during training from line managers, Academy trainers, and program coordinators
  • Post-graduation support from dedicated field coaches and ongoing development opportunities
  • Strong alumni network for graduates
  • Recognition of APEX graduates' success, including awards in Pharma Times competitions

Answered by Kelly Zwirn, APEX Program Director

What is the experience of an APEX CRA program participant like?

  • Leadership provides knowledge, exposure, and tools for success
  • Support throughout the program
  • Building patient advocacy and enthusiasm for the industry

Answered by Alexis Jordan, Clinical Research Associate II (APEX graduate)

What advice would you give to APEX CRA applicants?

  • Do not be intimidated by the amount of knowledge required at the start.
  • Parexel staff are supportive and understanding of new trainees.
  • Making mistakes is part of the learning process.
  • By the end of the program, participants feel confident and ready to be independent CRAs.

Answered by Rick Lucaine, Clinical Research Associate II (APEX graduate)

Ryan, a Black woman with blonde curly long hair, is sitting in front of a pond wearing a pink suit jacket and white button-down shirt

Ryan:
Summer 2022 Program

“I learned many different skills from the APEX CRA Program! Ranging from TMF maintenance to how to properly conduct various visit types, but the most important thing I learned was to remain confident in whatever task I was completing. The APEX CRA Program gave me the proper tools to confidently complete my visits and find resolutions to issues at my site.”

Jake, a white male, with brown hair and beard, is wearing a black suit jacket with a white button up.

Jake:
Spring 2023 Program

"The APEX CRA Program is an excellent platform to further build your clinical research experience and launch you into the clinical research associate role. You will be given support along the way to continue honing your CRA skills and solidify a strong foundation for the rest of your clinical research career."

Marina, a young woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white sweater and sitting on a light-colored couch or chair. The background appears to be a neutral-toned wall. Her expression is warm and friendly.

Marina:
Summer 2024 Program

"Even though the program participants were spread around EMEA, our brilliant teachers managed to put together a course so well structured and crafted that people from different backgrounds found it easy and comfortable to learn. I think of our APEX program as packing our professional backpacks. We filled them with new skills, insights, and experiences and now that we head into our employments, we get to pull out these tools and put them into the real world situation."

Why learn to become a CRA at Parexel?

We are a leading contract research organization with over 22,000 employees globally. For more than 40 years, we’ve assisted clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries to simplify their journey to market. We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference. And together, we’re doing it With Heart™.

Collaborative Work Environment: 

Enjoy a supportive work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration, expanding your professional network.

Career Progression: 

Parexel prioritizes a clear career path for CRAs and offers various training programs to improve skills and knowledge.

Diverse Experience & Expertise: 

Work on a wide range of studies across various therapeutic areas, learning from industry experts within our renowned organization.

Kylie started at Parexel as an APEX CRA and has since then grown into a CRA II role. 

Learn from Kylie about:

  • What is a Clinical Research Associate (CRA)?
  • What does a typical day look like for a Parexel CRA?
  • How would she describe the APEX CRA Program?
  • What advice would she give to those considering the APEX CRA Program?

A group photo of approximately 20 Parexel employees at the Pharma Times Award event. The individuals are dressed formally, with many wearing black dresses or suits. They are standing together on a stage in celebratory pose.
Three APEX CRA graduates were finalists at the PharmaTimes Clinical Researcher of the Year Awards 2024. One of them won the GOLD Award in the Novice CRA category.

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