Education and training
Browse through all clinical research training opportunities of the SCTO's Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) Network and a selection of academic training offers. Find what best fits your needs.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research ethics courses are all recognised by swissethics. You can also find a selection of training opportunities provided by further organisations.
Disclaimer: Institutions are responsible for the quality of the training opportunities they provide.
- Science or medical degree (minimum bachelor's degree) 
- Candidates without a university degree but with a professional qualification ("abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung" or similar) must have at least two years of practical work experience in clinical research (based on "sur dossier" decisions) 
- Part-time 
- Compatible with work 
BSc in nursing science, a professional qualification (e.g. Dipl. Pflegefachperson HF), or adequate professional experience and qualifications (based on "sur dossier" decisions).
- Individuals holding a science degree (minimum bachelor's) or medical students with an interest in pursuing continuing education in clinical research practices
- Individuals holding a degree equivalent to CAS Clinical Research I or II should contact one of the Directors of Studies for a personal consultation
- Part-time 
- Compatible with work 
GCP Basiskurs or equivalent qualification
- This swissethics-accredited GCP course is ideal for investigators, all staff involved and/or interested in clinical research, and beginners 
- It focuses on participant protection, informed consent, safety reporting, study design, and data management 
- The course is split in two parts. The first part consists of self-learning and home-based exercises to be completed within two weeks. The second part consists of a series of interactive lectures supplemented with workshops taught in one day. 
- ECTS optional 
Basic GCP course completed
- This one-day course consists of a series of interactive lectures supplemented with workshops. 
- ECTS optional 
Certificate of "Bonnes Pratiques des Essais Cliniques, Niveau I - Investigateur" or equivalent certificate recognised by swissethics
- Degree in nursing, life sciences or medicine 
- Teaching is in English 
Individual DAS modules are available
- Degree in nursing, life sciences or medicine 
Individual MAS modules are also available
GCP Investigator Level certificate requested
Training particularly aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to take on the role of sponsor-investigator in interventional clinical trials and in the management of observational research projects
GCP Basiskurs or equivalent qualification
Recommended to all individuals working in human research who would like to maintain and update their knowledge on research ethics and GCP
For individuals working in clinical research (either in academia or in industry) and interested in extending their expertise in the area of safety management (assessment, documentation, and reporting of safety events)
For individuals who have completed a GCP course and/or are interested in the subject
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
GCP Investigator Level certificate
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
GCP Investigator Level certificate
May be held in Bellinzona or Lugano
- Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree 
- "Sur dossier" admissions are also possible 
- Visit website for more information 
Includes additional self-study
- CAS Clinical Trial Management or equivalent 
- Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree 
- "Sur dossier" admissions are also possible 
- Visit website for more information 
- Especially suited for clinical monitors 
- Includes additional self-study 
- Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree 
- "Sur dossier" admissions are also possible 
- Visit website for more information 
- Includes additional self-study 
- Provides GCP certificates as investigator and sponsor-investigator 
- Master's in medicine, nursing sciences, natural sciences, or a similar degree 
- "Sur Dossier" admissions are also possible 
- Visit website for more information 
- Consists of the CAS in Clinical Trial Management, a second CAS (Monitoring or Clinical Data Management), and a diploma thesis in the field of specialisation 
- Provides GCP certificates as investigator and sponsor-investigator 
GCP Module 1 and 2 certificate or equivalent certificate