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
- Completion of the CAS Clinical Research I, CAS Study Nurse/Coordinator, or equivalent qualification
- Individuals with a minimum of five years' of experience in clinical research working either in academia or in industry (study nurses, study coordinators, clinical research associates, study physicians, assistant physicians, etc.) may apply to be directly admitted to the CAS Clinical Research II program
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
Formal university degree or BSc in health sciences
"Sur dossier" admissions are also possible
The three-day GCP (Bonnes Pratiques des Essais Cliniques - Niveaux I et II) training sessions can be integrated as an optional module
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 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
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