What is Clinical Science?

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in medical research or pharmaceutical development, your best start point is a clinical sciences program. Clinical science focuses on the principles and methods that are used in controlled conditions for research projects to evaluate and investigate medical treatments. 

What is Clinical Science?

Clinical science is a combination of clinical investigation and health services research that incorporates various principles, such as:

• Medecine
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Experimental Science

Clinical science is a field that offers many opportunities around the world, and you can start pursuing them at the American University of Antigua in the heart of the Caribbean. 

Read on to learn more about the field of clinical science and see if it is the right career path for you!

What Will I Learn in Clinical Sciences?

In Clinical Sciences, your learning experience will include a multifaceted approach. Alongside traditional lectures and laboratory sessions, you’ll delve into hands-on opportunities that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. 

Clinical Research

Clinical research focuses on human subjects or specimens, usually conducted at academic medical centers and affiliated research study sites. This type of work uses knowledge from research done on animal models for disease to develop new approaches for prevention, intervention, and therapy in patients’ clinical outcomes. Additionally, clinical research provides the opportunity to study clinical questions dealing with:

• Patient Care
• New Technology
• Clinical Practice Management
• Health Care Administration
• Health policies

Health Service Research

Health services research is geared towards improving the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes of care in various areas, including:

• Organization
• Financing
• Health Care Delivery

Core Rotations at AUA

The American University of Antigua (AUA) offers an eight-week advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine rotation in our Clinical Sciences program. Students will develop their skills to  perform physical examinations while interacting with various individuals in a U.S. medical environment. This course is followed by 44 weeks of learning the core rotations:

• Internal Medicine: This rotation provides general knowledge about health promotion, disease prevention, and more. Students will become proficient in problem-solving and decision-making while developing an attitude of caring and empathy.
• Surgery: Students learn the principles of surgery and the rationale for surgical therapeutic intervention in various educational modalities. While documenting their progress, students will develop an understanding of preoperative evaluation, perioperative care and optimization, and postoperative follow-up.
• Family Medicine: This clerkship acts as an introduction to all aspects of family medicine, especially the continuity of care for patients of all ages. Students will learn about the importance of family systems, as well as the impact of chronic illness on patients and their families. They will gain experience in preventative medicine.
• OB/GYN: Students will learn how to take an obstetrical and gynecological history and physical and develop basic educational and technical skills pertaining to the maintenance of women’s health.
• Pediatrics: During this clerkship, students will learn how to care for the pediatric patient and their families using basic knowledge and skills. It will cover issues unique to the infant, child and adolescent with a focus on disease prevention, the impact of the disease and the treatment on the patient and family.
• Psychiatry: Students will learn how to recognize, assess, and treat a wide range of behavioral health problems at various stages of the life cycle. With the clerkship’s patient assessments, students will gain an in-depth history of each patient to perform a comprehensive mental status examination, while establishing a safe, positive professional doctor-patient relationship.

In addition to clinical research and health service research, students at the American University of Antigua can take other elective rotations from an extensive list that includes anesthesiology, endocrinology, and sports medicine. AUA is an academic institution that prepares students for their career, allowing them to find employment around the world.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Clinical Science Degree?

A degree in clinical science opens up various career paths in healthcare, research, and academia. Here are some potential job options you can explore:

1. Clinical Research Coordinator: Coordinate and oversee clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations.
2. Clinical Research Associate: Monitor clinical trials, ensuring they are conducted ethically and according to regulations.
3. Medical Science Liaison: Act as a bridge between pharmaceutical or medical device companies and healthcare providers, providing scientific and clinical support.
4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensure compliance with government regulations in the development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
5. Clinical Data Manager: Manage and analyze data collected during clinical trials, ensuring its accuracy and integrity.
6. Healthcare Consultant: Provide expert advice to healthcare organizations on clinical and operational matters, such as process improvement and regulatory compliance.
7. Clinical Educator: Teach and train healthcare professionals on clinical procedures, new treatments, and medical devices.
8. Clinical Trial Manager: Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of clinical trials, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
9. Medical Writer: Create scientific documents such as clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, and medical publications.
10. Epidemiologist: Investigate the patterns and causes of diseases in populations, working to prevent and control the spread of illness.

Keep in mind that some of the aforementioned positions may require additional training and licensure.

Where Can I Get a Clinical Science Degree?

You can get your Clinical Science degree at the American University of Antigua! Our Clinical Sciences program allows you to complete 84 weeks of core and elective rotations in Antigua and other parts of the world, including the UK, Canada, and India. AUA is affiliated with over 50 clinical sites, allowing students many opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professionalism essential to the program and their career.  

Contact us to learn more about the program, or apply today!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, pursuing a degree in clinical sciences offers a gateway to a dynamic and fulfilling career in healthcare, research, and academia. Through a multifaceted curriculum encompassing clinical research, health service research, and hands-on rotations, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various roles within the medical field. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

What is clinical science?

Clinical science is a field that combines clinical investigation and health services research to evaluate and investigate medical treatments. It incorporates principles from medicine, chemistry, biology, and experimental science.

What will I learn in clinical sciences?

In Clinical Sciences, you’ll learn about clinical research and health service research and gain hands-on experience through rotations in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

What jobs can I get with a clinical science degree?

A clinical science degree opens up various career paths, including roles such as clinical research coordinator, medical science liaison, regulatory affairs specialist, clinical data manager, healthcare consultant, and more.

Where can I get a clinical science degree?

You can pursue a Clinical Sciences degree at institutions like the American University of Antigua, which offers a comprehensive program with core and elective rotations in Antigua and other parts of the world.