University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Clinical Science

Questions & Answers

What future career options may be available to a non-physician graduate of your program?
A Ph.D. is normally required to teach or perform research independently in an academic setting. The majority of research funding agencies require that a doctoral degree be present to qualify as a Principal Investigator for funding consideration. In addition to pursuing a future in academics, examples of possible career opportunities include: (1) CI Track: Industrial Scientist, Laboratory Administrator, and Research Program Director; (2) HSR Track: Health Care Organization Leadership Role, Health Policy Staff Member, and Health Research Program Director; (3) HIT Track: Chief Information Officer, Policy Analyst, and IT Sales Specialist Additionally, consulting career opportunities may exist for all Tracks.
I have experience working in the health care field but do not have a health-related professional or graduate degree. Would I be considered for admission into the CLSC Program?
You would not normally qualify for the PhD, Masters, Certificate, nor CRTP without a health-related professional or graduate degree. However, an exception may be granted by the Admissions Committee depending on the nature and scope of your health care experience. Moreover, you may consider applying to other health-related graduate programs such as Master of Science in Public Health, Biometrics, Nursing, etc.
What alternative Ph.D. programs are available at the University of Colorado in health-related fields for individuals to consider?
In addition to those already mentioned, there are several other programs including a Ph.D. Program in Health and Behavioral Sciences and a Ph.D. Program in Public Administration that you may wish to consider. All interested individuals are encouraged to do a comprehensive search of the University of Colorado web site to explore graduate program opportunities that may best meet their individual academic needs.
What alternative master's-level programs are available at the University of Colorado in health-related fields for individuals to consider?
CU Denver offers the MBA in Health Administration, a CAHME accredited program.
Are there any future job opportunities I should be aware of as a clinical researcher?
A myriad of career opportunities exist for the clinical researcher. The NatureJobs website is a helpful reference, and in particular, the CLSC Program is showcased in the June 2001 issue. Additionally, referencing the American Federation for Medical Research article series addresses the issues of training the next generation of health care investigators.
Can you provide me with other related program information?
Reference the links: 1) NIH K-30 Program Listing; 2) NIH K-30 Contact Information; 3) NIH K-30 Geographical Map. Additionally, visit the Association of American Medical Colleges page for clinical research training program information. Visit the Association of American Medical Colleges site for clinical research training program information. Also, the CLSC Program is an ACRTPD member organization.
What opportunities are there for loan repayment for clinical researchers?
The NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for Clinical Research is designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals as clinical investigators, repaying lenders directly for the existing principal, interest, and related expenses of qualified government and commercial education loans obtained for undergraduate, graduate, and health professional school expenses. For more information, visit the LRP website.
Is financial support available for international students?
No student financial support [for either educational costs (e.g., tuition) and/or stipend support] is available through the Clinical Science Program directly. As part of the application materials required, all international applicants must document that adequate financial support will be available for the entire period of study. For additional information, please review the Graduate School "Information for Prospective Graduate Students from Other Countries" brochure.
Who might I contact for a CLSC course billing-related question?
For billing questions, the bursar is James.Freas@uchsc.edu or his assistant Woody.Widmoyer@uchsc.edu. Either may be a helpful contact.
How do I officially request transfer of credits (up to the maximum allowed) from my academic advisor?
Pending academic advisor approval, up to 12 semester credits (for the MSCS) and other core course requirements (for up to 6 elective credits and unlimited core course transfers for PhD Program) may be coordinated. More information is available through Graduate School Student Services.Please print out form after updating your course plan with your advisor for processing for signatures.