Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries
Every medical advancement is built on a foundation of evidence-based research. This course examines the rigorous process researchers use to formulate, conduct, and evaluate scientific evidence. You will apply professional methodologies to develop a study, gaining insight from industry experts into how breakthroughs reach the clinical setting. Whether preparing for graduate school or exploring careers in pharmaceuticals and STEM, you will build the analytical skills necessary for professional advancement. Explore your future in medicine today.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
College Credit Course Fees
$3,995
Enrichment Course Fees
$1,895
What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?
Both enrichment and college credit–bearing options feature engaging online lessons and instructional support. College credit–bearing courses include additional coursework and offer the opportunity to earn academic credit upon successful completion. Some course content overlaps across both options, so students are encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their academic or professional goals.
College Credit Courses$3,995
Length of Course: Multi-length course options
Instruction & Activities: 128 hours
Grading: Letter grade
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours: ✔️
Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript
Enrichment Courses$1,895
Length of Course: 1-, 2-, or 4-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours
Grading: Pass/Fail
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours:❌
Certificate of Completion:✔️
Understand the Science Behind Clinical Research and Practice
The Logic of Clinical Decision-Making
Define the core pillars of evidence-based medicine and the essential steps of the clinical process. Analyze how ethical research and scientific thinking improve patient care.
Transforming Clinical Questions Into Research
Generate researchable questions using the PICO method to guide clinical investigations. Differentiate between the four trial phases and study designs that govern modern medical research.
The Analytics of Medical Evidence
Explain how biostatistics and epidemiology provide the mathematical foundation for valid clinical data. Analyze research findings using the same analytical tools professional researchers employ to evaluate evidence.
Navigating the Hierarchy of Evidence
Apply clinical research findings to patient care by exploring the pyramid of evidence and research hierarchies. Navigate PubMed databases to locate and interpret scientific abstracts that answer specific clinical questions.
Disseminating Knowledge and Securing Support
Outline the professional pathway from final data analysis to formal publication in high-impact journals. Differentiate between public awareness campaigns and the critical funding sources that drive clinical research.
Where Clinical Research Can Take Your Career
Explore how the skills gained in this course apply to professional roles in medical research, pharmacology, or biostatistics. Survey potential career paths and academic opportunities.
What You Gain From This Experience
- Develop the analytical skills to formulate clinical questions and evaluate medical evidence using professional methodologies like the PICO method and biostatistics.
- Gain insights from industry experts into how breakthroughs move from initial data analysis to publication in high-impact journals.
- Navigate the hierarchy of medical evidence and learn to use professional tools like PubMed databases.
- Explore your future in medicine by surveying career paths in pharmaceuticals, medical research, biostatistics, and STEM fields to see which professional roles align with your goals.
- Experience applying clinical research principles through a Final Capstone Project centered on evidence-based analysis.
- A Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University upon successful completion of the course.
What Sets This Program Apart
A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance
- Develop an original medical research question using the PICO method to apply the essential steps of evidence-based practice.
- Conduct a literature review using professional electronic databases like PubMed to gather and synthesize clinical evidence.
Instructional Guidance And Mentorship
- Receive feedback from course mentors as you formulate your research question, analyze data, and refine your Final Capstone Project.
- Strengthen analytical and communication skills through guided review of your scientific reasoning and presentation-based work.
Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations
- Engage with online coursework designed to support steady progress while balancing academic, professional, or personal commitments.
- Complete readings, assignments, and the Final Capstone Project on a predictable timeline that supports independent planning.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Dr. Malika Danner, MD
Academic Director and Curriculum Developer, Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Dr. Danner has an extensive background in teaching, biomedical research and applied clinical knowledge. She has spent over 15 years teaching health and science and served as an instructor for the U.S. Department of Education’s Upward Bound/TRIO summer programs. Dr. Danner received a Master’s Degree in Microbiology and Immunology from Georgetown University in 2002. She subsequently worked for the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center where she co-authored many publications in peer-reviewed journals for cancer research. In 2013, she earned a Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, WI. Dr. Danner currently works for MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, where she leads clinical studies assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes of patients undergoing cancer treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.