NYU Meyers launches Clinical Research Nursing master’s program

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing has created a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Research Nursing—the only such program in the New York metropolitan area.

Nurses play a critical role in clinical trials, often serving as the operational leads on studies and working directly with participants to provide interventions. As the number of clinical trials in the U.S. has increased, so has the demand for clinical research nurses.

“Clinical research nurses must possess high-level clinical and critical thinking skills, while also remaining cognizant of the regulatory, ethical, and scientific issues of the clinical research environment,” said Karyn Boyar, DNP, director of the program in Clinical Research Nursing and clinical assistant professor at NYU Meyers. “They can both improve the conduct of clinical research and ultimately the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.”

The new master’s program will prepare nurses to administer research interventions, evaluate patients’ responses to novel therapies and integrate evidence-based practice into nursing practice, and evaluate patient outcomes. Students will also learn about research project management, including patient recruitment and retention, as well as finances. Coursework will also focus on conducting research with culturally diverse and underserved communities through effective communication, evidence-based practice, and ethical decision making.

While clinical research nurses act as clinicians, leaders, advocates, and educators, they are also collaborators working within interdisciplinary research teams. Students in the Clinical Research Nursing program will learn alongside other health professionals, with courses offered at both NYU Meyers and NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Practicum opportunities are available at major medical centers in the New York City area, including NYU Langone Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Rockefeller University. Graduates will be prepared to work in organizations such as universities, academic medical centers, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Nurses can complete the program in one year full-time or two years part-time. Applications are open for Fall 2021, with an early action deadline of March 1 and final deadline of June 15.