Research Associate (RA) Program at HackensackUMC

The RA Program at HackensackUMC is part of a nationwide organization known as the National Alliance of Research Associates Programs (NARAP). NARAP is a consortium of emergency departments and colleges that collaborate to conduct research in hospital emergency departments. We utilize RAs to enroll large numbers of participants and perform a variety of functions relevant to each study. During orientation, students will be trained to become Research Associates (RAs), performing tasks relevant to specific research studies.

We hope to have all of our RAs involved in the Tobacco Cessation Study as this study will be our primary focus for the Summer and Fall semesters. The Tobacco Cessation Study is a national, survey-based study in which RAs will survey low-acuity patients and their visitors in the Emergency Department about their tobacco usage. To do this, RAs will use a hospital-issued laptop and an online survey program. They will read scripted consent forms and input data into the online computer system. During orientation, RAs will be trained to use the survey program, interact with patients and practice safety in the hospital.

While working on the Tobacco Cessation Study, RAs will have the opportunity to work on other clinical research studies in the Emergency Trauma Department. We ask that RAs devote at least four hours of their time to research studies each week and at least 100 volunteer hours during their time at HackensackUMC. If you are interested in joining the RA program at HackensackUMC, please review our application process and a Chief RA will contact you after your application has been received.

Role of a Research Associate

Research Associates are typically college students that are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. The RA program provides valuable research experience to students in a clinical setting. RAs are extremely vital in Emergency Trauma Department research and work on a variety of studies during their time in the program. RAs are able to collect data and screen for studies, while interacting with patients and the medical staff. They receive all of the necessary training that they need in order to conduct accurate research. Research Associates will also become certified by the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) to participate in clinical research. After at least 100 hours of service, Research Associates will receive a letter of recommendation for their future endeavors.