Hutch ASCEND

Program Overview 

Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) play an invaluable role in the success of clinical research. In addition to carrying out key regulatory compliance and administrative tasks, they serve as liaisons between study sponsors, patients and the clinic. CRCs help patients understand research protocols and contribute significantly to participant recruitment and retention as well as the study efficiency of clinical trials. 

Hutch ASCEND (Accelerated Support for Clinical Excellence and New Development) will train and mentor recent two and four year college graduates as clinical research coordinators (CRCs) in a 2-year professional development initiative. 

The program has three main goals:

1. Fill the need for CRC support
2. Provide professional development for CRCs
3. Encourage them to continue in clinical careers 

Hutch ASCEND is a collaboration between Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children's Cancer Consortium's Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) and the CRTEC liaison for Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). It is a joint effort between the Clinical Oncology group and Science Education (SciEd). 

Hutch ASCEND is part of Hutch Advance, a larger program that works to help students learn about the wide range of careers at Fred Hutch.

Program Structure

Hutch ASCEND participants will engage in a two-year commitment to work as a CRC in a paid training and mentorship program. In addition to gaining work experience, participants will learn more about clinical research careers, providing them with the option to remain in the clinical research support pipeline. For participants who wish to pursue higher education, in year 2 of the program, they will have additional support to help navigate the graduate/medical school application process through seminars, rotations and career mentorship. For participants who wish to continue in clinical research administration, there will be support available to prepare for and pursue certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

The Hutch ASCEND program is currently being developed. Additional information regarding how and where to apply will be shared on this website when available.