PPCR Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to commonly asked questions about Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR), an interactive distance-learning program in clinical research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
By helping researchers improve their clinical research skills in a highly interactive environment, PPCR promotes personal and professional growth and helps participants become more effective in their work. Explore answers to commonly asked PPCR questions below
Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) is a post-graduation program. Participants get a certificate at the end if they successfully complete the program.
Classes take place once a week, every Thursdays from 4 pm to 7 pm (Boston time). Classes start in March and end in November. There is a 5– 6 week–break in the summer from lectures (although you will still have work and studying to do during this time). These are very interactive lectures and a great opportunity for you to interact with your colleagues and Harvard faculty.
The live Thursday lectures are three hours each and there are other activities throughout the week on the program website, very few of which are at a dedicated time. Most of the activities are self-guided and you can complete them anytime during the week.
All participants will receive Stata software with their registration, and it is mandatory to use it during the program.
There are five exams, one after each program module. They are all web-based and interactive.
Students take anywhere between 2 and 10 hours per week in addition to the 3-hour weekly lectures.
You can complete the entire program from your location, although there are optional workshops in Boston during the summer and an optional 5-Day immersion workshop that will be held at the end of the program. If you will be in the U.S. at some point, you are welcome to join us in Boston as a one-time visitor. Please email us at least 2 weeks ahead of time so that we may prepare for your arrival and grant you building access.
It depends on the level of knowledge on clinical research methodology. This program is important to review and advance knowledge on fundamentals of clinical trials.
This is a program offered by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health with renowned Harvard professors. It is therefore a program that is recognized globally.
Since you are in a location where there is no site center, you would take the program via web. We have lectures on Thursday evenings from 4-7pm EST (Boston time) and you can connect to these lectures via webcast and participate live. The remaining activities for the program are all through the program website including forum, assignments and a group project using an online word processor. All the tools we use are to increase collaboration between you and the other participants from around the world as well as with the Harvard faculty.
We try to facilitate participants as much as possible, while following Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health guidelines of payment. If you need any help, please contact us at ppcr@hsph.harvard.edu
In order for the participant to receive the Welcome Packet and secure their place in the program, he or she should make their payment to Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health as soon as possible. The registration and payment deadlines can be found in the Enrollment tab of this page. Please keep in mind that your place will not be secured in the program until registration and payment is completed.
If you missed the deadline period for enrollment in the program, contact us as soon as possible at ppcr@hsph.harvard.edu, as it is possible that the period may be extended if there are spaces available. Otherwise, enrollment will open again in September for the following year.
No. However, we try to keep the fees as low as possible for this reason and given this is a 9 month program, fees are relatively lower compared to similar programs offered.
We offer a discounted price for graduate students who have Remote/Web-based access. If you choose the option for graduate student when registering, be sure to include proof of your graduate student status in your application.
No, the goal of this program is to offer a solid, initial background in clinical research methodology; therefore, an intensive schedule is necessary to reach this goal.
The workshops are usually restricted to current and previous PPCR participants, but contact us at ppcr@hsph.harvard.edu if you are interested in attending them.
Yes. This program is adequate for anyone interested in clinical research from the health care area and applicants usually have a graduate degree or a health care professional degree.