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Higherin

Clinical Trials Assistant Review

at NHS

Placement (10 Months+)

Research

Manchester

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Support and Guidance
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
My daily role involves a combination of administrative coordination, data management, and patient-facing support. Key tasks include:
• Maintaining Trial Documentation: Preparing and updating essential study documents, including Investigator Site Files (ISFs), delegation logs, screening logs, and enrolment trackers.
• Data Entry and Database Management: Inputting clinical and laboratory data into electronic data capture (EDC) systems such as RedCap or sponsor-specific platforms, ensuring accuracy and timely query resolution.
• Supporting Patient Visits: Assisting Clinical Trials Coordinators and Research Nurses with pre- and post-visit preparations, such as printing patient notes, booking appointments, organising sample collection forms, and handling trial packs.
• Liaising with Internal and External Teams: Communicating with pharmacy, pathology, radiology, and trial sponsors to coordinate aspects such as drug accountability, sample shipments, and monitoring visits.
• Sample Processing and Logistics: Completing sample request forms, packaging biological samples according to protocol, and arranging courier collections.
• General Administrative Support: Managing shared inboxes, tracking patient reimbursements, organising study meetings, and contributing to site file audits or monitoring visits.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Yes. I’ve learnt how to use clinical databases like RedCap and how to manage trial documentation correctly. I’ve also become more confident in coordinating with different hospital departments and handling patient-related paperwork. My organisation, communication and attention to detail have improved a lot through managing multiple studies at once.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I received a good amount of support, especially during the first few months. My team were approachable and always willing to answer questions or explain processes. Over time, I was trusted to work more independently, but I still had guidance when needed.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The atmosphere was professional but friendly. The team worked collaboratively and supported each other, especially when things got busy. Everyone was focused on patient care and research quality, which created a strong sense of purpose.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
5/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
5/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I enjoyed the placement overall, especially the exposure to real clinical trials and the chance to work within a hospital research setting. Some periods were challenging, but it was rewarding and confirmed my interest in healthcare and research.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend NHS to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to NHS
Be prepared to learn quickly and take initiative — things move fast in the NHS. Show that you’re organised, adaptable and willing to help the team in any way you can. Most importantly, be patient and approachable — good communication goes a long way in a healthcare environment.

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at NHS
5/5
Did you receive an offer to return as a graduate?
Yes
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