Clinical SAS Programming | Clinical Trials
Category:
Data Management
 
Duration:
24 Weeks / 180 Days
 
 

CLINICAL SAS PROGRAMMER

Introduction – Clinical SAS Programmer

At Qtech-Sol, our commitment to specialized education and training extends to the realm of Clinical Science, where we recognize the paramount role played by Clinical SAS Programmers. Our comprehensive program is meticulously tailored to cater to the needs of individuals aspiring to excel in this essential role within the dynamic world of clinical research.

In today’s swiftly evolving healthcare landscape, Clinical SAS Programmers hold a pivotal position in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of clinical trial data. As clinical research protocols grow in complexity and the demand for robust data management intensifies, there is an increasing need for skilled professionals who can adeptly manage data throughout its lifecycle, from its initial capture to its final analysis.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on the critical responsibilities inherent to the role of Clinical SAS Programmers. This includes the meticulous collection, validation, cleaning, and reporting of clinical data. We recognize the pivotal role that Clinical SAS Programmers play in upholding the quality of clinical data, facilitating regulatory submissions, and contributing to the seamless execution of clinical trials.

Our educational program is strategically designed to equip students with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to excel as Clinical SAS Programmers. We provide comprehensive training on industry-standard tools, data management best practices, and compliance with regulatory guidelines, with a particular focus on utilizing SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software for clinical data analysis.

By enrolling in our program, students gain a competitive edge in securing coveted employment opportunities as Clinical SAS Programmers. They are well-prepared to contribute their expertise to pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, clinical research organizations (CROs), and research clinics.

At Qtech-Sol, we are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Clinical SAS Programmers. We invite you to embark on your journey towards becoming a highly skilled and sought-after professional, where your contributions will significantly advance medical research and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of clinical data management through excellence in SAS programming and data analysis.

Course Name :  Clinical SAS Programmer
(Role based Lessons – Case Scenarios, Job Tasks with Solutions)
Course Code :  CDAR
Course Material : This course contains and delivers 83 Lessons.

This comprehensive program consists of lessons, organized into three distinct modules (CDOT, BSAS and SSAS), designed to be completed over a span of 16 weeks and includes lessons delivered in various formats, such as narrated presentations, course reading materials (chapters), quizzes for practice (15 sets), tests (10 sets), short questions, and role-based tasks with accompanying solutions.

Every lesson encompasses diverse delivery methods, including:

  1. Narrated Presentations: Engaging presentations accompanied by voiceovers to enhance comprehension.
  2. Course Reading Material: Comprehensive chapters designed to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
  3. Practice Quizzes: A set of 15 quizzes to reinforce learning and assess your progress.
  4. Assessment Tests: Ten different test sets to evaluate your grasp of the material.
  5. Short Questions:Succinct questions to encourage critical thinking and quick recall.
  6. Role-Based Tasks: Practical exercises tailored to specific roles, accompanied by detailed solutions for comprehensive learning.
Delivery Type

SIP – Self-Paced Online with Support

Course Duration

CDAR-SIP Delivery – 24 Weeks / 180 Days (Self-Paced)

Introduction

A Clinical SAS Programmer holds a crucial position in the realm of clinical research, playing a pivotal role in managing and analyzing clinical trial data associated with pharmaceutical and biotechnological products, medications, and medical procedures. Their responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks that are instrumental in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of clinical data:

CDOT – Clinical Data Management Orientation Training:
SAS Clinical Functional Module

  1. Data Extraction and Transformation: Clinical SAS Programmers are responsible for extracting raw data from various sources, transforming it into usable formats, and loading it into secure databases.
  2. Data Validation and Quality Control: They meticulously validate and quality-check the data to identify and rectify discrepancies, errors, or inconsistencies, thereby maintaining data integrity throughout the study.
  3. Statistical Analysis: Collaborating closely with biostatisticians and researchers, Clinical SAS Programmers perform statistical analyses to derive meaningful insights from the clinical data. They generate statistical reports and graphical representations to aid in decision-making.
  4. Programming and Scripting: Utilizing SAS (Statistical Analysis System) software, they write and implement customized programs and scripts to manipulate and analyze large datasets, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
  5. Data Visualization: They create visual representations of data, such as graphs and tables, to facilitate data interpretation and presentation, which is essential for regulatory submissions and scientific publications.
  6. Protocol Adherence: Clinical SAS Programmers adhere to study protocols, regulatory guidelines, and industry best practices, ensuring that data management and analysis align with established standards.
  7. Documentation: They maintain meticulous documentation, including data management plans, program codes, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), to ensure transparency and reproducibility of data analyses.
  8. Database Maintenance: Overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of secure and compliant data management systems and databases to ensure data security and confidentiality.
  9. Regulatory Support: Assisting in the preparation and submission of regulatory documents and datasets for approvals and inspections by regulatory authorities.
  10. Collaboration: They work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, bridging the gap between the study’s sponsor and clinical sites, to maintain the transparency and integrity of clinical trial results.

BSAS – Basic SAS Programming:
Base SAS Module:

  1. Introduction to SAS covers the basics of SAS, including its interface and data processing components.
  2. Data Manipulation focuses on techniques like sorting, merging, and transposing data for analysis.
  3. Data Exploration and Reporting teaches how to create summary statistics, custom reports, and data visualizations in SAS.
  4. SAS Functions delves into mathematical calculations, data manipulation, and text processing with SAS.
  5. Data Management Techniques explore advanced data management skills, including merging, appending, and sub setting datasets.
  6. Debugging and Error Handling covers techniques for identifying and resolving errors in SAS programs.
  7. SAS Procedures help students gain proficiency in statistical analysis, data summarization, and reporting using SAS.

SAS Macros Module:

  1. Introduction to SAS Macros covers the fundamentals, including macro variables, programs, and functions.
  2. Macro Programming Techniques explore advanced techniques like parameterized macros, conditional logic, and debugging.
  3. Automating Tasks teaches how to automate repetitive tasks efficiently using SAS Macros.
  4. Macro Storage and Retrieval covers storing and reusing macros across different programs and projects

SAS SQL Module:

  1. Introduction to SQL introduces SQL (Structured Query Language) in SAS for data manipulation.
  2. Data Querying teaches writing SQL queries for data extraction, including filtering, sorting, and joining tables.
  3. Aggregating Data explores SQL functions for summarizing data, including counts and averages.
  4. Subqueries and Joins master advanced SQL techniques like subqueries, joins, and creating views.
  5. Data Modification covers tasks like inserting, updating, and deleting records.
  6. Performance Tuning focuses on optimizing SQL queries for efficiency and speed.

SSAS – Advanced SAS Programming:
SAS Stat Module:

  1. Explore advanced statistical concepts and hypothesis testing techniques.
  2. Master regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
  3. Learn non-parametric statistics, survival analysis, and longitudinal data analysis.
  4. Dive into multivariate analysis and practical applications in clinical data.

SAS Graph Module:

  1. Learn graphing fundamentals and customizing graph appearance.
  2. Explore various data visualization techniques and advanced graphing features.
  3. Create interactive graphs and follow best practices in data visualization.
  4. Apply graphing techniques to real clinical data scenarios.

To excel in the role of a Clinical SAS Programmer, an individual must possess exceptional attention to detail, a strong educational background, and effective communication skills. Their dedication to upholding the highest standards of research ethics, data integrity, and protocol adherence is paramount to the successful execution of clinical data analysis. Through their contributions, Clinical SAS Programmers play a pivotal role in advancing medical science and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Course Enrollment process

Qtech-Sol offers a flexible approach to learning through our self-paced online courses. Students have the freedom to commence their studies at their convenience, following a straightforward process.

  1. Member Registration: Begin by registering as a member of our platform
  2. Course Selection: Explore and choose the course that best suits your needs and goals.
  3. Enrollment and Tuition: Complete the enrollment process and make the necessary tuition payment.
  4. Access Learning Materials: Access course materials and resources through our Learning Management System (LMS).
  5. Support and Assistance: Receive support and assistance via email or schedule Google Meet sessions through the LMS.
  6. Course Task Submissions: Submit course-related tasks and assignments as per the provided schedule.
  7. Final Examination: Upon finishing the course, take the final examination to demonstrate your understanding.
  8. Course Completion: Upon successful completion, receive a course completion certificate and a transcript.
  9. Post-Training Support: Take advantage of our post-training support for assistance with resume building, narrative development, and mock interviews.

This step-by-step process ensures a smooth and flexible learning experience, allowing you to acquire valuable skills and knowledge at your own pace.

Building Relevant Experience

When aspiring to embark on a career as a Clinical SAS Programmer, educational qualifications hold significance. While a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related health discipline is often the ideal foundation for this role, it’s noteworthy that certain entry-level positions within the realm of Clinical SAS Programming, such as Data Entry Specialists or Data Technicians, may require only an associate degree or, in certain instances, a high school diploma.

At Qtech-Sol, our training program for Clinical SAS Programmers places a strong emphasis on computer-based roles that leverage clinical data and cutting-edge tools to support ongoing clinical trials. Thus, possessing a fundamental understanding of basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Notepad, and PowerPoint is paramount for success in this profession.

The exemplary candidate for roles in Clinical SAS Programming typically boasts a background in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or research centers, including hospitals. Our program provides intensive training in the core responsibilities undertaken by Clinical SAS Programmers, where these professionals are entrusted with overseeing the collection, validation, and management of clinical trial data. They ensure the data’s accuracy and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. As part of our program, students gain invaluable exposure to real-world practices and case studies, covering critical areas such as clinical data capture, database design, data validation, data cleaning, clinical data audits, and the intricate process of database locking.

Furthermore, students gain insights into industry-standard practices, including Good Clinical Data Management Practices (GCDMP), adherence to Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) standards, familiarity with regulatory guidelines issued by esteemed entities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and a deep understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing data management within the realm of clinical trials.

Upon successfully completing our program, individuals are well-prepared to explore a multitude of job titles within the domain of Clinical SAS Programming, including but not limited to:

  1. Clinical SAS Programmer
  2. Data Analyst (SAS)
  3. Clinical Data Analyst (SAS)
  4. Statistical Programmer
  5. Biostatistical Programmer
  6. Clinical Database Programmer
  7. SAS Programmer Analyst

Our comprehensive training program equips aspiring professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic and mission-critical role of Clinical SAS Programming. Here, meticulous data handling is the linchpin for the success of clinical trials and the continual advancement of medical science, ultimately impacting the lives of patients worldwide.

Educational Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications: In our pursuit of nurturing adept Clinical SAS Programmers, we recommend candidates to hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in specific fields that provide a strong academic foundation. These chosen majors or related fields equip individuals with essential knowledge and skills highly relevant to the role of a Clinical SAS Programmer. Eligible majors encompass a diverse range of disciplines, including:

Statistics: A degree in Statistics equips individuals with a solid grounding in statistical methodologies, which is fundamental for effective data analysis.

Biostatistics: This major specializes in applying statistical methods to the realm of healthcare and life sciences, aligning perfectly with the requirements of clinical data analysis.

Computer Science: Computer Science programs offer valuable expertise in programming languages and data manipulation, which are pivotal for SAS software utilization and data analysis.

Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and statistics, making it highly relevant for the management and analysis of biological and clinical data.

Mathematics: A degree in Mathematics provides a strong mathematical background, a critical asset for performing statistical analysis and programming tasks in clinical data management.

Pharmacy: Pharmacy majors offer insights into drug development and healthcare, particularly valuable for those interested in clinical trials related to pharmaceutical products.

Life Sciences: Majors such as Biotechnology, or Pharmacology in the Life Sciences domain provide domain-specific knowledge that synergizes well with data analysis skills.

Clinical Research: Majoring in Clinical Research imparts an in-depth understanding of the clinical trial process and regulatory intricacies, aligning directly with clinical data management roles.

Public Health: Public Health programs encompass courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and data analysis, providing vital skills for clinical data management.

These chosen educational backgrounds establish a sturdy platform for individuals aspiring to pursue a fulfilling career as Clinical SAS Programmers. They not only offer pertinent insights and expertise directly applicable to the field of clinical data analysis and management but also ensure that candidates are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic and critical role of Clinical SAS Programming. While possession of one of these preferred qualifications is encouraged, we also value inclusivity and recognize the unique contributions of applicants with equivalent degrees or relevant experience, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment within our program.

Support After Training:

Your resume is often the first impression you make on recruiters and potential employers. In today’s competitive job market, it’s crucial to ensure that your resume meets industry standards and effectively represents your qualifications. That’s where our Post-Training Assistance (PTA) program comes in.

Our PTA program offers valuable assistance in resume building, interview preparation, and mock interviews. It’s not just about creating a strong resume; it’s also about understanding the current job market in your area, identifying available positions, gauging salary ranges, and ensuring that your resume aligns with your career goals. During the PTA program, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with our course specialists, taking small but meaningful steps toward your professional success. We’ll work together as a team to help you achieve your career objectives.

   Key Learning Outcomes and Benefits for Students:

  1. Enhancing the knowledge and skills required for your field.
  2. Improving your resume to increase your chances of landing promising job opportunities.
  3. High-value learning at an affordable cost.
  4. Flexibility to learn from anywhere, at your own pace.
  5. Practical tasks aligned with real-world industry practices and job roles.
  6. Application of concepts in real-time scenarios, including policies, governance, and industry tools.
  7. Engaging in role-based tasks commonly practiced in the industry.
  8. Preparation with mock interviews and interview narratives for effective client discussions.
  9. Readiness to work with minimal support, boosting your confidence in your chosen field.
Professional Organizations and Associations:

As a dedicated SAS Programmer, active participation in relevant professional organizations and associations is not only advisable but instrumental in your career growth. These specialized groups cater to the unique needs of SAS Programmers and offer an array of valuable benefits. By becoming a member, you gain access to invaluable networking opportunities, a treasure trove of essential resources, and insights generously shared by fellow SAS experts. Your involvement in these associations will not only keep you connected with like-minded professionals but also keep you updated with the latest trends and innovations within the SAS programming domain. The collaborative environment fostered by these organizations can significantly enhance your knowledge, boost your career prospects, and establish meaningful connections within the SAS programming community.

Stay Informed:

In the ever-evolving landscape of SAS programming, staying well-informed is not merely an option; it’s a necessity. Capitalize on global clinical resource information sources to ensure you remain at the forefront of the latest news and developments across various facets of your profession. Regularly delve into updates pertaining to SAS programming, statistical analysis, regulatory compliance, and pharmacovigilance. Being well-informed about industry advancements and best practices is not only conducive to your professional growth but also empowers you to make informed decisions that positively influence the quality and efficiency of your SAS programming endeavors. Your commitment to staying informed will not only enhance your expertise but also contribute significantly to the success of clinical data management in your career as a SAS Programmer.

Overview of the Curriculum

Our program is intricately crafted by industry experts, with a primary focus on meeting the precise educational requirements and skill development needs of students and emerging professionals who aspire to excel as Clinical SAS Programmers. This comprehensive training program empowers participants with a profound understanding of the roles and responsibilities inherent to Clinical SAS Programming positions.

The curriculum we offer encompasses both theoretical and hands-on practical components, ensuring a holistic learning experience. Participants gain valuable insights into the intricacies of day-to-day tasks, and they are exposed to a range of industry-specific exercises designed to enhance their skills and knowledge. Our program is finely tuned to prepare individuals for the dynamic and demanding field of Clinical SAS Programming, providing them with the expertise required to excel in this vital role within the clinical data management landscape.

Learnings SAS – Basics
SAS BASE

1. About SAS Institute: Gain an understanding of SAS Institute, its history, and its significance in the field of
analytics.

2. Introduction to SAS: Familiarize yourself with SAS, exploring its core functionalities and applications.

3. Components of SAS Program and Code Writing: Learn the key components of SAS programs and develop the skills to
write SAS code effectively.

4. Running SAS Programs: Discover how to execute SAS programs and process data.

5. Mastering Fundamental Concepts: Dive deep into fundamental SAS concepts, building a strong foundation for data
manipulation.

6. Diagnosis and Correcting Syntax Errors: Develop the ability to identify and rectify syntax errors in SAS code.

7. SAS Options: Explore various SAS options for customizing program behavior.

8. Types of Input Statements: Delve into the world of input statements, understanding how to read and manipulate data.

9. SAS Format and Informatics: Learn about SAS formats and informatics to enhance data presentation and
interpretation.

10. Using Advanced Input Techniques: Master advanced techniques for data input and manipulation.

11. SAS Date and Time: Understand SAS date and time functions for managing temporal data.

12. Subsetting, Combining, and Sorting Datasets: Learn how to subset, combine, and sort datasets effectively.

13. Merging and Updating Data: Explore techniques for merging and updating data in SAS.

14. Performing Conditional Processing: Gain proficiency in performing conditional processing to manage data.

15. Performing Iterative Processing – Looping: Understand iterative processing and looping mechanisms in SAS.

16. Creating Customized List Reports: Learn how to create customized list reports to present data effectively.

17. Arrays: Explore the use of arrays in SAS for efficient data manipulation.

18. Creating Enhancing List and Summary Reports: Develop skills to create and enhance list and summary reports.

19. Creating Proc Tabulate: Discover the power of PROC TABULATE for advanced data summarization.

SAS MACROS:

20. Fundamentals of Macros: Build a foundation in SAS macros, understanding their purpose and functionality.

21. Macro Application: Explore practical applications of macros in data processing and automation.

22. Macros Program Structure: Learn the structure of macro programs and how to create them.

23. Macros Statements: Understand macro statements and their role in programming.

24. Macro Variables: Dive into macro variables, exploring their creation and usage.

25. Macro Functions: Explore macro functions for advanced macro programming.

26. Writing Macro Programs: Develop the skills to write effective macro programs for automating tasks.

SAS SQL:

27. Introduction to the SQL Procedure: Get introduced to the SQL Procedure and its applications in data retrieval.

28. Retrieving Data from a Single Table: Learn how to retrieve data from a single table using SQL.

29. Retrieving Data from Multiple Tables: Explore techniques for retrieving data from multiple tables through SQL
joins.

30. Creating and Updating Tables and Views: Understand how to create, update, and manage tables and views using SQL.

31. Programming with the SQL Procedure: Apply SQL programming techniques to solve practical problems.

32. Practical Problem-Solving with PROC SQL: Engage in hands-on problem-solving exercises using PROC SQL for real-world applications.

Learning SAS – Advanced – Lessons Offered
SAS STAT Module:

33. Introduction to Statistics: An overview of basic statistical concepts and their relevance in data analysis.

34. Hypothesis Testing: Understanding hypothesis testing, p-values, and significance levels.

35. One-Sample T-tests: Learning how to perform and interpret one-sample t-tests for comparing sample means to a population mean.

36. Paired T-tests: Exploring paired t-tests for analyzing related samples or before-and-after scenarios.

37. Two-Sample T-tests: Mastering two-sample t-tests to compare the means of two independent groups.

38. Analysis of Variance (ONE-WAY): Introduction to one-way ANOVA for comparing means across multiple groups.

39. Analysis of Variance (TWO-WAY): Extending ANOVA to two-way ANOVA for analyzing two categorical variables.

40. Linear Regression: Understanding simple linear regression for modeling relationships between variables.

41. Multiple Regression: Exploring multiple regression to analyze complex relationships involving multiple predictors.
42. Regression Diagnostics: Learning how to assess and improve regression models using diagnostics.

43. Categorical Data Analysis: Introduction to techniques for analyzing categorical data, including chi-square tests and logistic regression.

SAS GRAPHS Module:

44. Producing Bar and Pie Charts: Creating bar charts and pie charts for visualizing categorical data.

45. Enhancing the Output in the Graphs: Customizing and enhancing the appearance of graphs to improve clarity and interpretation.

46. Producing Plots: Learning how to create various types of plots, such as scatterplots, box plots, and histograms.

47. ODS (Output Delivery System): Understanding the Output Delivery System for controlling and managing output in SAS.

48. Creating 3rd and Geographic Reports: Exploring advanced graphical techniques, including 3D graphs and geographic maps, to represent data spatially.

CDOT: Statistical Programmer

Our Clinical SAS Functional Programming program is meticulously designed to provide students and professionals with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to excel in the role of a Clinical SAS Programmer. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics, encompassing both foundational SAS concepts and advanced clinical trial-specific content.

Foundational SAS Concepts:

49. Elementary SAS Concepts

50. SAS Efficiency Programming

Clinical Trial Fundamentals:

51. Introduction to Clinical Trials

52. Types and Data in Clinical Trials

53. Clinical Trial Protocol Development

54. Elements of CRF Design

55. Electronic Data Capture (EDC)

56. Good Clinical Practices

57. Good Documentation Practices

58. Workflow Instruction Request

59. Documentation Templates

Data Validation and Statistics:

60. Introduction to Data Validation

61. Data-Based Validation

62. Protocol-Based Validation

63. Basics of Statistics

64. Statistical Analysis Planning

65. Elements of Hypothesis Testing

Efficiency and Data Reporting:

66. Basics of Efficiency

67. Integrated Summary of Effectiveness (ISE)

68. Integrated Summary of Safety (ISS)

69. Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC)

70. Preparing Analysis Data Sets

71. Creating Tables, Listings, and Graphs (TLG)

Therapeutic Areas and Projects:

72. Understanding Various Therapeutic Areas

73. Data-Based Therapy

74. Introduction to Phase I Studies

75. Oncology Project

76. Introduction to Phase II Studies

77. Ophthalmology Project

78. Introduction to Phase III Studies

79. Cardiology Project

80. Introduction to Phase IV Studies

81. Central Nervous Systems (CNS) Project

Pharmacovigilance and Reporting:

82. Introduction to Pharmacovigilance

83. Pharmacovigilance Reporting

Job-Focused Exercises

In addition to comprehensive lessons, our program includes practical exercises that align with job-specific tasks and challenges faced by Clinical SAS Programmers. These exercises enhance participants’ proficiency in key areas such as data validation, hypothesis testing, therapeutic area projects, CDISC standards, efficiency programming, and aggregate reporting.

By completing our Clinical SAS Programming program, participants gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of clinical data management and SAS programming. This curriculum equips them with the essential skills required to navigate complex clinical trials and contribute to advancements in medical research.

Getting in Touch:

For more information, please call us at +1 732.770.4100 / +1 732.207.4564 (WhatsApp) or email qpdc@qtech-solutions.com. Our course specialists will reach out to you promptly to assist you in taking the next steps toward your career goals.