CTSI Research Associates Program (CTSI RAP)

The UCLA CTSI Research Associates Program (CTSI-RAP) provides undergraduate UCLA students with the opportunity to gain exposure to hospital-based medicine as well as clinical research in an academic medical center by signing up for an independent study undergraduate course (SRP 199).  The program also builds a stronger support infrastructure for the research initiatives of UCLA faculty physicians and investigators. Research associates play a key role in the implementation and integrity of research protocols in which they are involved. They are also given the opportunity to make rounds with the medical team, observe common procedures, and experience didactic teaching sessions during the course of their research days. Student research associates are trained to conduct clinical research studies, collect and maintain securitized data, assist in the authorship of research protocols, aid in statistical analyses, and co-author abstracts, posters, and papers. In addition to the research, the CTSI RAP students are exposed to experiences meant to educate and prepare them for a career in healthcare. As a result, research associates become comfortable with the workings of a hospital and gain skills in professionalism, patient communication, and research methodology. The unique blend of first-hand clinical experience and scientific research gives alumni a unique advantage in public healthcare. KL2 Scholars can take advantage of this invaluable resource for additional research support and also gain early mentoring experience by supervising RAP students.

For more information, please visit the CTSI RAP page.

Last updated
November 15, 2023