At a glance
All options ranked by how directly they build on her current CRC work. Comp bands are UCSF FY24 hourly rates × 2,080 hrs, rounded.
| Program |
Length |
Prereq |
UC Reduced Fee |
Best fit for |
| ATCR Certificate | 1 yr | Bachelor's · GPA 3.0 · 50% time | No | Promotion case at UCSF |
| MS Clinical & Epi Research | 2 yr | Bachelor's · strong quantitative | Yes | Research-track promotion + PhD bridge |
| PhD Epidemiology & Translational Science | 4–5 yr | Master's in Epi or related | Funded + $44K stipend | Faculty / PI-track |
| CiHDaS Health Data Science | 1 yr | BA/BS in quant/biomed · GPA 3.0 | No | Data scientist / biostats pivot |
| MS-HAIL Healthcare Leadership | 1 yr online | 2+ yrs healthcare experience | No | Ops / program management |
| MS Global Health Sciences | 1 yr | Bachelor's · capstone | 20% UCSF discount | International / NGO / policy |
| MTM Translational Medicine | 1 yr | Bachelor's · capstone | No | Med-device / biotech |
| MD (with combined MS/MAS) | 4–5 yr | Pre-med prereqs · MCAT · AMCAS | No | Physician-researcher |
Research pathway — direct ladder up
Same faculty, same building, same patient population — just deeper training in the methods she uses every day. Easiest to keep working while studying.
ATCR Certificate — Advanced Training in Clinical Research
1 yr · 4 quarters · 28 units · 50% time commitment
Research · Step 1
Prerequisites
- Degree: Bachelor's from accredited institution
- GPA: 3.0 minimum (letter grade B)
- Time: Must commit 50% of work time to the program; UCSF-affiliated scholars need supervisor assurance for 70% availability Aug–May
- Experience: Health-field knowledge preferred (clinical, public health, etc.) — not required
- International: TOEFL required (English proficiency)
- Application: Rolling review, decisions within 6 weeks · deadline Mar 30, 2027
What she can do after
At UCSF — promotion case
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator →
CRC →
Senior CRC with cert + project experience
Senior CRC: $87K–$140K (job code 007889, $41.72–$67.10/hr FY24)
Outside UCSF
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) at pharma/CRO ·
Trial Manager at biotech ·
Regulatory Specialist
CRA: $95K–$135K · Manager: $120K–$170K
Tuition: $34,233/yr (2026-27) · self-supporting — does NOT qualify for UC Reduced Fee. $1,000 non-refundable deposit on admission.
MS in Clinical & Epidemiological Research
2 yr · 38 units · lectures recorded · MS-friendly schedule
Research · Step 2
Prerequisites
- Degree: Bachelor's from accredited institution
- Background: Quantitative track record — undergrad coursework or work in stats, biostats, epi, or a related quantitative field
- GPA: 3.0+ typical; competitive applicants above 3.3
- Bridge: ATCR graduates apply with one new letter of rec; if ATCR was >2 yrs ago, $500 re-entry fee + possible retake
- International: Apply by Feb 1 to allow visa time
What she can do after
At UCSF — research track
Senior CRC → CRC Supervisor (job code 006651) → Clinical Research Manager 1 (job code 6571, MSP-25) → Manager 2 (MSP-27)
Supervisor: $130K–$185K · Manager: $150K–$300K
Bridge to faculty / PhD
Direct entry to
UCSF PhD Epidemiology & Translational Science,
PhD programs elsewhere (Berkeley, Hopkins, Harvard), or
MD/MAS combined
Junior faculty: $150K–$220K · Senior faculty: $250K–$450K+
Industry / pharma
Clinical Trial Manager ·
Real-World Evidence Scientist ·
Epidemiologist II/III at Genentech, Pfizer, Gilead, biotechs
Manager: $140K–$190K · Senior: $170K–$240K
Government / NGO
Epidemiologist at CDC, SF Dept of Public Health, NIH, state DOHs ·
Research Scientist at Kaiser, RTI
GS-12/13 federal: $95K–$135K · Senior: $135K–$185K
Tuition: State-funded — UC employees eligible for Reduced Fee (2/3 off), up to 9 units/quarter through Spring 2031.
PhD in Epidemiology & Translational Science
4–5 yr · fully funded · ~$44K stipend
Research · Step 3
Prerequisites
- Prior degree: Master's in epidemiology, public health, or related quantitative field — without one, do the MS first
- Quantitative: Strong background in stats, computation, biostatistics, or methods
- Experience: Demonstrated commitment to public health / translational research
- Format: Full-time, 6 quarters in residence, 8–12 units/quarter
- Effort: 20 hrs/week max as Graduate Student Researcher; >90% success on federal training grants
What she can do after
At UCSF — tenure track
Postdoc → Assistant Professor → Associate → Full
UCSF Epi/Translational PhD graduates currently in postdocs/faculty at UCSF, Berkeley, CDC, SF DPH
Assistant Professor: $165K–$220K · Associate: $220K–$310K · Full: $310K–$500K+
Industry research leader
Senior Epidemiologist ·
Principal Scientist ·
Head of Real-World Evidence at Genentech, Pfizer, biotech
Principal: $250K–$400K · Director: $350K–$550K
Government / NGO leadership
Senior Epidemiologist at CDC ·
Branch Chief at NIH/NCI ·
State Epi Director
GS-14/15 federal: $135K–$185K · Senior leadership: $200K+
Consulting / founding
Independent epidemiology consultant (legal, pharma, NGO) ·
founder of clinical-research services firm
Consulting: $200–$500/hr · Firm founder: $300K–$1M+
Funding: Full tuition + stipend (~$44K/yr for 2022-23, expected to rise with COLA) via training grants (T32), UCSF fellowships, departmental support, or faculty grant GSR positions. Nearly all students receive full funding.
Data & methods — quantitative pivot
If she wants to move toward data science, biostatistics, or the analytics side of trials. Programs built for working biomedical professionals.
CiHDaS — Certificate in Health Data Science
1 yr · 4 quarters · 27.5 units · Mission Bay
Data Science
Prerequisites
- Degree: BA/BS in quantitative or biomedical science (or closely related)
- GPA: 3.0+
- English: TOEFL iBT 100+ (international)
- Effort: Full-time; recommend not working more than 20 hrs/week
- Stack: R + Python, biostatistics, machine learning, clinical ML, ethical research
What she can do after
Clinical data roles
Clinical Data Scientist ·
Biostatistician I/II at UCSF, Stanford, pharma
Data Scientist I: $115K–$165K · II: $150K–$210K
Biotech / pharma
Real-World Data Analyst ·
Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR) ·
Bioinformatics Analyst
Analyst: $110K–$155K · Senior: $155K–$220K
Bridge to MiHDaS Master's
Two-year MS in Health Data Science at UCSF (MiHDaS) — capstone + teaching + industry experience
Master's-level DS: $170K–$260K
AI / ML in health
ML Engineer at health AI startups, large hospital systems, or research groups
ML Engineer: $170K–$260K · Senior: $230K–$380K
Tuition: ~$50,000/yr (2025-26), inclusive of health insurance — self-supporting, does NOT qualify for UC Reduced Fee.
Leadership — pivot toward operations
If she's drawn to program management, running research teams, or moving into administrative leadership of research portfolios.
MS-HAIL — Healthcare Administration & Interprofessional Leadership
12 months · fully online · fall or spring start
Leadership
Prerequisites
- Experience: 2+ years in healthcare — clinical, pharmacy, nursing, supply chain, quality, operations, or admin
- Audience: Working professionals (her CRC role qualifies)
- Format: Fully online; can complete alongside full-time job
- Curriculum: Change management, interprofessional leadership, social justice, health inequities
What she can do after
At UCSF — admin track
Clinical Research Manager (job code 6570/6571, MSP-25/27) ·
Operations Manager ·
Department Administrator
Manager: $150K–$300K · Department Admin: $200K–$350K+
Health system leadership
Director of Clinical Operations at UCSF Health, Stanford, Kaiser ·
Service-line Director
Director: $220K–$400K+ · VP Operations: $350K–$550K+
Pharma / CRO leadership
Program Director ·
Head of Clinical Operations at CROs (IQVIA, PPD, ICON)
Director: $200K–$300K · Head of: $280K–$420K
Startup / consulting
COO / Chief of Staff at digital health startup ·
Healthcare ops consultant at McKinsey, Bain
Consulting: $200K–$450K+ · Startup equity: highly variable
Tuition: Self-supporting program — does NOT qualify for UC Reduced Fee. External scholarships available.
Global health — broaden the frame
For international research, policy, or population-level work — but a bigger life-pause given the field-research capstone quarter.
MS in Global Health Sciences (IGHS)
1 yr · 4 quarters · full-time in-person · Mission Bay + capstone field quarter
Global Health
Prerequisites
- Degree: Bachelor's from accredited institution
- Format: Full-time, full-year — not realistic alongside her CRC role unless she goes part-time at UCSF
- Capstone: Required field-research quarter (international or domestic)
- Curriculum: Foundations, scientific methods, diseases & determinants, systems & policy
What she can do after
Global health / NGO
Program Officer at Gates Foundation, WHO, MSF, Partners in Health ·
Country Director
Officer: $95K–$140K · Director: $150K–$250K+
Academic global health
Research Analyst →
Faculty track (PhD bridge) ·
Assistant Professor of Health Outcomes (per Anton Avanceña, MS '14, PhD, UT Austin)
Analyst: $85K–$125K · Faculty: $150K–$250K+
Government / multilateral
Global Health Analyst at USAID, CDC, State Dept ·
Technical Advisor
GS-12/13: $95K–$135K · Senior: $135K–$175K
Bridge to further degrees
Many alumni pursue MD or PhD after MS — strong PhD pipeline for those interested in academic global health
PhD bridge: see PhD outcomes above
Tuition: Self-supporting — 20% UCSF employee discount but does NOT qualify for UC Reduced Fee.
Innovation — engineering + clinical
For medical devices, biotech, or bringing innovations from bench to bedside. Joint UCSF / UC Berkeley program.
MTM — Master of Translational Medicine
1 yr intensive · both campuses · capstone with external mentors
Innovation · Joint UCSF+UCB
Prerequisites
- Degree: Bachelor's in engineering, biology, or related
- Format: Full-time across two campuses — not realistic alongside her CRC role
- Tracks: Medical devices OR therapeutics
- Capstone: 10-month team project with industry mentor
What she can do after
Med-device industry
Clinical Affairs Specialist ·
Regulatory Affairs Manager ·
Medical Science Liaison
Specialist: $115K–$155K · Manager: $160K–$230K · MSL: $180K–$260K
Biotech / pharma
Program Manager ·
Clinical Development Lead at biotech, pharma
Manager: $150K–$200K · Director: $230K–$350K
Startup / founding
Co-founder / CTO of a med-device or digital health startup
Founder equity: highly variable · Salary if funded: $150K–$220K
Venture capital / consulting
Healthcare investor at Khosla, Andreessen, OrbiMed ·
Biotech consultant
Associate: $160K–$240K · Principal: $300K–$500K+
Tuition: ~$56,713/yr CA resident (2023-24 figures, confirm current). Self-supporting — no Reduced Fee.
Medical school — the long road
If she's considering becoming a physician. Heavy lift, but UCSF has structured pathways and combined degrees that pair naturally with research.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
4 yr · full-time · AMCAS by Oct 15 · 1.71% acceptance (2025-26)
MD · 4 yr
Prerequisites
- Biology: 1 yr w/ lab
- Chemistry: 1 yr general + 1 yr organic w/ lab
- Biochem: 1 semester
- Physics: 1 semester
- MCAT: Required within 3 yrs of matriculation — competitive scores 515+
- Application: AMCAS · deadline Oct 15
- Asset: Her clinical-research experience is a strong differentiator
What she can do after
Clinical practice
Resident (3–7 yrs by specialty) →
Attending Physician at academic medical center, hospital, private practice
Resident: $70K–$95K · Attending: $250K–$500K+ (specialty-dependent)
Physician-researcher
Clinician-scientist ·
NIH-funded PI (K-awards, R01) · academic medicine tenure track
Assistant Prof: $180K–$260K · K-award adds research salary support
MD/MAS combined (5 yr)
Pairs MD with MS Clinical Research in 5 yrs — strong fit for someone with her CRC background
Opens clinician-investigator roles · Adds research to clinical career
MD/PhD (MSTP, 8 yr)
Medical Scientist Training Program — apply by Dec 1 · fully funded MD + PhD pipeline
Career: top-tier academic medicine · $300K–$500K+ at senior faculty
Tuition: $53,441/yr CA resident · $65,686/yr non-resident (2025-26). Cost of attendance ~$86K–$99K/yr. Self-supporting — no Reduced Fee. Financial aid available.
Post-Baccalaureate Program (Interprofessional Health)
1 yr graduate certificate · pre-med boost · 96% med-school acceptance
MD · Pre-med boost
Prerequisites
- Eligibility: Disadvantaged OR committed to medically underserved CA communities
- Residency: California resident
- Degree: Bachelor's or higher from accredited U.S. institution
- GPA: Min 2.94 overall · 2.8 science
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Outcomes
Where alumni land
96% matriculate to U.S. medical school
64% stay in CA · 59% at a UC · 19% at UCSF specifically
Strong med-school admission track record
What she gets
Advanced science coursework · MCAT prep · interprofessional QI project · application support
Tu
strong on pre-med foundation
Note: Eligibility filters applicants tightly. Tuition confirm with program.
Free, right now — no commitment
Internal UCSF training available today through her role. Builds the promotion case while she decides on a longer program.
Internal UCSF training & certifications
No cost · builds the promotion case immediately
Foundational
What's available
CTO Foundations
Clinical Trials Office core training — baseline credential for any CRC at UCSF
CIRCLE
CTSI's two-week didactic + practical training on the Core Competency Framework for CRCs
CRC 101 / CRC 102
Orientation basics for new clinical research staff. Available on-demand
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Required for grad students, useful credential for promotion. Held via Zoom
SoCRA / ACRP certification
UCSF requires CRC certification within 1 year of hire — Society of Clinical Research Associates or Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Recruitment & retention training
Senior CRC jobs list this as required — UCSF's Clinical Research Core offers internal training
The UCSF promotion case — what unlocks each step
Concrete career ladder from her current CRC role, with the credentials that unlock each step. Comp bands from UCSF FY24 job codes × 2,080 hrs.
| Role |
Job code |
Hourly band |
Annualized |
Typical unlock |
| Assistant CRC | 007890 | $30–$45 | $62K–$94K | Bachelor's + clinical research coursework |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | 008752 | $34.32–$55.19 | $71K–$115K | BS + 1–2 yrs + SoCRA/ACRP cert |
| Senior Clinical Research Coordinator | 007889 | $41.72–$67.10 | $87K–$140K | 5+ yrs + advanced cert (ATCR) + leadership evidence |
| Clinical Research Supervisor | 006651 | $52–$80 | $108K–$166K | 7+ yrs + MS or ATCR + supervisory track record |
| Clinical Research Manager 1 | 6571 (MSP-25) | — | $150K–$220K | MS + 8–10 yrs + multi-team leadership |
| Clinical Research Manager 2 | 6570 (MSP-27) | — | $200K–$300K | MS or PhD + 12+ yrs + multi-program leadership |
| Department / Program Director | — | — | $220K–$400K+ | PhD or MD + 15+ yrs + strategic portfolio leadership |
Comp bands from UCSF job-code lookup (hr.ucsf.edu) and UCSF Careers postings Jul 2026 (job codes 007889, 006651, 6570/6571). Manager bands vary widely by department and program complexity.
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UCSF Nursing MS — School of Nursing paused admissions to the MS and Post-Master's Certificate programs in November 2025; school is moving to BSN-Entry to DNP. Not relevant unless she pivots toward nursing.