Would you like to become a test subject for medical studies? Here is everything you need to know about paid clinical trials for extra income.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to participate in clinical research studies?
Maybe you have struggled with a mental or physical condition or have friends or family members who have.
Or, maybe you’re just interested in helping others.
Either way, these studies can allow you to further medical advancements in your city or country, enhance your well-being, and get paid for your time.
If this sounds fascinating and you want to know more, let’s dive right in.
What Are Paid Clinical Trials and Medical Research Studies?
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Clinical research is medical research that involves people like you. When you volunteer to take part in clinical research, you help doctors and researchers learn more about the disease and improve health care for people in the future. Clinical research includes all research that involves people. Types of clinical research include:
- Epidemiology, which improves the understanding of a disease by studying patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in specific groups.
- Behavioral, which improves the understanding of human behavior and how it relates to health and disease.
- Health services, which looks at how people access health care providers and health care services, how much care costs, and what happens to patients as a result of this care.
- Clinical trials, which evaluate the effects of an intervention on health outcomes.”
Start by reviewing the NIH website to answer some of your questions like:
- What is the research process like?
- What types of clinical trials can I participate in?
- Why should I participate?
- Is it safe?
Who Should Participate in Medical Studies?
First and foremost, these studies are ideal for people passionate about advancing science. If you or someone close to you has ever had an experience where you’ve had a medical condition, and the medical community hasn’t been able to help, you know how much there is to learn.
By participating in research, you are directly helping the medical community.
Also, remember that the entire process can take time, so if you are looking for a quick way to make some money, this might not be the best opportunity for you.
Finally, there are both paid and unpaid studies, so you’ll want to read through the description carefully to see whether it’s paid and, if so, what milestones you’ll need to reach to receive payment.
Typically, studies look for a specific demographic, such as gender, age, condition, etc. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements so you don’t waste your time or researchers’.
Where to Begin?
Once you’ve reviewed the NIH website, you’ll want to think about what health conditions might make you a good candidate to participate in a study.
For example, do you struggle with diabetes, sleep problems, depression or anxiety, PCOS, endometriosis, migraines, seasonal allergies, etc.?
This way, you can narrow down your search and save yourself lots of time.
Studies aren’t just for those with physical challenges or ailments. There are also many studies on mental health, so keep that in mind if that is relevant or interesting to you.
How do I Find the Right Opportunities?
Find relevant opportunities once you know what kind of studies you might want to participate in.
- One way is to use a website like ResearchMatch where you will fill out your profile and then be contacted or matched to clinical trials or research studies that fit your background or condition. Another good website is CenterWatch, which has over 40,000 clinical trials. You can search by remote or in-person opportunities.
- Another option is to check out the bulletin boards at your local doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. I found one opportunity by doing this myself. You will likely have more options if your local clinic is affiliated with a research university or teaching hospital.
- A third option is to do a specific Google search. I did this myself, and it worked for me. Take the conditions that you came up with earlier and do a search like, “clinical trials for women with diabetes.”
Do I Need to Be In Person, or Can I Do Everything Online?
Some studies are done completely online, others are a hybrid of online and in-person, and some are in-person only.
If you’re open to hybrid or in-person options, ask about the kinds of tests and possible blood draws you’ll need to do, and consider the time it will take to travel to the medical centers or doctors’ offices.
If you can do any of these, you can greatly expand the number of available opportunities.
The first study that I participated in was through my local doctor.
My husband saw a flyer for the study while we were at an appointment.
I was able to ask questions and sign the paperwork right after my office visit. Then, everything else was completely online.
The second study I did was through a university in a different state, and everything was done online.
For some studies, participants might receive a device like a Fitbit to track things like heart rate or movement.
What Is the Process Like to Be Chosen?
The selection process will vary, so you’ll want to read through the flyer or information carefully. If it’s not clear, contact the researcher or coordinator for clarification.
For some studies, the initial screening process will only take a few minutes; for others, it could take an hour or more and be more than one session.
If you qualify for the study or trial but are randomly assigned to the control group, you will probably participate less and might receive less pay.
Here is an example of what the process could look like:
- You find a study and seem to be eligible to participate.
- Fill out the initial screener and wait to hear from the research team.
- The research team will contact you to arrange a call to give you more information, answer questions, and confirm that you’d be a good fit.
- You’ll go through the informed consent process to make sure you understand exactly what you are committing to.
Remember that this is just an example, so your experience could be different. If you have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to contact the researcher.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you need to take medication or are concerned about potential risks.
What Will I Do Once I’m Chosen?
Of course, this will depend on your specific trial or study.
In general, your health (mental or physical, depending on the study) will be monitored at the beginning of the study.
Then, the researchers, doctors, nurses, or other professionals will share what to do during the study or trial, and you’ll be monitored.
You’ll want to ask beforehand what this will involve for your study.
Then you will also participate in some follow-up checks once the study is over.
How Much Do You Get Paid?
Pay for medical studies can vary considerably. Keep in mind that clinical trials have different stages. According to Trial Search, phase 1 trials will provide the highest pay, with the average being $3,000, but the range can be anywhere from $150 to $13,000.
Phase 1 trials pay the most because they are in the early stages and can be more risky.
According to Trial Search, phase 2 or 3 trials usually pay less but will still pay hundreds or even a few thousand dollars.
If getting paid is your primary motivation, you’ll want to consider how much you’re getting paid compared with the different duties you’ll need to do while in the study. This could include going to a lab for blood work, checking in with a doctor, keeping track of symptoms or a diary, etc.
How Do You Get Paid?
Each opportunity is different, so you’ll want to clarify the financial compensation with the researcher.
Many studies do not disclose payment information in their brochures or advertisements, so you don’t need to view this as a red flag; it’s normal. Contact the researcher, let them know you’re interested in participating, and ask about payment.
I was paid in Amazon gift cards for one study I participated in. For another study, I received a debit card.
For each stage I completed in the research process, an additional amount of money was added to my debit card.
Some in-person studies will reimburse you for expenses like travel.
Some people consider access to new therapies as part of their “payment.”
For example, in one study, I was in the control group. But, if I’d been randomly chosen to participate in the other group, I would have received access to a therapy that would have cost hundreds of dollars to do myself.
With my studies, I never had a problem receiving payment. The researchers always paid promptly, usually within 24 hours of completing whatever assessment or stage I needed to complete.
Can I Participate in More Than One Study at the Same Time?
You should ask the researcher this. It can depend on the nature of the study and whether medication is involved.
Never participate in more than one trial or study until you have clearance from the researchers.
How to Find More Opportunities
If you have a positive experience with a university, medical school, or hospital, ask about being on their email list for future opportunities.
I’ve done this and now get regular emails from a specific university. The email subject line usually says, “This study may interest you.”
Also, check out the websites we mentioned earlier, such as ResearchMatch and CenterWatch.
Paid Clinical Trials Wrapup
Participating in a medical study or clinical trial is a personal decision. If you gauge the possible risks and decide you aren’t interested, that’s completely ok.
If you’re asked to take any medicines, ask your healthcare provider and the researcher lots of questions and be aware of any possible side effects.
Then, if you feel like you have the information you need to make an informed decision, know that your participation can make a difference.