How PROgress Is Strengthening Australia’s Regional, Rural and Remote (RRR) Clinical Trial Workforce
Australia’s clinical trial sector is at a critical juncture, particularly in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities where workforce shortages and limited training access continue to undermine the delivery of timely, high-quality clinical research. In these areas, healthcare teams often face the dual challenge of managing local service demands while trying to expand their capacity to host or support clinical trials.
To address this, PRAXIS Australia developed the PROgress Program – a national, immersive training initiative designed to grow and sustain a capable, confident clinical trial workforce across diverse settings. Whether applied in on-site, Teletrial, hospital, academic, or private environments, PROgress is proving to be a flexible, impactful workforce solution, particularly where it’s needed most: in the regions.
A Program Built for the RRR Context
PROgress is a three-month blended learning program offering foundational training for new and emerging clinical trial professionals. Key features include:
- Online modules delivered by PRAXIS
- Live virtual workshops with expert facilitators
- On-site placements with real-world clinical trial teams
- Structured mentoring and leadership support for site staff
- A national community of practice for knowledge exchange
Designed using adult learning principles and aligned to core sector competencies, PROgress helps participants build confidence and capability in ethics and governance, data integrity, patient recruitment, safety reporting, and more.
PROgress: Proven Impact and Delivery in RRR areas
Delivered as part of major national initiatives—including MTPConnect’s MRFF-funded readiness projects, DISR/Omico’s PrOSPeCT program, and the Australian Teletrial Program (ATP)—PROgress has reached RRR trial sites across multiple states. These partnerships have enhanced local capability, strengthened workforce retention, and positioned regional sites as viable and competitive trial locations.
The result is a growing network of skilled professionals equipped to drive trial activity and deliver research across geographically-dispersed regional, rural and remote areas, closer to where patients live.
PrOSPeCT
PRAXIS Australia proudly delivered the immersive training program to support the PrOSPeCT Program, led by Omico and supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The program aims to expand access to precision oncology treatments and clinical trials by connecting eligible cancer patients to genomic profiling and trial opportunities. As part of this initiative, PRAXIS delivered national training and internships for 40 clinical trial professionals, with a strong focus on regional, rural, and remote communities, as well as providing training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. PrOSPeCT is expected to generate over 650 new jobs and create long-term economic and health system benefits.
Australian Teletrials Program (ATP)
In partnership with the Australian Teletrial Program (ATP), PRAXIS Australia has launched the PROgress ATP Program—a three-month, immersive workforce development initiative aimed at strengthening clinical trial capacity in regional, rural, and remote areas. The program combines online learning, virtual workshops, and on-site training, providing both new and experienced staff with essential skills in trial coordination. With a structured three-tiered mentoring process incorporating traditional, reverse and peer mentoring, and a national community of practice, PROgress supports sustainable workforce growth where it is most needed. Two cohorts have already commenced in 2025, with further intakes planned to expand national reach and impact.
What our RRR PROgress Participants are saying
Feedback from recent participants, many from regional trial units, highlights just how transformative the experience has been:
“I found the online workshops fantastic. It was great to be able to connect with colleagues from sites around Australia and share our learnings. Having structured time and goals for mentorship sessions was incredibly valuable – setting time aside periodically throughout the program allowed me to take a step back and reflect on my current practice and areas I would like to improve.”
– Katrina Golden, Clinical Trials Team Leader, Barwon Health, VIC
“The workshops were very helpful and helped me consolidate my existing knowledge and introduced new concepts to further explore and use in my professional role in clinical trials. The team buddy calls I found useful to discuss not only what we were learning, but how it relates to the units we work in and sharing knowledge and different ideas to make improvements.”
– Bernadette Sheldon, Clinical Trials Coordinator/Research Nurse, Orange Health Services Clinical Trials Unit, NSW
“Overall, I had a very positive experience with the program. I have come away from this program with more confidence in my knowledge and abilities, which has been most helpful as I enter a new stage of my career. The information provided in this program has been invaluable to both me and my team, particularly the learnings from the interactive webinars (which I couldn’t recommend more).” – Jacqueline Lake, Study Coordinator, Northeast Health Wangaratta
A Call for Collaboration
PRAXIS Australia is now seeking new partners and collaborators to expand the PROgress Program’s reach. Whether you’re managing a regional hospital, coordinating trials in a rural health service, or building capability at a satellite Teletrial site, PROgress can help you build a future-ready workforce.
To learn more about how the PROgress Program can support your site or network, contact PRAXIS Australia or visit our website.