If you’ve already checked out my other posts before, then you probably know by now that I rarely pass any opportunity to earn extra on the side.
But I have to be completely honest with you. I wasn’t as game to take part in a clinical trial compared to the other types of research opportunities I’ve gone to in the past.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been to numerous sleep studies, true. Still, it’s really different from participating in a medical study, especially involving certain treatment methods and drugs that haven’t been explored completely yet.
However, I know now that it’s not really as bad as I pictured it to be, and I’ve actually taken part in a few medical studies that not only turned out profitable but were even beneficial for my health and overall well-being.
Are you also considering taking part in a medical study for profit? Then don’t worry because I will share with you how to get paid for medical studies and other essential information.
How Do Medical Studies Work?
A medical study usually compares a new drug, device, or treatment method with an existing one or no treatment at all.
There are a lot of studies that involve the use of a placebo. It serves to mimic the drug but without any active ingredients. It helps determine whether the drug is really functioning or whether psychological factors are involved in the new treatment’s efficiency.
The participants are usually divided into two or three groups to compare the results.
There are also four trial phases that you need to be aware of. That’s because the phase will give you an idea of how much you’ll earn along with the possible risks involved.
For instance, Phase 1 trials usually pay more because the drugs and treatments involved are less well-understood, resulting in an increased risk.
On the other hand, Phase 4 trials usually compensate the lowest, but they are also considered the safest.
Lastly, there are also medical studies that only involve observation while you’re undergoing a particular treatment. The best thing about these studies is that you’re probably going ahead with this drug or method regardless. You’re just going to get paid for doing so.
Can You Get Paid by Participating in a Medical Study?
Yes, you can. Even the lowest compensated medical studies still pay more than other types of research participation.
Aside from that, there’s also an invaluable satisfaction being part of a study that can potentially change or save other people’s lives.
I’ve also heard success stories from others I have met in this industry where they’ve undergone an unpaid trial. However, because of that, they gained access to newer treatments that they were going to need anyway, at no cost to them.
I take part in medical studies. I get paid for them, and they make me feel great. What more can I ask from an income opportunity?
Is It Safe?
As I’ve mentioned above, safety was my primary concern before participating in any kind of clinical trial. Of course, there are risks involved when trying out new treatments, especially those involving formulations or active ingredients that haven’t been tested before.
However, it’s a risk that’s not any lesser or greater than the potential consequences of taking any existing drug or treatment out there一especially prescriptions that you haven’t really tried before.
Medical researchers also have to follow strict safety protocols. This includes making you undergo certain tests to ensure that the novel drug or treatment won’t cause any allergic reaction or aggravate any existing medical condition.
At the end of the day, it’s really a question of whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If you believe that you’ll get compensated well and that you’re taking part in an effort that can potentially save people’s lives and you’re okay with the potential risks, then sure, go for it.
What To Expect During a Medical Study
Apart from knowing how to get paid for medical studies, you must also know what to expect as a participant.
Each medical study is unique in its own way, so there’s really no way for me to describe how your first experience will pan out. However, certain factors are the same across any medical study.
First, you will undergo a comprehensive qualification process. There are two types of criteria: inclusion and exclusion.
The inclusion criteria will list all the points you have to meet to participate in the study. This usually includes age, gender, and lifestyle information.
On the other hand, you will also need to ensure that you get an all-clear from the exclusion criteria.
These are the points that can disqualify you from a particular study. This typically involves any allergies, existing medical conditions, and the current prescriptions you are taking.
Where To Find Medical Studies To Participate In
You might be surprised by how easy it is to find medical studies that you can take part in. The challenge lies in whether you are qualified to participate in them or not. In any case, here are the best places to start finding your first clinical trial:
Online Research Portals
Several reputable websites help bridge participants and researchers together. CenterWatch is one such platform. So is the online portal of the Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation.
They even send out email notifications whenever available studies might be a good match for you.
Foundations and Associations
There are a lot of foundations, organizations, and health groups dedicated to helping patients of a particular disease or condition.
This is great for patients and loved ones who want to explore new treatments that might not yet be fully accessible to the general public.
Universities, Hospitals, and Other Related Institutions
Finally, be sure to ask around your community whether your local university or hospital is looking for participants for their current medical studies.
Such announcements are also typically posted on their bulletin boards and shared community spaces around town.
Is Participating in a Medical Study Worth It?
Yes, it honestly is. If there’s some sort of research that you can participate in that I can say hands down is totally worth going for, then this is it.
Medical studies help save lives. How many participants have tested the drugs and treatments that we now enjoy? They’re unsung heroes. And taking part in such programs can help our children get better treatment.
Altruism aside, though, I also think it’s a great way to earn money on the side. I’ve been pretty lucky with all the studies I’ve participated in so far. In fact, I was able to buy some big-ticket appliances with that money.
That said, just understand that there are certain risks involved. Just make sure to answer all your questionnaires truthfully and accurately, learn what the study is about as much as you can, and keep in touch with your doctor. I’m confident that everything is going to work out just fine.Finally, if you want to learn more about how to get paid for medical studies and other opportunities, feel free to sign up for my newsletter. It’s my way of sharing the latest offers out there, whether they be research opportunities or free samples. Good luck!
Dr F Scott Feil is a husband, a father, a physical therapist (PT, DPT, EdD, Cert-APHPT), a professor, and most recently an Amazon best-selling author. F Scott is also a business coach and mentor. He is one of the creators and co-hosts of the Healthcare Education Transformation Podcast which aims to break down the silos between healthcare professions in an attempt to find best practices in teaching and learning throughout healthcare academia. He also hosts the Professors of Profit Podcast where he interviews healthcare professionals about their side gigs and side hustles. His goal is to help at least 222 professors and clinicians pay off their student loans quicker and/or more efficiently by using multiple revenue streams. He is also the owner of PTEducator.com , FGI Consulting, and Epic Therapy and Wellness.
