Respiratory Therapist Becomes Research Trailblazer

When Michelle Dumont thinks about her career, one theme ties it all together: helping people breathe easier—literally and figuratively.

Before earning our clinical research conduct and management certificate, Michelle was already deeply rooted in health care as a licensed registered respiratory therapist. She spent years in the Pulmonary Clinic at the University of Virginia, working directly with patients living with chronic respiratory conditions. But something bigger was calling.

“Clinical research is a natural fit for me because it allows me to combine my passion for patient care with my desire to see advancements in treatment and cures for diseases like Cystic Fibrosis and ALS,” she says. “Research and clinical trials are at the forefront of that effort.”

I was looking to achieve a professional credential that would validate my skills and knowledge, positioning me for more senior roles in the field and providing a strong foundation for my future academic pursuits.

A Leap Into Clinical Research

That desire to push beyond bedside care led Michelle to transition into the role of clinical research coordinator (CRC), a position that bridges clinical medicine and data-driven discovery. As she helped manage pulmonary trials, Michelle realized she wanted a deeper, more formal understanding of what drives ethical and effective research.

“I had worked as a CRC, but I wanted a structured, comprehensive program that would give me a deeper understanding of the theoretical and regulatory foundations of clinical research,” Michelle explains. “I was looking to achieve a professional credential that would validate my skills and knowledge, positioning me for more senior roles in the field and providing a strong foundation for my future academic pursuits.”

That search led her to our Certificate Program in Clinical Research Conduct and Management, a flexible online program designed for working professionals. She first heard about it from a colleague who vouched for its industry reputation—and she quickly saw why.

The Power of a Berkeley Education—From Anywhere

Michelle completed all of her courses online, balancing her studies with full-time work. For her, the digital classroom became an essential tool for staying career-focused while growing her skill set.

“My experience with the curriculum was excellent,” she recalls. “The classes provided a solid framework and complemented the knowledge and hands-on experience I already had. I took classes online and found the format to be convenient and effective.”

That flexibility is built into the program’s design. Students can study topics like Good Clinical Practice (GCP), regulatory compliance, data management and clinical trial monitoring, all led by industry experts currently active in the field. Many, like Michelle, complete the program in less than two years—sometimes even while earning additional credentials or degrees.

Because the coursework is so practical, Michelle was able to use what she learned immediately as a senior clinical research coordinator at Tulane University School of Medicine.

“I apply this knowledge every single day to ensure adherence to protocols, data management and to maintain compliance with GCP guidelines and regulatory requirements,” she says. “It also prepared me for passing the clinical research certification exam through the ACRP!”

For many students, that’s the ultimate goal: gaining the confidence and credibility to advance in a fast-growing, high-impact profession.

Both personally and professionally, completing the certificate was a pivotal moment. It gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.

Reinventing Herself After a Career Pause

Michelle’s story, however, isn’t just about professional growth—it’s also about resilience. She stepped away from her career for five years to care for a sick family member. When she was ready to return, she wanted to make sure her skills were current and competitive.

“When I was ready to return to work, I wanted to ensure I was up to date on any changes that may have occurred in my absence,” she says. “Both personally and professionally, completing the certificate was a pivotal moment. It gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.”

Today, that confidence has paid off. In her current work, Michelle continues to merge her patient-care background with her passion for advancing treatments. Since completing the certificate, she’s also earned her master’s degree in public health from Drexel University and is now pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) at Tulane—proof that continuous learning truly is a lifelong practice.

Looking ahead, Michelle sees her future expanding far beyond a single lab or study. She envisions a career that bridges clinical trials and public health policy, ensuring that discoveries in research translate into real-world impact.

“In the past five years, I’ve successfully bridged my clinical research experience with my passion for public health,” she says. “With my Dr.P.H. and my background in patient care, my goal is to be in a position where I can influence policy and shape the future of health care through both clinical trials and broader public health programs.”

That kind of thinking reflects what makes the field of clinical research so appealing: It’s data-driven, collaborative and deeply purposeful. It’s a career where science meets humanity—where your work today can literally change what’s possible tomorrow.

With my Dr.P.H. and my background in patient care, my goal is to be in a position where I can influence policy and shape the future of health care through both clinical trials and broader public health programs.

A Pathway for the Next Generation of Researchers

For those inspired by Michelle’s journey, she offers this advice:

“Network with your fellow students and reach out to your instructors; you never know who might become a colleague or mentor in the future,” she advises.

“Remember that the goal is not just to pass the classes, but to truly become a thoughtful, ethical and skilled clinical research professional.”

From coordinating clinical trials for rare diseases to ensuring diversity in study populations, professionals like Michelle are changing how the world approaches medicine. They’re the bridge between lab discoveries and life-saving treatments.

And for those wondering if it’s too late—or too early—to start? Michelle’s journey proves that your next step doesn’t have to be a giant leap. It can start with one course, one connection, one certificate.