The aim of this three-week class is to acquaint clinical study nurses with international standards for clinical trials, to provide information on the methodology and conduct of clinical trials and to enable participants to manage a trial office efficiently. The audience should have passed vocational training in a medical profession. Basic knowledge of medical terminology is required. Each one of three cooperating ZKS centres in Köln, Münster and Essen hosts one week of the class. The curriculum includes a practical training section. Participants are asked to arrange for appropriate placement independently.