The W-2 to 1099 Playbook

Stop working for clinical trials.
Start working on your terms.

The step-by-step training that takes clinical trial specialists from employee to independent contractor. Business formation, recruiter strategy, rate negotiation. Everything the certifications don't teach you.

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Your Independence Pathway

  • 1
    Make the Decision Evaluate if 1099 is right for your career stage
  • 2
    Form Your Business EIN, LLC structure, business bank account
  • 3
    Find Your Contracts Navigate recruiters, CROs, and direct sponsors
  • 4
    Set Your Rate Negotiate what you're actually worth
  • 5
    Scale Your Practice Multiple contracts, tax strategy, long-term growth
The Gap

Clinical research training has a blind spot.

What exists today

Skills and certifications

ACRP, CCRPS, CRA Academy, VIARES, Coursera. They all teach you how to monitor sites, manage data, and pass GCP exams. Valuable, but incomplete.

What's been missing

The business of independence

How to actually leave your W-2, register an EIN, open a business bank account, approach recruiters, and negotiate a rate that reflects your real value. Nobody teaches this.

The Curriculum

Four phases. One outcome: independence.

Phase 1

Decision & Planning

Is 1099 right for you? Financial readiness checklist. Understanding the contractor landscape in clinical research.
Phase 2

Business Formation

EIN application walkthrough. LLC vs sole proprietor. Business bank accounts. Insurance requirements. Contract templates.
Phase 3

Finding Work

Building recruiter relationships. CRO staffing agencies that hire 1099s. Direct sponsor outreach. Resume positioning for contract roles.
Phase 4

Negotiation & Growth

Rate benchmarking by therapeutic area. Negotiation scripts. Managing multiple contracts. Tax strategy for independent contractors.
22%
CRA turnover rate in 2024, driving demand for independent contractors
$80B+
Global clinical trials market, projected by 2027
0
Training platforms that teach the business side of going independent

You already have the clinical skills.
Now build the business around them.

TrialPath exists because clinical trial professionals deserve a roadmap to independence, not just another certification.

Start the Pathway — It's Free →