CITI Training

CITI Training Requirements for Geisel Medical Students (M1–M4)

Overview

To ensure compliance with Dartmouth’s IRB and research ethics standards, all Geisel medical students are required to complete CITI training. This training is integrated into the academic curriculum (Research & Scholarship CT) and overseen by the Office of Student Research.

Required CITI Courses

All students (M1–M4) must complete the following modules:

  • Human Subjects Research – Basic Course (Biomedical focus)

  • Conflict of Interest

  • Responsible Conduct of Research

  • Good Clinical Practice (FDA Focus)

  • Information Privacy and Security

Note: Students also receive an IRB overview as part of the Population Health course.

Training Deadlines & Certificate Validity

  • CITI course certificates are valid for 3 years from the completion date.

  • M1 Students: Must complete all CITI training by September 23 and upload certificates to the student repository. Students will need to renew their training at the start of Phase 2.

  • M2 Students: Must complete or renew training by February 1, 2026

  • M3 Students: Must complete or renew training by March 1, 2026

Why CITI training is important ?

  1. Compliance with Ethical Standards

Medical students are increasingly involved in research activities, including clinical trials, retrospective studies, and quality improvement projects. The CITI Program provides standardized training in research ethics, human subjects protection, and regulatory compliance, ensuring students understand and adhere to national and institutional standards (e.g., IRB requirements, HIPAA).

  1. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Requirement

Most IRBs require all personnel listed on research protocols to complete CITI training before participating in any aspect of the study. Medical students often engage in IRB-approved projects during clerkships, electives, or summer research, making this training a mandatory prerequisite.

  1. Professional Development

Participating in CITI training helps students:

  • Understand the ethical principles of research.
  • Recognize and prevent conflicts of interest.
  • Learn about informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality.
  • Prepare for future roles as investigators, clinicians, or faculty members who may lead research studies or mentor others.
  1. Patient Safety and Public Trust

Students who understand research ethics are better equipped to protect human subjects and maintain public trust in the research process. This is critical in an era where research misconduct or unethical practices can have significant consequences for patients, institutions, and public health.

  1. Academic and Career Advancement

Completion of CITI training:

  • Strengthens student CVs/resumes when applying for residencies or research fellowships.
  • Opens opportunities to participate in or lead research projects.
  • Demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to ethical clinical practice
  1. Alignment with Medical Education Standards

Accrediting bodies such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) emphasize the importance of understanding research ethics and regulatory requirements. Integrating CITI training aligns with these broader educational competencies and expectations.

How to complete the courses and associated modules

  • Go to citiprogram.org
  • You will need to create an account if you do not already have one.
    • To create an account:
      • Select "Register"
      • Select your Organization affiliation: "Dartmouth College" from the drop-down list
      • The next steps will guide you through the specific registration requirements.
    • Once your account has been created:
      • Click on "View Courses"
      • Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see "Learner Tools for Dartmouth College". Click on "Add a Course".
      • Course Selection-Choose courses from the list below and click next for each course.
        • Human Subjects Research- Basic Course (Biomedical)
        • Conflict of Interest
        • Responsible Conduct of Research
        • Good Clinical Practice (FDA Focus)
        • Information Privacy Security

 

Once you have completed the preceding steps you are logged in and registered for the course. At this point you may begin the appropriate course or log out and return at another time. If you chose to log out, when you return to the CITI homepage you will not need to register again. You will login with the username and password you have already created. Upon completion of the course, modules you will receive a certificate of completion for each.  You must upload each certificate to the Geisel student document repository.  upload it to the SDR

Certificates expire within three years.  You will need to renew your courses by the end of your M3 year or three years to the date of completion. You will not receive renewal notice.

All courses need to be completed by September 23rd, which is the first day of the Population Health course.

The 5 courses and associated modules should take approximately 4-6 hours to complete.

 

Need Help?

For questions about accessing the CITI platform or uploading your certificates, please contact the Office of Student Research.