Best Entry Level Cra Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 43: Dare to Disrupt: Four Innovators Share Bold Visions for the Future of Screening 52:29

2d ago52:29

52:29

Send us a text What happens when you take four professionals from different corners of the background screening industry—each with unique expertise, bold ideas, and a willingness to shake things up—and put them together on one stage? You get disruption. In this special episode, I sit down with Andrew Cashman, Tressa Fullard, Kevin Horval, and Oakle…

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Episode 42: From “Temporary Job” to Lifelong Calling: Bobby Shank’s Journey in Background Screening 41:36

9d ago41:36

41:36

Send us a text What if the path you thought would be temporary turned out to be the foundation of a lifelong calling? That’s the story of Bobby Shank. With a degree in finance and even a chapter of life spent in Costa Rica, Bobby never expected that joining his family’s business, Roundstone, would anchor him in the background screening industry for…

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Episode 41: Michelle Leblond: The Strategic Mind Behind Background Screening Excellence 55:17

16d ago55:17

55:17

Send us a text Imagine a professional who lives and breathes accuracy, thrives under the weight of compliance, and leads teams through constant industry evolution—then drop her into the challenging arena of public records and high-stakes client expectations. That’s Michelle Leblond, a master at turning complexity into clarity. In this episode, Mich…

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Episode 40: The Screening Industry Through Les Rosen’s Eyes 1:02:15

23d ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Send us a text How does a criminal defense attorney end up transforming the background screening industry? In this special 40th episode, I take a turn in the guest seat to share my unexpected journey—from representing clients in the courtroom to founding Employment Screening Resources and writing one of the earliest FCRA compliance manuals. Along t…

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Episode 39: Summa McCosker: Building a Global Background Screening Empire from the Ground Up 40:43

1M ago40:43

40:43

Send us a text What kind of person can turn a local startup into a global standard-setter—navigating legal landscapes, scaling teams, and staying human through it all? That’s the kind of trailblazing journey we explore in this episode. In this episode of Behind the Screens, I had the privilege of sitting down with Summa McCosker, a dynamic force in…

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Episode 38: The Man Behind the Screening Curtain: Curt Schwall’s Legacy on Education and Compliance 44:05

1M ago44:05

44:05

Send us a text Can one person transform background screening by mastering compliance, reshaping operations, championing public access, and still give back through mentorship and public service? Meet the man doing exactly that, and discover how leadership is built one deliberate choice at a time. In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known s…

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Episode 37: Nancy Alt Explains Why Compliance Begins with People, Not Paper 48:08

1M ago48:08

48:08

Send us a text What does it take to shape an entire industry from the inside out—while mastering compliance, leading operations, and serving the public good? It takes vision, grit, and a whole lot of hats—and this episode is proof of exactly that. In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Alt, founder of Tweak the Core, who’s spent decades navigating …

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Episode 36: Dawn Standerwick: The Powerhouse Who Knows Every Corner of Background Screening 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

Send us a text What do you get when you combine relentless curiosity, unmatched versatility, and a passion for people? You get Dawn Standerwick—a powerhouse in the background screening industry whose career defies simple titles. From onboarding and marketing to compliance and criminal records, she’s worn every hat and rocked them all. In this episo…

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Episode 35: The Background Screening Puzzle: How Kathleen Nottingham Turns Complexity into Career Growth 41:40

2M ago41:40

41:40

Send us a text How do you transform operations, compliance, and public records into a career you love—and lead others to love it too? Kathleen Nottingham didn’t just find her path in background screening; she built it brick by brick, puzzle by puzzle, from public record researcher to SVP at ScoutLogic and a seat on the PBSA Board of Directors. In t…

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Episode 34: Just Get It Done — Larry White on Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Screening 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Send us a text From rural Oklahoma to boardroom strategy sessions—how does one man turn old-school values into modern industry influence? In this episode, I sit down with Larry White—a man whose title should come with the initials GSD (Gets Stuff Done). Larry is the current COO at JDP and has been a leader at some of the most influential names in t…

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Episode 33: Behind the Fine Print: Rebecca Kuehn on the Legal Heart of Background Screening 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

Send us a text Ever wonder how the perspective of a former FTC insider could reshape your understanding of compliance in background screening? In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Kuehn, who’s journeyed from enforcing federal consumer protection laws at the FTC to guiding companies through the ever-evolving maze of FCRA compliance. With a sharp leg…

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Episode 32: The Original Screening Attorney: Lessons from 40+ Years in the Legal Trenches with Larry Henry 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

Send us a text What if the unsung architect of your industry was never after the spotlight—just the truth? In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Larry Henry—the very first lawyer dedicated to background screening compliance under the FCRA, dating back to 1981. Who was defending FCRA compliance before most of us knew what that even …

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Episode 31: Born Into Background Screening, Built for Leadership: Conversation with Brittany Bollinger - Boyle 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

Send us a text Have you ever met someone who knew what they wanted to do with their life at age 12—and then actually did it? Almost every guest on this podcast has shared how they stumbled into background screening by accident. But not Brittany Bollinger Boyle. While most kids were dreaming about being astronauts or rock stars, Brittany was dreamin…

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Episode 30: Learn, Grow, Expand: How Laura Randazzo Turned Curiosity into a Successful Career in Background Screening 28:17

3M ago28:17

28:17

Send us a text Meet Laura Randazzo—a powerhouse professional whose journey from entry-level verification specialist to Chief Operating Officer and national voice in background screening is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we trace her path through the rapidly changing landscape of screening technology, regulatory hurdles, and leadership…

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Episode 29: The Man Behind CRA Zoom: Derek Hinton on Accreditation, Innovation, and the Evolution of Screening 46:02

3M ago46:02

46:02

Send us a text I sat with Derek Hinton for this week’s episode—a pioneer who’s been shaping the screening industry since 1984. From helping launch the first digital driving records to building CRA Zoom and co-authoring the Criminal Records Manual, Derek has played a pivotal role in how compliance, accreditation, and innovation collide. This episode…

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Episode 28: Sachin Aggarwal on Building a Global Background Screening Powerhouse—One Country (and Mango) at a Time 35:01

4M ago35:01

35:01

Send us a text What happens when a tech-savvy engineer with a passion for mangoes, a background in global consulting, and an MBA from New York turns his attention to building one of the most respected background screening companies in the world? In this episode, I sit down with Sachin Aggarwal, Director at AMS Inform, to explore how a career that s…

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Episode 27: Andy Hellman’s Global Journey Through Background Screening & Data Privacy 38:47

4M ago38:47

38:47

Send us a text How does a guy go from managing concrete budgets in Virginia to shaping international privacy frameworks from Milan to Singapore? The answer lies in one of the most unexpected—and inspiring—career journeys in the background screening industry. In this episode, I talk with the elusive “third amigo” himself—Andy Hellman—a man whose car…

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Episode 26: How Marc Linchuck Navigated Chaos, Change, and Innovation 35:44

4M ago35:44

35:44

Send us a text Have you ever stopped to think about what grit, perseverance, and a little bit of luck it takes to build a background screening business from scratch? Imagine navigating a world of fax machines, colored file folders, and constant tech disruption—all while trying to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, I sit down with Marc Linchu…

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Episode 25: How Krisy Bucher Is Humanizing Background Screening with Purpose 37:28

4M ago37:28

37:28

Send us a text What do you get when someone with a passion for art, a mind for science, and a heart for community winds up leading innovation in public safety and background screening? You get someone like Krisy Bucher. In this episode, I sit down with Krisy—Vice President of Portfolio Marketing at Equifax Workforce Solutions—whose journey proves t…

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Episode 24: General Counsel on Day One: How Vince Pascarella Picked His Title and Ran With It 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

Send us a text What does it take to lead in one of the most complex, fast-evolving, and compliance-heavy industries around—while wearing multiple hats and still managing to stay grounded? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and background screening veteran, Vince Pascarella. Vince isn’t just a compliance guru—he’s worn every hat in …

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Episode 23: How AI & Compliance Are Changing Background Checks – Insights from Kelly D. Uebel 38:31

5M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text How do you build a background screening program that’s both legally compliant and business-friendly? How do you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, global screening regulations, and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance—without slowing down hiring? In this episode, I sit down with Kelly D. (Kubacki) Uebel, G…

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Episode 22: Is Your Drug Screening Process Outdated? Todd Shoulberg on Compliance & Change 32:53

5M ago32:53

32:53

Send us a text What if the way you’ve always done things is no longer the right way? In a world where compliance, technology, and industry needs are rapidly evolving, drug and occupational health screening is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Todd Shoulberg, a seasoned expert in the field, to explore the major shifts impacting drug tes…

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Episode 21: Inside the Mind of Background Screening’s Newsman: Barry Nixon’s Journey from HR to Industry Icon 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

Send us a text How did an HR expert turn into one of the most influential voices in background screening? W. Barry Nixon has seen it all—from corporate HR to pioneering workplace violence prevention and shaping the global background screening industry. In this episode, I sit down with Barry to discuss his unexpected career path, the evolution of ba…

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Episode 20: How Jason Morris Built a Background Screening Empire and Found Adventure Along the Way 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

Send us a text What does it take to stay ahead in the background screening industry while juggling a passion for music, fly fishing, and skiing? Jason Morris has done it all. From shadowing private investigation cases as a kid to launching one of the most recognized background screening companies, he’s built a career on curiosity, adaptability, and…

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Episode 19: The Power of Saying Yes: Judy Gootkin on Career Growth, PBSA & Mentorship 41:03

6M ago41:03

41:03

Send us a text What happens when you say “yes” to unexpected opportunities? For Judy Gootkind, it meant building a remarkable career in background screening, co-founding a successful business, and becoming a respected industry leader. In this episode, I sit down with Judy to talk about her unexpected journey from accounting to background screening,…

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Episode 18: AI, Compliance & Privacy: How Background Screening is Evolving – with Alonzo Martinez 37:42

6M ago37:42

37:42

Send us a text Is navigating the world of background screening getting more complex by the day? With ever-changing compliance laws, privacy concerns, and evolving technology, businesses need to stay ahead—or risk falling behind. In this episode, I sit down with Alonzo Martinez, Associate General Counsel at HireRight, to unpack the biggest legal and…

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Episode 17: Kevin Coy on Privacy Law, FCRA Compliance, and Navigating Legal Risks in Background Screening 28:36

6M ago28:36

28:36

Send us a text How do you stay ahead in a world where privacy laws are constantly shifting? How can businesses manage legal risks without slowing down growth? In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Coy, co-chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, to break down the legal challenges shaping background screening to…

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Episode 16: How Risk, Regulation, and Litigation Shape Background Screening With Pam Devata 32:06

6M ago32:06

32:06

Send us a text How do you navigate an industry where lawsuits aren’t a matter of "if" but "when"? How do you balance legal compliance with running a successful business? And what’s it like being one of the most recognized legal minds in background screening? In this episode, I sit down with Pam Devata, an equity partner at Seyfarth Shaw and a leadi…

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Episode 15: Fred Giles on Background Screening, Second Chances, and Leading an Industry 29:49

7M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text How do you take a failing business unit and turn it into a multimillion-dollar success? What’s it like to be at the forefront of an industry before it even exists? And why is giving people a second chance so important? In this episode, I sit down with industry pioneer Fred Giles, whose career spans law enforcement, polygraph examinat…

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Episode 14: Seizing Every Opportunity: How Katie Hartley Balanced Background Screening, Live Music, and Growing Up in a Huge Family 33:06

7M ago33:06

33:06

Send us a text How Do You Become a Leader in Background Screening? Katie Hartley Shares the Secret to Success What does it take to stand out in the fast-moving world of background screening? According to Katie Hartley, it’s all about embracing change, becoming a "regulatory geek," and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, …

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Episode 13: Fashion, Kindness, and Big Legal Ideas: Angela Preston’s Unique Path in Screening 27:59

7M ago27:59

27:59

Send us a text In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Angela, a leading legal mind in the background screening industry. From her early days in the fast-evolving world of background checks to becoming the chair of PBSA, Angela shares a career full of change, growth, and learning. We also talk about why treating people with respect ma…

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Episode 12: From Hollywood Lights to Investigation Nights: Noelle Harling's Journey to Background Screening 34:02

7M ago34:02

34:02

Send us a text What do Johnny Depp, private investigations, and pre-employment background checks have in common? The incredible Noelle Harling! In this episode, I sit down with Noelle to uncover her fascinating journey from Hollywood actress to leading background screening pro. We dive into her undercover adventures, her pivotal role in shaping ind…

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Episode 11: Leadership, Legacy, and Muscle Cars: A Pro Conversation with Dean Carras 25:16

8M ago25:16

25:16

Send us a text A full-time career man, a hobby farm, a muscle car museum, and, oh yeah, raising grandkids with the enthusiasm of a sugar-rushed Santa? Enter Dean Carras, a man who’s worn more hats in the screening industry than a milliner’s showcase. From his early days wrangling fax machines to his new role as VP of Background Verification Solutio…

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Episode 10: From Paper Trails to Lean Machines – A Screening Pro’s Evolution With Mallory Opperman 30:15

8M ago30:15

30:15

Send us a text Imagine juggling a high-powered background screening career, chauffeuring kids to sports meets, and still finding time to perfect your golf swing—all without breaking a sweat. If that sounds like a superhero origin story, it’s probably because you haven’t met Mallory Opperman yet. In this episode, Mallory takes us on a joyride throug…

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Episode 9: How Scott Paler Juggles Law, Family, and Packers Fandom 29:15

8M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text Let me introduce you to my guest for this episode, the brilliant and humble Scott Paler, Esq. Scott isn’t just a partner at the DeWitt law firm—he’s also a soccer dad, Packers fan, and a man who once had a very memorable lunch chat with Dr. Ruth. Join me as we explore Scott’s unique path from law school to the forefront of compliance…

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Episode 8: Jennifer Mora – The Legal Eagle Who Knits and Advocates 24:07

9M ago24:07

24:07

Send us a text What do background screening, knitting elaborate shawls, and navigating cannabis laws have in common? They’re all part of Jennifer Mora’s incredibly dynamic world! In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer—one of the sharpest legal minds in the industry—to talk about her journey from criminal justice to labor law and why you should n…

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Episode 7: International Screening Guru, Privacy Law, and Underwater Vows with Kerstin Bagus 29:49

9M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text Ever wondered how a nursing degree can lead to becoming the go-to expert in international background screening? In this episode, I chat with Kerstin Bagus—my friend, industry trailblazer, and privacy law wizard. From her days mastering patient care to untangling the complexities of global screening laws, Kerstin’s career is a masterc…

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Episode 6: From Concert Stages to Court Records: Heidi Pattie's Journey as a Mom, Advocate, and Background Screening Pro 28:29

9M ago28:29

28:29

Send us a text Have you ever met someone who juggles a career in business development, advocacy for special needs, and a whirlwind love for live concerts—all while being the ultimate champion for their kid? Meet Heidi Pattie, the “Energizer Bunny” of the background screening world. In this episode, Heidi and I laugh, reflect, and dig into her journ…

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Episode 5: Helping Background Screening Businesses Thrive with Perry Morgan 27:40

9M ago27:40

27:40

Send us a text What do fraud detection, barbecue hunts, and second chances have in common? Meet Perry Morgan, a true legend in the background screening industry who combines decades of expertise with an unwavering passion for helping people and businesses grow. From identifying fraud patterns back in the early days of mobile phones to guiding new C…

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Episode 4: Balancing Compliance, Career, and a Passion for Soup? Meet Melissa Foiles! 24:58

10M ago24:58

24:58

Send us a text What’s the connection between crafting airtight compliance processes and discovering the world’s best soups? In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Melissa Foiles—a true background screening expert and a dedicated foodie—to dive into her remarkable career, her dedication to PBSA, and her unique passion for regional cu…

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Episode 2: A Journey from Frat House Fax Machines to Industry Leadership with Robert Capwell 24:17

10M ago24:17

24:17

Send us a text Ever wondered how a background screening empire could be born out of a college fraternity house? Join me as I sit down with Robert “Bob” Capwell, a true pioneer in our industry, to uncover just that—and so much more. Bob may have started with “thermal fax machines” and stacks of paper, but he’s since evolved into a background screeni…

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Episode 3: Katie Kulp’s Career Journey in Background Screening: From Entry Level to Global Operations VP 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

Send us a text What’s it like to manage global operations by day and cart your kids to cheer competitions by night? This week, I sit down with Katie Kulp, a powerhouse in the screening industry with a refreshing “get-it-done” approach that extends from running operations at Certn to wrangling family life with ease. Katie shares her industry insight…

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Episode 1: A Double Life in Background Screening and Beyond with Craig Caddell 26:12

10M ago26:12

26:12

Send us a text Imagine meeting a guy who can navigate a call center as smoothly as he handles a sailboat in the open Pacific—and who’s also known for his “007” charm in the background screening world. This week, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Craig Caddell, who’s seen the evolution of our industry from three guys in a narrow room to a…

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Monitoring During COVID-19 - Interview with Jasmine Smith, Senior CRA 37:38

4+ y ago37:38

37:38

#021 - The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so much including the clinical research industry. Have you wondered how this will affect monitoring as a Clinical Research Associate? During this episode, I will be talking with Jasmine Smith and I am so excited! She has over 6 years of clinical research experience and is a Senior CRA. Jasmine is knowledgea…

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Types of Monitoring Visits Overview 9:35

5y ago9:35

9:35

#020 – If you are new to research, you may not be familiar with the types of monitoring visits that CRAs perform. In this episode I will address questions regarding monitoring visits and why each type of visit is required. Yay!! Join me for Q&A, as I share some experiences from my own CRA journey.By Elizabeth

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Where have I been? 11:10

5y ago11:10

11:10

#019 –Have you wondered what happened to me? LOL! So sorry for fading out, but I do have a good reason. In this episode, I will tell you where I have been and what I have been working on. I’ll give you a hint, it involves a new course 😉 Join me as I share details regarding the course, my purpose, my passion, and some experiences from my own CRA jou…

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Site Updates or Issues and the Domino Effect 14:57

5y ago14:57

14:57

#018 – Have you ever heard the term domino effect? Where something sets off a chain of events? This happens MANY times in monitoring when there are changes at a site, or an update with regulatory documents. One thing can cause a whole domino effect. In this episode I will discuss different scenarios when monitoring and the chain of events, or docum…

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Monitoring Tips Q&A 13:19

5+ y ago13:19

13:19

#017 – It is time for Questions and Answers!! In this episode I will address listener questions. Yahoo!! Have you ever wondered how to develop good monitoring visit routine and habits? What tools to help keep organized and meet deliverable deadlines? How to calculate study drug compliance? Tips to getting your start as a CRA? Join me for Q&A, as I …

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Consistency In Monitoring 16:11

5+ y ago16:11

16:11

#016 – Monitors are responsible for ensuring subject safety and data integrity. As a CRA, sometimes I felt like a detective on-site looking for clues in order to verify compliance with the protocol, GCPs, and federal regulations. What happens when these “clues” are inconsistent? In this episode I discuss the importance of consistency in monitoring,…

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Monitoring Tools 27:30

5+ y ago27:30

27:30

#015 – Do you ever wonder how a CRA knows where to begin at a monitoring visit, or what to do next? On this episode, I discuss helpful monitoring tools for all visit types. When a CRA is well prepared for a visit, it will go smoother, and save so much time. Each monitor is unique regarding what works for them, but I wanted to share what specificall…

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