Healthy Volunteer Clinical Trials
Help advance medical science without having a specific condition. Contribute to breakthrough research while earning compensation and receiving free health assessments.
Why Become a Healthy Volunteer?
Earn Money
Receive compensation for your time and participation
Free Health Checks
Get comprehensive medical exams and lab tests at no cost
Advance Science
Contribute to medical breakthroughs that help millions
Learn About Health
Gain insights into medical research and your own health
Types of Healthy Volunteer Studies
Phase I Drug Studies
Test new medications for safety and dosing in healthy adults before patient trials
- • Duration: 1-30 days
- • Compensation: $1,000-$10,000+
- • May require overnight stays
Vaccine Trials
Help develop new vaccines for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness
- • Duration: 3-12 months
- • Compensation: $500-$2,000
- • Usually outpatient visits
Bioequivalence Studies
Compare generic drugs to brand-name medications for FDA approval
- • Duration: 1-7 days
- • Compensation: $500-$3,000
- • Often single visit
Device & Diagnostic Studies
Test new medical devices, imaging techniques, or diagnostic tools
- • Duration: 1-5 visits
- • Compensation: $100-$1,000
- • No medication involved
Observational Studies
Provide health data over time to understand disease development
- • Duration: Months to years
- • Compensation: $50-$200/visit
- • Periodic check-ins
Nutrition & Exercise Studies
Evaluate effects of diet, supplements, or exercise on health
- • Duration: 4-12 weeks
- • Compensation: $200-$1,500
- • May include free meals/gym
Understanding Study Compensation
💵 Compensation Ranges
📋 What's Included
- ✓All medical care and procedures
- ✓Meals during inpatient stays
- ✓Travel reimbursement (usually)
- ✓Comprehensive health screening
- ✓Insurance for study-related issues
- ✓Time compensation payments
Tax Note: Clinical trial compensation is taxable income. Studies paying $600+ will issue a 1099 form. Keep records of all trial-related expenses for potential deductions.
General Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
- • Age 18+ (some studies 21+)
- • Valid ID and SSN
- • Generally healthy
- • BMI usually 18-32
- • Non-smoker (often required)
Medical History
- • No major health conditions
- • No regular medications
- • No recent surgeries
- • No drug/alcohol issues
- • Up-to-date vaccinations
Availability
- • Commit to all visits
- • Follow study restrictions
- • Available for follow-ups
- • Reliable transportation
- • Flexible schedule helps
What to Expect as a Volunteer
Initial Screening
Phone interview followed by in-person health screening including physical exam, blood tests, ECG, and medical history review. Usually compensated $50-$200.
Informed Consent
Detailed explanation of the study, risks, benefits, and your rights. You'll have time to ask questions and can take the consent form home to review.
Study Participation
Follow the study protocol, which may include taking medication, staying overnight, dietary restrictions, and regular health monitoring.
Follow-up
Post-study check-ups to ensure your continued well-being. May include phone calls or brief visits over several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to be a healthy volunteer?
Yes, studies are closely monitored by the FDA and ethics committees. You'll receive thorough health screenings, and medical staff monitor you throughout. You can withdraw at any time.
Will this affect my health insurance?
No, participating in clinical trials as a healthy volunteer should not affect your health insurance. The study covers all medical costs related to the research.
How often can I participate?
Most studies require a 30-90 day washout period between trials. Some facilities maintain databases to ensure volunteers don't over-participate for safety reasons.
Can I leave a study early?
Yes, you can withdraw at any time for any reason. However, you may receive reduced or no compensation if you don't complete the study (unless withdrawing for safety reasons).
Volunteer Spotlight
"As a graduate student, participating in clinical trials helped me pay off my loans while contributing to science. Over 3 years, I've participated in 8 studies, earned over $25,000, and learned so much about drug development. The medical teams are professional, and I've never felt unsafe. It's rewarding knowing I'm helping develop treatments that could save lives."
- Alex M., Regular Volunteer
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join thousands of healthy volunteers advancing medical science. Find studies near you, earn compensation, and contribute to breakthrough treatments.