OVERVIEW
What is a Clinical Research Coordinator?
Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) manage everything from participant recruitment to data collection. They’re responsible for directing the day-to-day activities involved in a diverse range of scientific inquiries, including drug trials, epidemiological investigations, genetic testing, and observational studies. CRCs help maintain a study's overall quality and integrity, ensuring that all systems and procedures adhere to informed consent laws, ethical standards, and federal regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Another central aspect of their work involves facilitating communication between the research team and the Institutional Review Board (IRB), an administrative body that safeguards participants’ rights. Before an organization can initiate a study, research coordinators must submit the study to the IRB for approval and make any requested modifications. A clinical research coordinator’s job is highly collaborative. Working closely with principal investigators, study sponsors, and regulatory agencies, these professionals promote goal alignment and foster a spirit of teamwork throughout the research process.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Clinical Research Coordinator Do?
Clinical research professionals’ work responsibilities can vary. A typical day often involves the following tasks:
- Recruiting patients to participate in clinical trials and research studies.
- Explaining the risks and potential benefits to participants so they can provide informed consent.
- Answering patients’ questions and addressing any of their concerns.
- Preparing and submitting reports detailing research practices to the IRB and FDA.
- Scheduling appointments and medical procedures.
- Ensuring that clinical studies comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Enabling smooth communication between the study subjects and the clinical staff.
- Conducting baseline assessments and patient interviews.
- Collecting and organizing data, including patient medical histories, study procedures, and test results.
- Maintaining updated documentation for regulatory authorities.
- Drafting reports about adverse events and protocol deviations.
- Managing the inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
- Assisting with grant applications, expense tracking, and participant reimbursement.
Where Does a Clinical Research Coordinator Work?
Clinical research coordinators play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including:
- Academic medical centers
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotech companies
- Private research clinics
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Clinical Research Coordinator?
The educational requirements for a clinical research coordinator position can differ based on the organization and job responsibilities. Employers typically seek candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in a science or medical field. Many clinical research coordinators have educational backgrounds in public health, biology, health science, health and human services, biomedical technology, or healthcare administration. A graduate degree such as a master’s in public health may be required for senior positions or specialized roles. Individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects can also pursue professional certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) and Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) certifications.
Best Degrees for a Clinical Research Coordinator
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health & Nursing
Health Science – B.S.
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world...
An online health science program designed for students who want real-world skills for valuable health careers.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Disease prevention
- Behavioral health
- Substance abuse support
- Health research
- Medical technology
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your healthcare career.
Health & Nursing
Master of Healthcare Administration
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.
- Time: 60% of grads finish within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Collaborative Leadership
- Healthcare Models and Systems
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Healthcare Information Technology
Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Master of Healthcare Administration
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.
- Time: 60% of grads finish within 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Collaborative Leadership
- Healthcare Models and Systems
- Healthcare Financial Management
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Healthcare Information Technology
Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Clinical Research Coordinator Make?
$69,974
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for clinical research coordinators is $69,974. Professionals in this field typically earn between $60,108 and $80,825 a year. However, the top 10% of earners can make more than $90,705. Salaries can vary depending on several factors, including geographic location, industry, work experience, certifications, and education. Clinical research coordinators with significant on-the-job experience can expect to earn higher wages than those just starting their careers.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Clinical Research Coordinator?
5%
Advancements in technology and increased funding for scientific research have led to a growing demand for clinical research coordinators who can manage medical studies. From 2022 to 2032, the job growth for natural sciences managers, including research coordinators, is projected to increase by 5%. This is nearly twice the average growth rate for all occupations, meaning the job outlook for clinical research coordinators is favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be about 6,500 clinical research coordinator openings each year during this period.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Clinical Research Coordinator Need?
Because the role involves a diverse set of responsibilities, clinical research coordinators need a combination of communication abilities, technical expertise, and managerial skills. Critical aptitudes for this job include:
- Technological proficiency. Research institutions use digital management systems, electronic investigator site files, electronic health record systems, and other technologies to automate tasks and organize information.
- Interpersonal communication. Clinical research coordinators utilize excellent communication skills to explain complex study protocols to subjects and to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Cultural sensitivity. Because they work with patients from diverse backgrounds, clinical research coordinators must understand cultural nuances and be respectful of differing beliefs.
- Medical knowledge. A basic understanding of medical terminology and healthcare practices helps facilitate smooth communication between research coordinators, investigators, and patients.
- Data management. Because they manage vital details about participants and procedures, clinical research coordinators should be adept at collecting and organizing data.
- Regulatory knowledge. To ensure compliance, clinical research coordinators need a comprehensive understanding of the laws, regulations, and standards involved in clinical research.
- Writing. Clinical research coordinators compose reports about research progress, adverse events, study outcomes, and compliance issues.
- Organization. Keeping orderly records of appointment schedules, research procedures, regulatory documentation, assessment data, and other information is essential to a research coordinator’s job.
- Time management. Clinical research coordinators often direct multiple studies simultaneously, so they must prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
- Adaptability. Study modifications, conflicts of interest, budgetary constraints, and other unexpected challenges are common, so research coordinators should be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
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