What Is a Clinical Research Coordinator

May 30

The clinical research is a ground breaking field in the world of medical advancement and as such, has a wide variety of professionals that are changing and channeling the drive.

We will be taking a look at one of the highest paying certified clinical research professionals, clinical research coordinator.

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

The clinical research coordinator is responsible for conducting trials as per the GCP guidelines under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). Although the PI carries the overall responsibility for performing the trial, the CRC is the heart and soul of the clinical trial and that, ultimately, it is the CRC who carries ahead the research objectives and ensures the success of the clinical trial.

Having a certification in clinical research in other to become a clinical research coordinator is not compulsory, but certification enables one to show that they have met the necessary requirements and have gained job-relevant knowledge and skills. This distinction is very important to pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations, who frequently hire clinical research staff.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and 6,000 hours of experience.

• An associate degree in clinical research fields amd 4,500 hours of experience, or

• A Bachelor's, Master's, or Registered Nurse degree and 3,000 hours of clinical research experience.

You can come from a variety of medical sciences or health related fields, or from a nursing background as a RN. Courses offered in hospital and clinical related ethics, team management, and research methodologies will be especially valuable.

Who Will Hire Clinical Research Coordinators?

Pharmaceutical Organizations
Contract Research Organizations
Universities
Hospitals

SPECIALIZATIONS

They focus on the following;

1) Participating in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.

2) Informing patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.

3) Communicating with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.

4) Ordering drugs or devices necessary for study completion.

5) Directing the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.

6) Arranging for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.

7) Reviewing scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.

SALARY

Clinical research coordinators have had a positive trend of pay for experience. Therefore a CRC with less than 5 years experience is paid an average total compensation of $43,000 (based on 1,237 salaries). Employees with 5 to 10 years experience can expect the average compensation of $51,000 (based on 429 salaries). Employees with 10 to 20 years of experience is paid an average compensation of $55,000 (based on 265 salaries). Finally, employees with more than 20 years of experience can expect a compensation of $62,000 (based on 52 salaries).

While many stay CRCs their entire career, most will move to higher postions after 3-5 years of experience. One of the most popular careers CRCs switch to is CRA, which can pay up to $300k.

Take courses from CCRPS and learn more on how to become a clinical research professional.

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