What is a Clinical Research Analyst

May 13

In the wide field of clinical research professionals, there are lots of job opportunities as well as job posts. They include; clinical research coordinators, clinical research project managers, clinical research trial managers, principal investigators, clinical research analysts, and many more. In this article, we will talk about the clinical research analyst position.

What does a clinical research analyst job entail?

Clinical research is often conducted and carried out in clinics, hospitals, clinical research trial sites, medical facilities, or laboratories (private and individual companies or pharmaceuticals). In effect, clinical research analyst work hand in hand with clinical research professionals within the medical field. They work on medical studies designed to measure the effectiveness of a medical device, drug, or medical process on the human body.

A clinical research analyst directly works under clinical research management. They work within teams that conduct medical studies, clinical research, and clinical trials.

Clinical research analyst are one of the many key players in clinical trials and medical studies. They combine clinical sciences, scientific research, medical education, analytical and communications skills, and sometimes financial skills and knowledge to their job. Their role is very flexible. They can be in labs, directly working with patients, or they can be providing scientific or financial insight to physicians and principal investigators.

The general job description of a clinical research analyst includes the following;

Working with scientists or physicians who oversee the clinical research process and procedures.
Direct interaction with patients by interviewing and screening them as potential candidates.
Collecting data from the clinical trial sites for further and accurate study.
Carry out research accounting and budgeting, this is where their financial acumen comes into play.
Acting as liaisons between supervising physician investigators and other medical staff such as nurses.
Coordinating clinical research studies by tracking inventory, collation, and collection of data, identifying and interacting with patients, and overseeing protocols.
Acting as the primary financial resource to go to for clinical study.

To be a clinical research analyst you need to have a minimum of an associate’s degree for an entry-level qualification. You will need a bachelor’s or master’s degree for higher level positions. For a clinical research analyst, work experience in a clinical research setting or other clinical related field is a requirement.

The prospective job growth is promising, as it is projected at an estimated 16% growth till 2024, with an estimated annual salary of $60,520 and above.

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

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