Clinical associate vs research administrator

The differences between clinical associates and research administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a clinical associate and a research administrator. Additionally, a clinical associate has an average salary of $91,027, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a clinical associate include patients, rehabilitation and home health. The most important skills for a research administrator are research administration, customer service, and principal investigators.

Clinical associate vs research administrator overview

	Clinical Associate	Research Administrator
Yearly salary	$91,027	$52,667
Hourly rate	$43.76	$25.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	56,977	99,798
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a clinical associate do?

A clinical associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a medical facility by performing administrative and clerical duties as needed to provide high-quality care services for the patients and assisting health care professionals in performing medical procedures. Clinical associates monitor the conditions of the patients, administer medication, collect laboratory samples, and conduct initial medical assessments such as checking temperature and vital signs. A clinical associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on addressing different patients' needs and reporting the patients' progress to the physicians.

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Clinical associate vs research administrator salary

Clinical associates and research administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clinical Associate	Research Administrator
Average salary	$91,027	$52,667
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $208,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Baltimore, MD	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Massachusetts
Best paying company	University of Iowa Center for Advancement	Kronos Incorporated
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between clinical associate and research administrator education

There are a few differences between a clinical associate and a research administrator in terms of educational background:

	Clinical Associate	Research Administrator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common major	Nursing	Business
Most common college	Duke University	Stanford University

Clinical associate vs research administrator demographics

Here are the differences between clinical associates' and research administrators' demographics:

	Clinical Associate	Research Administrator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 8.6% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between clinical associate and research administrator duties and responsibilities

Clinical associate example responsibilities.

Perform EKG's, placement of cardiac leads and telemetry unit (critical care only).
Manage patient caseload with emphasis in occupational rehabilitation
Assist nurses and doctors with procedures, EKG monitoring, clinical duties, clerical duties.
Assist with project plan management, FDA submission paperwork, and tracking of contingency plans / appropriate triggers.
Experience with communication with professional staff regarding pertinent observations concerning conditions of patients.
Participate in disease diagnosis and treatment in the department of internal medicine and pediatrics

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Clinical associate vs research administrator skills

Common clinical associate skills

Patients, 30%
Rehabilitation, 6%
Home Health, 6%
Vital Signs, 5%
CPR, 4%
Excellent Interpersonal, 4%

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

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Clinical Associate
Clinical Associate vs Research Administrator

Updated January 8, 2025

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