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The differences between clinical research assistants and clinical coordinators 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 research assistant and a clinical coordinator. Additionally, a clinical coordinator has an average salary of $57,665, which is higher than the $39,837 average annual salary of a clinical research assistant.
The top three skills for a clinical research assistant include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a clinical coordinator are patients, customer service, and CPR.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,837 | $57,665 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $27.72 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 97,380 | 74,962 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Clinical research assistants are responsible for assisting with scientific studies and monitoring clinical trials. Other duties and responsibilities include ensuring compliance with clinical trial procedures and protocols, finding research subjects, and collecting and analyzing data. In addition, they are responsible for overseeing clinical site activities and preparing documentation, presentation, and correspondence on findings. They are also expected to prepare informed consent for clinical trials and conduct audits on research trials. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a bachelor's degree in psychology, science or related field, previous work experience, and excellent communication skills.
A clinical coordinator is responsible for monitoring a healthcare facility's daily operations, ensuring the best quality services for the patients. Clinical coordinators perform administrative and clerical tasks as needed, such as organizing patient files, communicating with other departments and healthcare organizations for validating patients' information and insurance documents, prepare medical reports, assist medical professionals in medical procedures, and observe sanitary and hygienic standards. A clinical coordinator must have excellent time-management skills to perform duties under minimal supervision.
Clinical research assistants and clinical coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $39,837 | $57,665 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $54,000 | Between $43,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | Dover, DE |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Delaware |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Children's Hospital Colorado |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a clinical research assistant and a clinical coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between clinical research assistants' and clinical coordinators' demographics:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Clinical Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 12.9% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 8.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |