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The differences between clinical research assistants and senior program coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a clinical research assistant, becoming a senior program coordinator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior program coordinator has an average salary of $74,468, 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 senior program coordinator are alumni, excellent organizational, and powerpoint.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,837 | $74,468 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $35.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 97,380 | 80,629 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 senior program coordinator is primarily in charge of spearheading and managing programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities revolve around participating in setting goals and objectives, securing funding and sponsors, overseeing the workforce, and even establishing guidelines. They may also facilitate communication within the company and liaise with external parties. Furthermore, as a senior program coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage the teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Clinical research assistants and senior program coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $39,837 | $74,468 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $54,000 | Between $46,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | California |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a clinical research assistant and a senior program coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between clinical research assistants' and senior program coordinators' demographics:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Senior Program Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% |
| 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, 11.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 16% |