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The differences between clinical research assistants and study 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 study coordinator. Additionally, a study coordinator has an average salary of $47,435, 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 study coordinator are patients, informed consent, and IRB.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Study Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,837 | $47,435 |
| Hourly rate | $19.15 | $22.81 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 97,380 | 14,929 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| 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.
Study coordinators oversee the entire process of clinical research from its inception to its completion. The coordinators make certain that human subjects are safe and well-protected. They identify the eligibility of the subject through clinical record screening and medical information extracting. It is their responsibility to maintain the regulatory documents based on the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should develop skills and knowledge in clinical trials, study protocol, and patient care.
Clinical research assistants and study coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Assistant | Study Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $39,837 | $47,435 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $54,000 | Between $34,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Farmington, CT | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Bloodworks Northwest |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a clinical research assistant and a study coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Study Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between clinical research assistants' and study coordinators' demographics:
| Clinical Research Assistant | Study Coordinator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.8% Female, 73.2% | Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3% |
| 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, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |