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Clinical research coordinator vs clinical research specialist

The differences between clinical research coordinators and clinical research specialists 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 coordinator and a clinical research specialist. Additionally, a clinical research specialist has an average salary of $60,945, which is higher than the $52,459 average annual salary of a clinical research coordinator.

The top three skills for a clinical research coordinator include patients, informed consent and IRB. The most important skills for a clinical research specialist are patients, clinical trials, and informed consent.

Clinical research coordinator vs clinical research specialist overview

Clinical Research CoordinatorClinical Research Specialist
Yearly salary$52,459$60,945
Hourly rate$25.22$29.30
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs102,96096,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does a clinical research coordinator do?

A clinical research coordinator is a healthcare professional responsible for administering clinical trials of drugs or medications. Clinical research coordinators work under the supervision of clinical research managers to collect data and help inform trial participants about the study's objectives. They must ensure that these trials have met all regulations, including drug safety, government regulations, and the organization's code of ethics. Clinical research coordinators must obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing and have at least two years of healthcare experience.

What does a clinical research specialist do?

An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel. They also work on coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.

Clinical research coordinator vs clinical research specialist salary

Clinical research coordinators and clinical research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical Research CoordinatorClinical Research Specialist
Average salary$52,459$60,945
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $42,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyGenentechEdwards Lifesciences
Best paying industryHealth CarePharmaceutical

Differences between clinical research coordinator and clinical research specialist education

There are a few differences between a clinical research coordinator and a clinical research specialist in terms of educational background:

Clinical Research CoordinatorClinical Research Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorNursingBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Clinical research coordinator vs clinical research specialist demographics

Here are the differences between clinical research coordinators' and clinical research specialists' demographics:

Clinical Research CoordinatorClinical Research Specialist
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 20.0% Female, 80.0%Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 10.7% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between clinical research coordinator and clinical research specialist duties and responsibilities

Clinical research coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Assess study participants for adverse reactions or complications and manage side effects of chemotherapy and other study relate drugs.
  • Establish and maintain strong community partnerships to achieve HIV prevention objectives.
  • Direct acquisition and analysis of functional MRI research data following GCP and FDA regulations
  • Prepare and maintain IRB and regulatory documentation for various research projects and consent patients for clinical research.
  • Facilitate constant communication between principal investigators, oncology nurses, and patients to address concerns and maximize eligibility and enrollment.
  • Schedule patient for study procedures; initiate/coordinate drug orders, laboratory procedures and treatments for patients base on standing protocol orders.
  • Show more

Clinical research specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the input of the subjects' data among various management database including iMedidata, EDC.
  • Develop and project manage a staffing program model to support inpatient oncology.
  • Manage all planning and execution of oncology clinical trials, domestic and international, including decision impact and companion diagnostic trials.
  • Review and edit clinical documentation for FDA submission and approval.
  • Prepare investigator initiate and industry study protocol for IRB review and approval.
  • Participate in study developments to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and guidelines.
  • Show more

Clinical research coordinator vs clinical research specialist skills

Common clinical research coordinator skills
  • Patients, 11%
  • Informed Consent, 10%
  • IRB, 7%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • Research Projects, 4%
  • Patient Care, 4%
Common clinical research specialist skills
  • Patients, 12%
  • Clinical Trials, 8%
  • Informed Consent, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • IRB, 6%
  • Research Data, 5%

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