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Clinical research coordinator vs research nurse

The differences between clinical research coordinators and research nurses 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 research nurse. Additionally, a research nurse has an average salary of $53,463, 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 research nurse are patients, informed consent, and data collection.

Clinical research coordinator vs research nurse overview

Clinical Research CoordinatorResearch Nurse
Yearly salary$52,459$53,463
Hourly rate$25.22$25.70
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs102,96046,665
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
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 research nurse do?

A research nurse specializes in conducting studies and scientific research for healthcare and medical development. They may work for medical facilities, private clinics, learning institutions, and government agencies. It is their duty to design research strategies and procedures, gather and analyze samples through various scientific methods, coordinate with other experts, and develop treatment and healthcare plans to optimize patient services and outcomes. Moreover, a research nurse typically works with a team of researchers, which requires an active communication line while adhering to the organization's policies and regulations.

Clinical research coordinator vs research nurse salary

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

Clinical Research CoordinatorResearch Nurse
Average salary$52,459$53,463
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $72,000Between $38,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyGenentechLaboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Best paying industryHealth CarePharmaceutical

Differences between clinical research coordinator and research nurse education

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

Clinical Research CoordinatorResearch Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Clinical research coordinator vs research nurse demographics

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

Clinical Research CoordinatorResearch Nurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 20.0% Female, 80.0%Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
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, 15.3% Asian, 8.4% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between clinical research coordinator and research nurse 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.
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Research nurse example responsibilities.

  • Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
  • Adhere to local and country specific GCP and ICH guidelines.
  • Ensure coordinator and investigator compliance with GCP and ICH guidelines.
  • Assure compliance with good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines and FDA regulations.
  • Ensure appropriate source documentation, drug accountability and study compliance according to GCP and CFR.
  • Oversee study protocol implementation to ensure compliance with FDA and other regulatory bodies' rules and regulations.
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Clinical research coordinator vs research nurse skills

Common clinical research coordinator skills
  • Patients, 11%
  • Informed Consent, 10%
  • IRB, 7%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • Research Projects, 4%
  • Patient Care, 4%
Common research nurse skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Informed Consent, 11%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • IRB, 5%
  • Oncology, 4%
  • Research Projects, 4%

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