Clinical research specialist vs research nurse

The differences between clinical research specialists 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 specialist and a research nurse. Additionally, a clinical research specialist has an average salary of $60,945, which is higher than the $53,463 average annual salary of a research nurse.

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

Clinical research specialist vs research nurse overview

	Clinical Research Specialist	Research Nurse
Yearly salary	$60,945	$53,463
Hourly rate	$29.30	$25.70
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	96,707	46,665
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

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.

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 specialist vs research nurse salary

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Research Nurse
Average salary	$60,945	$53,463
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $87,000	Between $38,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	Santa Rosa, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	Edwards Lifesciences	Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Pharmaceutical

Differences between clinical research specialist and research nurse education

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Research Nurse
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Biology	Nursing
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Duke University

Clinical research specialist vs research nurse demographics

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Research Nurse
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%	Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
Race ratio	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%	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 Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between clinical research specialist and research nurse duties and responsibilities

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.

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.

Clinical research specialist vs research nurse skills

Common clinical research specialist skills

Patients, 12%
Clinical Trials, 8%
Informed Consent, 8%
Data Collection, 7%
IRB, 6%
Research Data, 5%

Common research nurse skills

Patients, 18%
Informed Consent, 11%
Data Collection, 5%
IRB, 5%
Oncology, 4%
Research Projects, 4%

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Clinical Research Specialist
Clinical Research Specialist vs Research Nurse

Updated January 8, 2025

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