Clinical research specialist vs study coordinator

The differences between clinical research specialists 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 specialist and a study coordinator. Additionally, a clinical research specialist has an average salary of $60,945, which is higher than the $47,435 average annual salary of a study coordinator.

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

Clinical research specialist vs study coordinator overview

	Clinical Research Specialist	Study Coordinator
Yearly salary	$60,945	$47,435
Hourly rate	$29.30	$22.81
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	96,707	14,929
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 study coordinator do?

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 specialist vs study coordinator salary

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Study Coordinator
Average salary	$60,945	$47,435
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $87,000	Between $34,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	Santa Rosa, CA	Oakland, CA
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	Edwards Lifesciences	Bloodworks Northwest
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between clinical research specialist and study coordinator education

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Study Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Biology	Nursing
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Clinical research specialist vs study coordinator demographics

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

	Clinical Research Specialist	Study Coordinator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%	Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3%
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, 15.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between clinical research specialist and study coordinator 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.

Study coordinator example responsibilities.

Manage and analyze EKG and sleep data collect from subjects in confidential database.
Establish and maintain strong community partnerships to achieve HIV prevention objectives.
Conduct consent discussions and other study procedures per protocol and CFR and GCP guidelines.
Maintain strict patient confidentiality according to HIPPA regulations, GCP and ICH , 21 CFR and other regulatory documentation.
Maintain accurate IRB, regulatory and study documentation to insure compliance with protocol and good clinical practice guidelines.
Coordinate day-to-day study activities including data collection and statistical analysis, protocol development/implementation, IRB relations, and staff development.

Clinical research specialist vs study coordinator skills

Common clinical research specialist skills

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

Common study coordinator skills

Patients, 14%
Informed Consent, 9%
IRB, 7%
Data Collection, 5%
FDA, 5%
Clinical Trials, 4%

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Clinical Research Specialist
Clinical Research Specialist vs Study Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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