Research administrator vs clinical coordinator

The differences between research administrators and clinical 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 research administrator and a clinical coordinator. Additionally, a clinical coordinator has an average salary of $57,665, which is higher than the $52,667 average annual salary of a research administrator.

The top three skills for a research administrator include research administration, customer service and principal investigators. The most important skills for a clinical coordinator are patients, customer service, and CPR.

Research administrator vs clinical coordinator overview

	Research Administrator	Clinical Coordinator
Yearly salary	$52,667	$57,665
Hourly rate	$25.32	$27.72
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	99,798	74,962
Job satisfaction	2	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a research administrator do?

A research administrator oversees the progress of research programs, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities mostly revolve around devising strategies to optimize processes, coordinating different departments, setting goals and objectives, managing the schedule and budgets, and maintaining records of all transactions. There are also instances when a research administrator must produce progress reports, participate in gathering surveys and feedbacks, and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a research administrator, it is essential to lead and encourage team members to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a clinical coordinator do?

A clinical coordinator is responsible for monitoring a healthcare facility's daily operations, ensuring the best quality services for the patients. Clinical coordinators perform administrative and clerical tasks as needed, such as organizing patient files, communicating with other departments and healthcare organizations for validating patients' information and insurance documents, prepare medical reports, assist medical professionals in medical procedures, and observe sanitary and hygienic standards. A clinical coordinator must have excellent time-management skills to perform duties under minimal supervision.

Research administrator vs clinical coordinator salary

Research administrators and clinical coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Research Administrator	Clinical Coordinator
Average salary	$52,667	$57,665
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $67,000	Between $43,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Dover, DE
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Delaware
Best paying company	Kronos Incorporated	Children's Hospital Colorado
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between research administrator and clinical coordinator education

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

	Research Administrator	Clinical Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 63%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Business	Nursing
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Research administrator vs clinical coordinator demographics

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

	Research Administrator	Clinical Coordinator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4%	Male, 19.2% Female, 80.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 8.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between research administrator and clinical coordinator duties and responsibilities

Research administrator example responsibilities.

Create and manage multiple computer databases using SAS and SPSS, ensuring data up-to-date and accurate.
Collect, manage and analyze preliminary data using SPSS statistical software.
Prepare complex NIH clinical research proposals involving coordination with several clinical research sites.
Assist with new patient eligibility evaluation, registration, and coordinating protocol relate care of patients enroll in clinical trials.
Train in GCP, ICH, FDA, and local regulations for drug and device trials.
Attend HIV treatment information meetings in Washington, D.C.

Clinical coordinator example responsibilities.

Manage chronic illnesses such as hypertension, coronary disease and diabetes.
Create and manage case report forms and transmit data through EDC to sponsor.
Manage patient telemetries systems to include EKG's, vitals, INR management and sleep monitoring systems.
Manage the CRA team and serve as main point of contact for study logistics and relate questions including subject eligibility questions.
Manage common side effects of chemotherapy and experimental therapies.
Manage the clinical reimbursement coordinators traveling schedule to ensure that facilities have adequate MDS coverage.

Research administrator vs clinical coordinator skills

Common research administrator skills

Research Administration, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Principal Investigators, 7%
PIS, 6%
Pre-award, 6%
Payroll, 5%

Common clinical coordinator skills

Patients, 29%
Customer Service, 6%
CPR, 5%
Rehabilitation, 3%
Vital Signs, 3%
Social Work, 3%

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Research Administrator
Research Administrator vs Clinical Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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