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Research nurse vs clinical trial manager

The differences between research nurses and clinical trial managers 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 nurse and a clinical trial manager. Additionally, a clinical trial manager has an average salary of $93,644, which is higher than the $53,463 average annual salary of a research nurse.

The top three skills for a research nurse include patients, informed consent and data collection. The most important skills for a clinical trial manager are patients, clinical trial management, and clinical operations.

Research nurse vs clinical trial manager overview

Research NurseClinical Trial Manager
Yearly salary$53,463$93,644
Hourly rate$25.70$45.02
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs46,66560,284
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

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.

What does a clinical trial manager do?

A clinical trial manager is primarily responsible for organizing and supervising clinical trials, ensuring to meet all goals while maintaining smooth operations. They are also responsible for collaborating with managers to set targets, hiring staff and participants for studies, and arranging the event. This planning includes its location and schedule. A clinical trial manager must also maintain documentation of all processes, liaise with scientists and key personnel, acquire necessary legal paperwork and certifications, and gather data accurately. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Research nurse vs clinical trial manager salary

Research nurses and clinical trial managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research NurseClinical Trial Manager
Average salary$53,463$93,644
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $74,000Between $61,000 And $142,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Rafael, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkCalifornia
Best paying companyLaboratory Corporation of America HoldingsEditas Medicine
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalPharmaceutical

Differences between research nurse and clinical trial manager education

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

Research NurseClinical Trial Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorNursingBiology
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Research nurse vs clinical trial manager demographics

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

Research NurseClinical Trial Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 9.2% Female, 90.8%Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.1% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between research nurse and clinical trial manager duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Clinical trial manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage SAEs and assure they are properly record and report.
  • Manage CRO vendors and ensure timely execution of study milestones.
  • Manage assign independent consultants and employee CRAs regarding project-relate issues.
  • Lead study data management activities for oncology trials in preparation for study close-out.
  • Ensure study adherence to all regulatory matters and sponsor requirements according to FDA regulations, GCP and ICH guidelines.
  • Create document templates require by FDA and ICH regulations for site distribution.
  • Show more

Research nurse vs clinical trial manager skills

Common research nurse skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Informed Consent, 11%
  • Data Collection, 5%
  • IRB, 5%
  • Oncology, 4%
  • Research Projects, 4%
Common clinical trial manager skills
  • Patients, 8%
  • Clinical Trial Management, 7%
  • Clinical Operations, 6%
  • Clinical Research, 6%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Project Management, 5%

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