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Clinical Research Project Coordinators

Overview

Clinical Research Project Coordinators organize and manage medical studies that test new drugs, devices, or treatments on volunteer patients. They help design the study plan, create data collection forms, set up research sites, schedule patient visits, and train nurses and other staff to follow strict safety and documentation rules. They also track every dose, side effect, and lab result in databases, watch for problems in the protocol, and work with doctors, sponsors, and regulators to keep the study on budget, on schedule, and in full compliance with medical and legal standards.
Clinical Research Project Coordinators

Did you know?

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in life sciences and professional certification from organizations like ACRP or SoCRA to demonstrate competency in clinical research protocols.

At a Glance

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Repairing

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.
  • Solicit industry-sponsored trials through contacts and professional organizations.
  • Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.
  • Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.
  • Arrange for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.
  • Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.
  • Participate in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.
  • Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.
  • Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
  • Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.
  • Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.
  • Organize space for study equipment and supplies.
  • Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
  • Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
  • Contact industry representatives to ensure equipment and software specifications necessary for successful study completion.
  • Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
  • Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
  • Dispense medical devices or drugs, and calculate dosages and provide instructions as necessary.
  • Register protocol patients with appropriate statistical centers as required.
  • Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.
  • Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.
  • Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
  • Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.
  • Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.
  • Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
  • Interpret protocols and advise treating physicians on appropriate dosage modifications or treatment calculations based on patient characteristics.
  • Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.
  • Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.
  • Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
  • Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.
  • Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
  • Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.
  • Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.

Career Considerations

Certification and Education Requirements

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in life sciences and professional certification from organizations like ACRP or SoCRA to demonstrate competency in clinical research protocols.

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Success requires thorough knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and HIPAA compliance to ensure trials meet strict American regulatory standards.

Career Growth and Salary Potential

The role offers strong advancement opportunities with median salaries ranging from $45,000-$75,000, with potential progression to senior coordinator or clinical research management positions.

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