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The differences between clinical research associates 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 associate and a study coordinator. Additionally, a clinical research associate has an average salary of $62,966, which is higher than the $47,435 average annual salary of a study coordinator.
The top three skills for a clinical research associate include patients, informed consent and CRA. The most important skills for a study coordinator are patients, informed consent, and IRB.
Clinical Research Associate | Study Coordinator | |
Yearly Salary | $62,966 | $47,435 |
Hourly rate | $30.27 | $22.81 |
Growth Rate | 6% | 6% |
Number Of Jobs | 94,336 | 14,929 |
Job Satisfaction | - | - |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
Average Age | 44 | 44 |
Years Of Experience | 2 | 2 |
A clinical research associate is responsible for assisting medical professionals in clinical trials and conducting research studies on medications and medical procedures. Clinical research associates monitor the research materials, ensuring its safety and reliability through trial procedures, writing comprehensive reports of results, and disseminating information across the concerned parties. They also provide recommendations on improving clinical processes, reiterating protocol requirements, and maintaining strict confidentiality of the trial subjects. A clinical research associate must have extensive knowledge of the medical industry, including its disciplines and principles, to perform duties accurately under minimal supervision.
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 associates and study coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
Clinical Research Associate | Study Coordinator | |
Average Salary | $62,966 | $47,435 |
Salary Range | Between $43,000 And $91,000 | Between $34,000 And $65,000 |
Highest Paying City | San Francisco, CA | Oakland, CA |
Highest Paying State | California | Connecticut |
Best Paying Company | Meta | Bloodworks Northwest |
Best Paying Industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a clinical research associate and a study coordinator in terms of educational background:
Clinical Research Associate | Study Coordinator | |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
Most Common Major | Biology | Nursing |
Most Common College | University of Pennsylvania | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between clinical research associates' and study coordinators' demographics:
Clinical Research Associate | Study Coordinator | |
Average Age | 44 | 44 |
Gender Ratio | Male, 28.3% Female, 71.7% | Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3% |
Race Ratio | Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 13.0% White, 62.9% 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% |