Learn all about becoming a certified clinical research coordinator, including education and work experience requirements.
Ever participated in a medical study or trial? Would you like to become the person in charge of conducting such trials?
If so, a career as a certified clinical research coordinator may be for you.
In this article, we'll discuss all you need to know about becoming a certified clinical research coordinator and give you a step-by-step outline for how to pursue this rewarding career.
What is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator?
A certified clinical research coordinator (CRC) is a medical professional who conducts trials. These trials may be related to testing new drugs, searching for disease cures, creating immunizations, and more.
The clinical research coordinator's job is to manage the day-to-day operations of a trial. They report to a principal investigator and work closely with doctors, nurses, research associates, and trial participants.
Some job duties of a clinical research coordinator include:
- recruiting people to participate in trials
- managing research-related documents
- training others involved in the trial
- managing a team of researchers
- creating budgets
Clinical research coordinators work in many different environments, such as hospitals, medical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and private businesses.
Clinical research coordinators must have excellent communication skills, both in writing and speaking. They will spend time at a desk completing paperwork as well as time on their feet working directly with trial participants and other researchers.
Most clinical research coordinators work long hours that may include some nights, weekends, and holidays. They must be available to answer participant questions at all times.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups certified clinical research coordinators under the broader field of natural sciences managers. These professionals earn a median income of just under $138,000 a year.
Most clinical research coordinators have a background in medical or healthcare fields. Many also have prior research experience as clinical research associates or interns.
If you are just starting out on this career path, what are the steps you should take to become a certified clinical research coordinator? Read on to find out.
<h2 id="section---Step1ObtainABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree</h2><p>Nearly all certified clinical research coordinators hold a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>. There is no one type of degree that is preferred, but a Bachelor of Science is usually a good starting point.
</p><p>Many aspiring clinical research coordinators pursue degrees in health sciences, microbiology, public health administration, or biomedical technologies.
</p><p>If a clinical research degree is available through your institution, this would be ideal and would put you on a quicker path to obtaining some types of certification. However, it is not a requirement.
</p><p>Whether you major in research or a related degree, it's a good idea to take classes that focus on medical research if these are available.
</p><h2 id="section---Step2WorkAnInternship">Step 2: Work an Internship</h2><p>This is an optional step, as you may or may not be able to find internship opportunities in your area. However, if you can work a clinical research internship while still in school or right after graduating, this will improve your chances of getting hired more quickly.
</p><p>Find out if there are internships available through your degree program or the school you attend. Learn about other opportunities available in your area.
</p><p>Again, the sooner you can participate in an internship, the better. If you can do so while still in school, then you will already have the internship work under your belt by the time you graduate, thus giving yourself a better chance at landing a relevant job sooner.
</p><h2 id="section---Step3GainWorkExperience">Step 3: Gain Work Experience</h2><p>Once you have your degree, you can begin applying for entry level jobs in research or related fields.
</p><p>Not all aspiring clinical research coordinators start out in this profession. They may start out working in some other capacity as a healthcare professional, business manager, or record keeper, to name a few.
</p><p>As you move toward becoming a clinical research coordinator, try to find a job as a clinical research associate. This more entry-level position will allow you to gain experience in the everyday workings of clinical trials and studies.
</p><p>Clinical research associates may be hired right out of college, or they may be required to have some work experience first. Either way, relevant internship experience can help you land one of these jobs more quickly.
</p><p>Once you have your foot in the door as an associate, you can begin gaining the necessary experience to eventually become a certified clinical research coordinator.
</p><h2 id="section---Step4ConsiderAnAdvancedDegree">Step 4: Consider an Advanced Degree</h2><p><a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Masters_Degree_FAQs.html">Master's degrees</a> and graduate certificates are not required, but they can greatly help your cause on your path to becoming a certified clinical research coordinator.
</p><p>Consider degree options like clinical research management or clinical administration. You can also pursue more generic degrees in health sciences, biology, or related fields. There is no one master's degree that is preferred or required.
</p><p>It's also a good idea to see what graduate certificates are offered by your school. Any certificate programs related to medical topics or clinical research will be beneficial.
</p><p>You can pursue a master's degree or certificate while working in the field, or you can obtain these advanced courses of study directly after graduating with your bachelor's degree.
</p><p>Either way, advanced education is preferred by some employers and may help you get hired in a clinical research position more quickly than a bachelor's degree alone.
</p><h2 id="section---Step5GetCertified">Step 5: Get Certified</h2><p>The final step to becoming a certified clinical research coordinator is getting certified. This isn't required to work in the field of clinical research, but it can make it easier for you to get hired.
</p><p>Two organizations within the U.S. offer certification exams for clinical research coordinators: the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
</p><p>Each organization has a specific list of requirements to obtain certification, and different levels are available. Many hours of documented work experience are required regardless of your level of certification.
</p><p>You will also be required to fill out an application, pass an exam, and pay a fee.
</p><p>However, once all of these requirements are met, you will be considered a certified clinical research coordinator and will have many new and higher-paying work opportunities available to you.
</p><h2 id="section---BecomeACertifiedClinicalResearchCoordinator">Become a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator</h2><p>Becoming a certified clinical research coordinator requires a bachelor's degree and plenty of work experience, but it is an <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Education_and_Career_FAQs.html">exciting career</a> for anyone who wants to have an impact on medical breakthroughs by conducting research.</p>
