Clinical Trial Coordinator
What is a clinical trial coordinator?
A clinical trial coordinator is someone who helps to organize and manage clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, treatments, or medical devices.
What does a clinical trial coordinator do?
Usually, a clinical trial coordinator does the following:
- Assists in the planning and setup of clinical trials
- Recruits and screens participants for the trials
- Coordinates appointments, tests, and procedures for participants
- Collects and manages data from the trials
- Ensures that the trials are being conducted according to ethical and regulatory guidelines
- Collaborates with healthcare professionals and researchers involved in the trials
What does the day-to-day life of a clinical trial coordinator look like?
A clinical trial coordinator usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the organization you are working for. You may spend your day:
- Reviewing and updating trial protocols and documents
- Contacting potential participants and answering their questions
- Scheduling and coordinating participant visits and tests
- Collecting and recording data from participants
- Organizing meetings with the research team and study sponsors
- Ensuring that the trial is being conducted within regulations and guidelines
Where does a clinical trial coordinator work?
Clinical trial coordinators can work in various settings, including:
- Hospitals and medical research centers
- Pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies
- Contract research organizations (CROs)
- Academic institutions
- Government agencies
They may work in office settings, research laboratories, or clinical trial sites.
What tools/software/hardware does a clinical trial coordinator use?
A clinical trial coordinator uses a variety of tools and software, including:
- Electronic data capture systems for managing and recording trial data
- Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating and analyzing documents
- Project management software for tracking trial progress and timelines
- Communication tools like email and video conferencing software
What do I need to become a clinical trial coordinator?
To become a clinical trial coordinator, you can take one of the following paths:
- Bachelor's degree: Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, nursing, or pharmacy. A degree in clinical research or a related discipline is also beneficial.
- Certification: Some organizations offer certification programs for clinical trial coordinators to enhance their knowledge and skills. Examples include the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) and the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certifications.
- Experience: Gaining experience as a research assistant or in a related role can also help you enter the field of clinical trial coordination.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to clinical trial coordinators, including:
- Clinical Research Associate (CRA): CRAs oversee and monitor clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols and regulations. To start as a CRA, you may need additional experience and/or certification.
- Clinical Project Manager: Clinical project managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of clinical trials. As you gain experience in clinical trial coordination, you may move into project management roles.
- Research Coordinator Supervisor: In this role, you would oversee a team of clinical trial coordinators and provide guidance and support in managing trials.
- Data Manager: Data managers are responsible for collecting, organizing, and ensuring the accuracy of data collected during clinical trials.
What jobs are similar to a clinical trial coordinator?
- Clinical Research Assistant: Assisting in the coordination and management of clinical trials.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and submitting documents to regulatory authorities.
- Quality Assurance Associate: Monitoring and assessing compliance with quality standards in clinical trials.
- Healthcare Manager: Overseeing the management and operations of healthcare facilities or departments.
What made you want to become a clinical trial coordinator?
How did you get your first clinical trial coordinator job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a clinical trial coordinator?
Are you a clinical trial coordinator? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to clinical trial coordination. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.