Clinical research projects evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drugs and other medical treatments. This requires attention to detail, planning, and facilitation. Clinical research coordinators carefully organize clinical studies to produce the most accurate results possible. They maintain critical, legal records of what goes on during studies, including case reports and drug dispensation records. Their data is essential in determining the success or failure of a therapy. These reports may need to be shared with officials or other regulatory agencies. Clinical research coordinators must exercise clear ethical standards when it comes to screening, monitoring, and directing study participants. They ensure that participants understand and voluntarily consent to a study. Subjects may only participate in a study after a clinical research coordinator interviews them, reviews medical records, and consults with the appropriate medical professionals to ensure it is safe and responsible to do so. They often advise sponsors of the study on procedural issues and may schedule the facilities, as well as analyze the risks of clinical studies. Many clinical researchers work in research centers, pharmaceutical labs, universities, and large hospitals. Most work full time, and have a bachelor’s degree with a major in a health sciences or related field. Some employers require Coordinators to have a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse credentials for these positions.
What they do:
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
On the job, you would:
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Health
medicine and dentistry
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
changing what is done based on other people's actions
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Cooperation
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Attention to Detail
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Invivo Data EPX ePRO Management System
PPD Patient Profiles
Video conferencing software
Google Meet
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
bachelor's degree or certificate after high school usually needed