The Career Path of a Clinical Research Coordinator

A clinical research coordinator is an integral part of the research team for medical studies. They conduct and manage clinical trials, providing outcomes that shape medical advances in new equipment, treatment for diseases, and immunisations, amongst other areas. 

With employment options available in hospitals, contract research organisations, IT companies, pharmaceutical companies, and wellness organisations, clinical research coordinators can seek various positions and are in high demand.

Discover more about the role of clinical research coordinator, including tasks and responsibilities, what you can earn, and how to become one.

What is a clinical research coordinator?

A clinical research coordinator—sometimes known as a clinical trial manager—supervises clinical research and drug trials, such as interventions involving drugs, vaccines, or devices to monitor their safety and efficacy. In this position, you recruit and screen participants, coordinate the day-to-day running of the trials, collect data, and produce reports. 

A clinical research coordinator is also responsible for ensuring a trial's safety and keeping the materials used safe during and after the study. You ensure the trial meets certain regulations and ethical standards whilst monitoring unexpected outcomes and maintaining thorough records.

Where does a clinical research coordinator sit in a clinical research team?

A clinical research coordinator reports to a principal investigator, who is responsible for the overall design and management of the study. In contrast, a clinical researcher organises the day-to-day running of the trials. As a clinical research coordinator, you will also work closely with sponsors and staff within their department responsible for finance, personnel, and compliance. You will typically oversee a clinical research team, including physicians, nurses, and other medical staff.

What are the primary duties and responsibilities of a clinical research coordinator?

Clinical research coordinators work in various workplaces, from hospitals to private businesses, and your duties will vary according to where you work and the types of trials you are helping to conduct. However, typical responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and overseeing the running of clinical trials

• Recruiting and screening participants for trials

• Managing documents and records of participants and trials 

• Ensuring trials follow regulatory, government, and ethical regulations and requirements

• Ensuring the safety of participants, supplies, and materials

• Performing cost analysis and preparing budgets

• Designing and delivering training to staff and participants 

• Collecting data and maintaining detailed records

• Acting as a point of contact for study participants to ask any questions or express concerns 

• Assisting with the setup and launch of the study whilst continuing to monitor it for the duration

• Overseeing the research team

Career pathway steps

To work in clinical research, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree and have a certain amount of experience, which you can acquire through internships or entry-level roles. You can pursue certifications and postgraduate qualifications to further your chances of a position. 

1. Bachelor's degree

A bachelor’s degree is generally the first step for anyone who wants to work as a clinical research coordinator. You’ll need to study a relevant subject, such as pharmacology, biology, chemistry, clinical research administration, public health, or microbiology. 

2. Work experience

Experience in healthcare or clinical research is essential for most positions. Some professionals come from a background in nursing or healthcare. If you have limited experience, getting some through an internship, voluntary assignment, or an entry-level role in a hospital, quality assurance, or research is a good idea. Experience in this field is essential for working towards certain industry-specific certifications.

3. Master's degree 

All you typically need to work as a clinical research coordinator is a bachelor’s degree and experience. However, some employers prefer a graduate degree, which can help set you apart from other applicants. 

4. Certification

It isn’t essential but recommended that you get a clinical research certification if you want to advance your career in clinical research. To become certified, you need to be working in the field. Certification verifies your skills and competence, potentially boosting career prospects and salary.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP-CP) provides a variety of certifications for clinical research professionals:

• ACRP Certified Professional (ACRP-CP): To validate your knowledge and skills as a clinical research professional

• Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC): To demonstrate your experience managing and facilitating clinical trial procedures.

• Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA): To recognise your ability to oversee the progress of a clinical trial in place of a sponsor.

• Certified Principal Investigator (CPI): To convey your experience as either principal or sub-investigator on numerous trials.

• ACRP Medical Device Professional (ACRP-MDP): To validate your knowledge of medical device trials.

• ACRP Project Manager (ACRP-PM): To validate your knowledge of project management within clinical research.

You can also find clinical research training programmes and certifications from organisations such as Bangalore Clinical Research Institute, which offers advanced diplomas and certifications in regulatory affairs, or the Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices, India (IGMPI), which offers the Certified Clinical Research Associate (CRA) credential.

How much do clinical research coordinators earn?

Glassdoor’s April 2025 data reveals that the median base salary for clinical research coordinators is ₹20,000 per month [1]. With bonuses and other forms of additional compensation, that figure can increase to a median total pay of ₹20,833 per month [1]. Salaries vary according to employer, industry, and type of trial. 

Next steps on the path of a clinical research coordinator

A clinical research coordinator can work in various places, including healthcare organisations, pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, and private organisations. In this job, you may also research new medicines, treatments for diseases, illness prevention, and vaccines. 

If you’re ready to take your next steps towards a career as a clinical research coordinator, you can start with a short course on the Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials from Johns Hopkins University on Coursera. Completing this can help you develop a good grounding in understanding clinical trials and research.