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Clinical Research Coordinators Overview

“Clinical research coordinators are the backbone of clinical research studies that take place at clinics, hospitals, and clinical research centers. Their job includes obtaining consent from the patient, enrolling the patient in the study, making sure that everything goes right during the study visits, collecting all the data, and sending it to the research company.”

Clinical trials are an essential component of medical research in which human participants are utilized to advance medical knowledge. These trials can be observational, where a group is simply studied without intervention, or clinical, where an intervention is applied to some or all of the participants.

According to the US National Library of Medicine, there are roughly 485,000 active clinical trials worldwide. New treatments, procedures, and medicine wouldn’t reach the market without these trials.

Clinical research coordinators are integral to the success of clinical research trials. They help manage much of the administrative work from budgeting, compliance, and reporting, in addition to helping execute the trial itself by obtaining informed consent, administering questionnaires, and screening applicants for eligibility.

Below is an overview of the clinical research coordinator career, including steps to obtain a job, the education needed, and the licensing requirements.

Meet the Expert: Kathleen A. Thoma, EdD, CCRP, CPH

Dr. Kathleen Thoma is a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She has over 20 years of experience in clinical research, health services research, and educational research, and previously served as the director of research and a clinical research specialist at the University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education, and Service (UF CARES).

Dr. Thoma’s expertise spans managing numerous NIH and industry-sponsored clinical trials, with a focus on NIH-sponsored trials through the IMPAACT Network and PHACS network. She has held various key roles in research and educational settings, including positions at organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and Florida State College at Jacksonville. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership with a cognate in public health from the University of North Florida, is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), and is Certified in Public Health (CPH). Her research interests encompass HIV/AIDS, health disparities, health behavior, and patient-centered outcomes research.

Clinical Research Coordinator Specializations & Degree Types

Many colleges and universities offer degrees in clinical research both at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Roughly 60 percent of professionals in this career hold a bachelor’s, while 12 percent hold a post-secondary certificate, and 9 percent have completed some college but have no credential or degree (O*NET Online “Clinical Research Coordinators” 2024).

There are even associate degree programs in clinical research such as the associate’s of applied science degree in clinical research at Oklahoma City Community College. Some students will choose to complete their education as a registered nurse (RN) before completing a certificate of mastery in clinical research and entering the field. Students who wish to pursue a career in clinical research can also major in various health sciences degrees, including biology, public health, and health administration.

Admissions Requirements for Clinical Research Coordinator Programs

Clinical research coordinator program admission requirements vary by school, but nearly all require students to have graduated from high school or completed a GED. Bachelor’s degree programs often require an SAT or ACT score and completion of specific high school classes such as foreign languages, advanced math, or science. Personal statement essays and letters of recommendation generally must be submitted as well.

Certificate programs frequently require students to have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs require students to have completed a bachelor’s degree. Many programs look for GRE scores, work experience, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

Clinical Research Coordinator Program Accreditation

While there is no national or regional accrediting body for clinical research coordinator programs, students can ensure that the program they are enrolling in is high quality by verifying the school’s accreditation. Students should look for schools that hold national or regional accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE).

On-Campus Clinical Research Coordinator Degree Programs

Completing a bachelor of science degree (BS) in clinical research at UNCW’s School of Nursing prepares students to navigate the regulatory, business, and clinical aspects of developing new therapies to treat diseases, extend life expectancy, and increase the quality of life. Students must take prerequisite courses and fulfill general university education requirements in their first two years at UNCW. In the spring of their sophomore year, they can apply for admission to the clinical research program.

Once in the program, students take courses such as pharmacotherapeutics, bioanalytics, and managing clinical trials. Senior year requirements include an internship that gives students hands‑on experience in the science and management of clinical research.

• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

BU’s master’s in clinical research at Boston University’s School of Medicine is an outstanding program. Full‑time students can complete this 32‑credit program in just four semesters. To graduate, an extensive practicum and capstone project are required.

This program is ideal for physicians, nurses, research coordinators, and other professionals who want to learn how to manage clinical research. Students should submit their application, transcripts verifying a baccalaureate degree, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores to apply for fall admission.

• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association (AMA)

The associate of applied science in clinical research coordinator at Northwest Vista College prepares students to work in clinical research administration. The three‑year program teaches students how to manage a clinical trial, including ethical and regulatory considerations. All students must take a Good Clinical Practice course, which teaches them internationally recognized standards to ensure their trials uphold high scientific standards.

During the final year of the program, students must complete a clinical research internship. During this internship, students work with a local mentor in a clinical trial to develop objectives and then work towards meeting them. Internships can take place in businesses, universities, medical centers, or even pharmaceutical companies.

• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

At Pima Community College, aspiring clinical research coordinators can complete an associate’s in applied science in clinical research coordination. In addition to general education classes in writing, math, and science, students must complete 35 credits in clinical research coursework.

Courses include an introduction to research data, product development and regulatory affairs, pharmacology for clinical trials, and research management. To graduate, students must complete an internship. Often, this internship can lead to job opportunities where the internship was completed.

To be eligible for admission to this competitive program, students must attend an in‑person information session and have a meeting with the program director. They must also complete an online application, provide proof of health insurance, and submit immunization records.

• Location: Tucson, AZ
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

With a clinical research coordinator technical certificate from Florida State College at Jacksonville, students can find entry‑level employment in clinical research. This program is targeted toward students who already have a healthcare background but may not have experience in clinical research. These include nurses, medical assistants, and laboratory technicians, although students with a business background may also find this certificate useful.

All students must complete 30 credits. Required classes include basic pharmacology for health information management, health data analysis, medical terminology for health professions, and research methods and applications.

• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Online or Hybrid Clinical Research Coordinator Degree Programs

Students who have already completed an associate degree or have between 45 to 60 transferable credits can apply for the GWU bachelor’s of science in health sciences in clinical research administration.

This online degree completion program comprises 60 credits. It prepares students to work in clinical research, where they can help bring new therapeutic treatments, devices, and practices to market. Students learn to write clinical development plans, navigate ethical considerations, and adhere to local, national, and federal regulations.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)

With the flexibility to complete courses at their leisure, students can find the online master’s of science in clinical research at Campbell University to be accessible and innovative. In as little as a year, students can earn a degree that prepares them for leadership roles in government agencies, biotechnology industries, and medical institutions.

Required courses include data management, medical ethics, and healthcare economics. A four‑semester research‑based project is also required. Upon graduation, students typically find employment as project managers, biostatisticians, and clinical research coordinators.

• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The online master’s in clinical research management, organization, and administration at Drexel University can help jump‑start a clinical research career. Targeted at professionals who already work in clinical research, this master’s provides the credentials and education to step into management.

Unlike other clinical research management programs, this program doesn’t have a set curriculum. Students must complete courses in seven key areas, but they can select courses based on their interests and aspirations.

Graduates of this program will have the skill to apply frameworks and philosophies to clinical research, employ good clinical practices, utilize statistics to make decisions and adhere to high ethical and regulatory standards.

• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Sometimes, clinical research coordinators work in the field with little to no training. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s clinical research coordinator training is designed specifically for these professionals. This program is a two‑day in‑person or five‑session online class and a crash course in clinical trial coordination. It covers the basics of Good Clinical Practice, clinical research conduct, and federal regulations.

While this program is not intended to replace a full program of study, it can provide valuable information quickly to professionals who need it immediately. Students can also expect to receive many tools and templates to help them get up and running as quickly as possible.

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Duration: Two days or five sessions
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

The University of Central Florida College of Health and Public Affairs offers both an online master’s degree and an online graduate certificate in research administration. Both programs provide students with an in‑depth understanding of research practices, ethics, and regulation. While the master’s program is 36 credits and approximately two years, the certificate is only 18 credits and can be completed in just one year. Credits earned as part of the certificate can later be used to earn the master’s, should a student continue their studies.

This program encompasses all aspects of research administration and does not limit itself to clinical research. This can benefit students as they learn about intellectual property protection, commercialization, and strategic planning, which they may not get in a traditional clinical research program.

• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How Long Does it Take to Become a Clinical Research Coordinator?

After graduating from high school, students can expect to spend two to four years completing their clinical research coordinator education. Then, depending on the degree obtained, students need to secure employment in the field and complete 3,000 to 6,000 hours performing the essential job duties of a clinical research coordinator. Upon completion of the hours, they can sit for certification exams.

How To Become a Clinical Research Coordinator – Step‑by‑Step Guide Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a Ged (Four Years)

Students who wish to pursue a career as a clinical research coordinator need to complete high school or acquire their GED. They are encouraged to have strong marks in math and science coursework to qualify for an undergraduate program.

Step 2: Attend an Undergraduate College Program (Two to Four Years)

Professionals in the clinical research coordination field