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Entry Level Cra Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cra information

See Ohio salary details

$11

$39

$66

How much do entry level cra jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cra in Ohio is $39.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $50.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) can be an entry-level position, especially for those with a background in life sciences or healthcare. Many companies offer entry-level CRA roles that require basic knowledge of clinical trials, good communication skills, and sometimes a relevant certification or degree. Advancement often involves gaining experience and additional training in clinical research processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cra vs Entry Level Clinical Research Associate?

AspectEntry Level CraEntry Level Clinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; certification preferred but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentClinical trial sites, hospitals, research facilitiesMonitoring clinical trials at sites, coordinating with sponsors and investigators
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Cra vs Entry Level Clinical Research Associate

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field. Entry Level Cra and Entry Level Clinical Research Associate are often used interchangeably, focusing on monitoring clinical trials, ensuring compliance, and supporting research activities within pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The main difference lies in terminology preference, but responsibilities and work environments are very similar.

How to become a CRA without experience?

To become an entry-level Clinical Research Associate (CRA) without experience, focus on gaining knowledge of clinical trial processes through online courses or certifications such as the CCRP. Developing skills in data management, regulatory compliance, and monitoring procedures, along with familiarity with clinical trial software, can improve your chances; some employers may also consider related healthcare or research backgrounds for entry-level roles.

What are Entry Level CRAs?

Entry Level Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are professionals who help manage and monitor clinical trials to ensure they are conducted according to regulatory guidelines and study protocols. They typically assist with site visits, data verification, and documentation. Entry level CRAs often work under the supervision of more experienced team members while learning the responsibilities of the role. Their work is essential to ensuring the safety of participants and the integrity of clinical trial data.

Is it hard to get a CRA job?

Securing an entry-level Clinical Research Associate (CRA) position can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in life sciences or healthcare and some familiarity with clinical trial processes. Candidates typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and may benefit from certifications like the CCRP or CRA training programs. Entry-level roles may have less strict requirements, but gaining experience through internships or related positions can improve chances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Research Associate (CRA), and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Research Associate (CRA), you generally need a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field, strong attention to detail, and foundational knowledge of clinical trial processes. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory documentation is typically required, and GCP certification is often preferred. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration with research teams and site staff.

How much does an entry-level CRA make?

An entry-level Clinical Research Associate (CRA) typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the location, company, and educational background. Starting salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development in clinical trial monitoring and regulatory compliance.

What Does an Entry-Level CRA Do?

As an entry-level clinical research associate (CRA), you monitor the daily operation of clinical trials and research. Your responsibilities include a mix of administrative duties, such as ordering supplies and coordinating schedules, and research functions, such as collecting data, getting informed consent to investigate human subjects, and ensuring that the set up of the experiment or trial is correct. Clinical research associates may work in teaching hospitals, for pharmaceutical companies, or for other private businesses that focus on clinical trials. As an entry-level CRA, you may have some limited supervisory duties, such as coordinating clinical technicians.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level CRAs and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) often face challenges such as managing multiple study sites, adapting to frequent travel, and staying compliant with complex regulatory requirements. To overcome these hurdles, it's crucial to develop strong organizational skills, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate with site staff and project managers. Building a solid understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and leveraging available training resources can also help new CRAs navigate the learning curve more effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cra jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Cra jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Entry Level Cra jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Entry Level Cra job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cra job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Locum Tenens, 53% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,324 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Clinical Research Associate - Cincinnati, OH (Entry-Level)

Clinical Research Associate - Cincinnati, OH (Entry-Level)

Medpace, Inc.

Cincinnati, OH • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Medpace rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated research


Job description

Job Summary

Join our team in Cincinnati, Ohio!

The Clinical Research Associate position at Medpace offers the unique opportunity to have an exciting career in the research of drug and medical device development while making a difference in the lives of those around them. For those with a medical and/or health/life science background who want to explore the research field, travel the US, and be part of a team bringing pharmaceutical and medical devices to market - this could be the right opportunity for you!

Our successful Clinical Research Associates possess various backgrounds in medical and other science-related healthcare fields. Backgrounds of individuals who have succeeded in the CRA role include:

  • Nursing
  • Dietetics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Pharmaceutical/Device Sales Representative
  • Physical and Occupational Therapist
  • Biomedical/Chemical Engineer
  • PhD/Post-Doc
  • Health and Wellness Education Coordinators
  • Clinical Research Coordinators
  • Research Assistants

MEDPACE CRA TRAINING PROGRAM (PACE)

No research experience is needed as Medpace provides comprehensive initial and ongoing training, unmatched by other CROs. Through our PACE Training Program, you will join other Professionals Achieving CRA Excellence:

  • PACE provides the platform to effectively and confidently carry out your duties, enhance your current abilities and ultimately help you become a high-functioning independent Medpace CRA.
  • PACE will prepare you by developing your CRA skills through interactive discussions and hands on job-related exercises and practicums.
  • To supplement your in-house and field-based training you may also participate in other clinical research departmental core rotations, learning other aspects of the drug/device development and approval process. 

WHY BECOME A CRA

This role takes you on a journey through travel and excitement which will allow you to make a difference on a large scale through the enhancement of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. 

The CRA position provides many other distinctive advantages including:

  • Dynamic working environment, with varying responsibilities day-to-day
  • Expansive experience in multiple therapeutic areas
  • Work within a team of therapeutic and regulatory experts
  • Defined CRA promotion and growth ladder with potential for mentoring and management advancements
  • Competitive pay and many additional perks unmatched by other CROs (SEE BELOW).

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING

  • Competitive travel bonus;
  • Equity/Stock Option Program;
  • Training completion and retention bonus
  • Annual merit increases;
  • 401K matching;
  • The opportunity to work from home;
  • Flexible work hours across days within a week;
  • Retain airline reward miles and hotel reward points;
  • Home office furniture allowance, laptop, mobile phone with hotspot for internet access anywhere;
  • In-house travel agents, reimbursement for airline club, and TSA pre-check;
  • Opportunity for leadership positions - Lead CRA, CRA Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, Training and Development Manager, and many more;
  • CRA training program (PACE);
  • Ongoing therapeutic training by our in-house physicians who are medical and regulatory experts;
  • In-house administrative support for all levels of CRAs; and
  • Opportunities to work with international team of CRAs.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct qualification, initiation, monitoring, and closeout visits at research sites in compliance with the approved protocol;
  • Communication with the medical site staff including coordinators, clinical research physicians, and their site staff;
  • Verify adequate investigator qualifications, training and resources, including facilities, laboratories, equipment, and staff;
  • Medical record and research source documentation verification against case report form data, including informing the site staff of any entry errors, ensuring good documentation practices are being adhered to and communicating  protocol deviations appropriately per SOPs, GCP, and applicable regulatory requirements;
  • On-site and virtual/remote monitoring activities with a risk-based monitoring approach (including centralized data review) through our integrated Clinical Trial Management System to identify site deviations/deficiencies and corrective/preventive actions to bring a site back into compliance and mitigate risks moving forward;
  • Verification that the investigator is enrolling only eligible subjects;
  • Regulatory document review;
  • Medical device and/or investigational product/drug accountability and inventory;
  • Verification and review of adverse events, serious adverse events, concomitant medications and corresponding illnesses to confirm accurate data reporting in accordance with the protocol;
  • Assess the clinical research site's patient recruitment and retention success and offering suggestions for improvement; and
  • Completion of monitoring reports and follow-up letters, which includes providing summaries of the significant findings, deviations, deficiencies, and recommended actions to secure compliance.
Qualifications
  • Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a health or science related field; Advanced degrees or prior clinical research experience is a plus; In-House CRA position available for those with no or minimal clinical research experience with rapid advancement;
  • Ability to travel 60-70% to locations nationwide is required, or less if remote/virtual visits required;
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to drive to monitoring sites;
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office;
  • Strong communication and presentation skills; and
  • Must be detail-oriented and efficient in time management.
Medpace Overview

Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO). We provide Phase I-IV clinical development services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Our mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics through its scientific and disciplined approach. We leverage local regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic disease, endocrinology, central nervous system, anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, employing more than 6,000 people across 40+ countries.

Why Medpace?

People. Purpose. Passion. Make a Difference Tomorrow. Join Us Today.

The work we've done over the past 30+ years has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and families who face hundreds of diseases across all key therapeutic areas. The work we do today will improve the lives of people living with illness and disease in the future.

Cincinnati Perks

  • Flexible work environment
  • Competitive PTO packages, starting at 20+ days
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package
  • Company-sponsored employee appreciation events
  • Employee health and wellness initiatives
  • Community involvement with local nonprofit organizations
  • Discounts on local sports games, fitness gyms and attractions
  • Modern, ecofriendly campus with an on-site fitness center
  • Structured career paths with opportunities for professional growth
  • Discounted tuition for UC online programs

Awards

  • Named a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Cincinnati Enquirer

  • Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Most Successful Midsize Companies in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
  • Continually recognized with CRO Leadership Awards from Life Science Leader magazine based on expertise, quality, capabilities, reliability, and compatibility

What to Expect Next

A Medpace team member will review your qualifications and, if interested, you will be contacted with details for next steps.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Medpace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Medpace logo

About Medpace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Medpace is a globally recognized clinicial contract research organization (CRO) based in Cincinnati, OH, in the United States. Established in 1992, it operates in the healthcare sector, providing scientifically-driven outsourcing solutions for the development of drugs and medical devices. It offers comprehensive services like full-service clinical development services, regulatory affairs management, clinical pharmacology, data management, statistical analysis, and medical writing. By applying a scientifically-driven, therapeutically-focused, and patient-centric approach, Medpace's mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapies.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1992