Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant
Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Careers
Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant workers coordinate study visits, records and participant activities under approved clinical research protocols.
What You Would Do
- Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant workers coordinate study visits
- Records and participant activities under approved clinical research protocols
- Follow the standards
- Procedures and documentation required for the work
- Define the product
- Test
The exact work depends on the product, study, process, laboratory, regulations and level of responsibility.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Recruitment — Explore recruitment. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Consent support — Explore consent support. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Scheduling — Explore scheduling. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Source documents — Explore source documents. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Data entry — Organize, protect, analyze and explain information using appropriate software and standards.
Specimens — Explore specimens. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Adverse-event escalation — Explore adverse-event escalation. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Audits — Explore audits. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in recruitment, consent support, scheduling. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how biology, controlled processes and evidence connect and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
hospitals, universities, research clinics, pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations.
Work Conditions and Safety
Some laboratory and manufacturing roles involve biological materials, chemicals, sharps, pressure, cold, heat or specialized equipment. Training, containment and documented procedures help reduce risk.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $103,410 in May 2025 for medical scientists, a broad comparison occupation.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, specialty, education, regulated responsibility, location and market. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant workers coordinate study visits, records and participant activities under approved clinical research protocols
- Follow the standards, procedures and documentation required for the work
- Prepare materials, samples, equipment or records carefully
- Use controlled methods and maintain traceable documentation
- Measure, observe and analyze results accurately
- Follow quality, safety and regulatory requirements
- Communicate results, deviations and next steps clearly
How Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant Work Is Changing
Single-cell methods, gene editing, automated sample handling, continuous bioprocessing and advanced analytical instruments are changing research and manufacturing.
AI can support molecule screening, image analysis, process monitoring and scientific writing. Workers must check sources, bias, reproducibility, privacy and regulatory requirements.
Automation, advanced analytics and connected laboratory systems can speed experiments and production. Reliable biotechnology still depends on controlled methods, clean records, quality checks and people who can recognize unexpected results.
Education and Training
Preparation may include paid laboratory or manufacturing work, apprenticeship, CTE, community college, university study or graduate education. Technician and production roles may have more work-based routes than independent research roles.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Employer training and related paid experience are common; apprenticeship availability varies.
Clinical research coordinator apprenticeships and employer pathways exist. Human-subject protections and delegated clinical duties require formal oversight.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Requirements depend on the product, laboratory and responsibility. Employers may require training in good manufacturing or laboratory practices, biosafety, clinical research, quality systems, regulated submissions or particular instruments.
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Clinical Research Coordinator and Assistant and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Build applied skills through biotechnology, laboratory science, pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality, data or related programs.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Laboratory or Manufacturing Training — Learn specific instruments, methods, cleanroom practices, software and quality systems under qualified supervision.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience, you may master a method or production area, lead a team, manage quality or validation, coordinate studies, mentor others or pursue advanced research and product leadership.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Laboratory Animal Technician
Quality Control and Quality Assurance Technician
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Validation and Compliance Technician
Bioprocess Technician
Medical Device Development
Biotechnology Laboratory Operations
Explore opportunities
Search apprenticeships and programs on Apprenticeship.com
Explore Apprenticeship.com state apprenticeship guides
Learn more from official career resources