Job Responsibilities

• Coordinators ensure regulatory compliance.
  
  A clinical study coordinator acts as point person for the clinical-study site, overseeing all operational responsibilities. In this regard, she performs all human-resources duties including recruitment, terminations and payroll. Scheduling all staff members, she ensures everyone is where they need to be. When new staff members are hired, she briefs them on all operational policies and procedures, and ensures each person understands his role and accountabilities. She recruits and enrolls participants into the study. Additionally, she prepares and prints all reports related to the study. Developing standard operating best practices for the clinical site, she sees to it that all remain in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
  
  

Job Opportunities

• Work can be found in classifieds.
  
  Many national search firms that focus specifically on the placement of clinical study coordinators, such as the Solomon-Page Group, Aerotek and Ajilon. Job seekers may also look for employment opportunities in the classified sections of newspapers and on online job search engines. Certain websites, such as crajobs.com, specifically focus on careers within this industry. Additionally, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals sponsors an Internet career center.
  
  

Qualitative Requirements

• Candidates must be excellent communicators.
  
  A candidate looking to be successful within the role of clinical study coordinator must pay close attention to detail. This role will require the interpretation of many reports. Any error may be detrimental to the study. Communication skills are crucial. This candidate will be responsible for reporting and presenting to scientific and non-scientific colleagues and clients. Additionally, the successful candidate must be organized, possess the ability to priority, take initiative and commit to the completion of each assigned project.
  
  

Educational Requirements

• Four year degrees are required.
  
  All employers require clinical study coordinators to possess a four-year degree within biology, pharmacology or a related field of study. Many employers will present offers only to applicants who have received a master's degree within a life science. Depending on the type of study, some hiring organizations give preference to candidates who are registered nurses. Candidates may also choose to become certified through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
  
  

Average Compensation

• The mean salary is $54,000.
  
  In 2009, the average clinical research coordinator earned $54,186 in 2009, according to Salary.com. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment of medical records and health information technicians is "expected to increase by 18 percent through 2016---faster than the average for all occupations---because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts and consumers." The BLS predicts employees at this level will be needed to assist employers in remaining in compliance with new federal regulations requiring medical records to be electronic.