Education and Training Requirements
According to the BLS, you'll need a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing or training as a registered nurse. Becoming a registered nurse involves becoming licensed in your state by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Some jobs require a master's degree in the sciences. You'll also need some clinical experience in order to get a job. That could include your nursing experience or it could be in another area, such as pharmaceuticals or medical research.
Clinical research coordinators must be effective organizers, because they will be expected to run a clinical study from the ground up. The BLS notes that you should be able to use basic word processing and spreadsheet software and have good speaking, writing, active listening and decision-making skills.
Job Postings from Real Employers
Because clinical research coordinators typically work in laboratories and medical facilities, and employers typically prefer someone with nursing experience, the main job requirement is a bachelor's degree in a field that specializes in research, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Employers also seek those with experience. The following list contains real job listings excerpts from April 2012.
- A Florida university seeks a clinical research coordinator to plan and monitor all stages of clinical research, from recruitment to reporting of results. The candidate must be a licensed registered nurse or a certified clinical research coordinator.
- A California company seeks a bilingual clinical research coordinator to recruit candidates for clinical research studies, verify consent and ensure that all regulations are followed and required paperwork is submitted. This person should have at least three years experience as a clinical research coordinator.
- A New York hospital seeks a clinical research coordinator to secure and deliver study specimens, collect and record study data, assist in grant preparation and obtain informed consent from participants. This person should have a bachelor's degree in a closely related field.
- A New York university seeks a clinical research coordinator in cellular physiology and immunology. This individual will create study protocols, train hospital staff and prepare study documentation for the institutional review board. Candidate must have previous nursing and clinical research coordination experience and skill with Microsoft Word and Excel programs.
- A Florida research company seeks a clinical research coordinator with a bachelor's degree and certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). This individual will obtain informed consent, prepare for patient visits, recruit patients and conduct clinical trials. He or she will also attend meetings and work with the clinical research associate when necessary.
