The role of the Clinical Research Coordinator in Clinical Trials

Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) are members of a team working in the health field of medical research and development. They arrange the research study site, recruit, screen and enroll clinical study participants; arrange follow-up visits; maintain and dispense study drugs and other supplies; and complete and ensure the accuracy of the data submitted to the study sponsor. A CRC works under the immediate direction and supervision of a physician/Principal Investigator whose research activities are conducted under FDA and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines. Most CRCs have some medical training prior to working as a CRC. After two years in the position a CRC has an opportunity to test to be credentialed as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) which is the internationally recognize professional credential in the industry.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most Clinical Research Coordinators work in hospitals, physician offices, biomedical research organizations and institutions, specialty disease centers and pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Clinical research encompasses many different healthcare settings and specialties. Saltzer Clinical Research currently has 4 full time CRCs conducting trials in the following therapeutic areas – Cataracts, Glaucoma, Atrial Fibrillation, Diabetes, Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and Pediatric vaccines. For more information visit our clinical research page.