A study coordinator is the backbone of any research project. They are responsible for ensuring that all the elements of the study further the goals of the study, or the research objective. A study coordinator’s foresight and attention to detail are critical to the success of every trial.

Role Of A Study Coordinator

The role of a study coordinator is broad and includes the following:

In the planning stage: ensure that the plan is comprehensive enough to cover all aspects of the study and that various processes and elements of the study are linked. For those looking to become a study coordinator, the Clinical Research Coordinator course can provide essential training.

At the time of execution: ensure the availability of funds, apparatus, infrastructure, etc. required for the study. Further, they also have to ensure that the study flows promptly. Knowledge of ICH-GCP standards, covered in our certification course, is crucial here.

When various elements of the study are near to completion: the study coordinator will have the role to align them in a planned manner.

At all stages for research: a study coordinator ensures that research ethics are maintained, and there is no violation of any code of conduct.

Determine the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to be followed in a study. The Advanced Clinical Research Project Manager Certification can help develop the skills needed to define and manage SOPs effectively.

Work opportunities for a study coordinator

In many countries, such as India, study coordinators are a relatively new career route and hence acutely unexplored. However, considering the growth in research and development areas, it is pretty evident that there is an increasing demand for them. Presently, the industry needs study coordinators while only a handful of them exist.

Due to this demand-supply gap, the monetary compensation of such positions has been very high. Research by Salary.com contends that the median salary of a clinical research coordinator is around $63,330. However, based on the type of study, the range may vary from as low as $2,000 per month to as high as $4,500 per month. Those interested in expanding their career options might consider training as a Clinical Trials Assistant, or specialize further with the Advanced Principal Investigator Physician Certification or Medical Monitor Certification.

Importance

Every field of work needs consistent education, and there's always a scope for enhancement. The area of work of a study coordinator is no exception. The sky is the limit, and each training program is a step towards reaching perfection.

A study coordinator training program focuses on developing individuals to perform the roles mentioned above, in addition to other roles that may be expected from a study coordinator.

For example, regulations and code of ethics governing the respective field of study may also get updated from time to time. In such cases, it becomes necessary for the coordinators to obtain a basic understanding of the changes and implement them in a study.

Moreover, certain organizations may require applicants to have taken certain training courses before considering them for a position. Thus, it has become evermore important for hopeful professionals to take the right training courses.

Who Will Provide The Training?

Depending on the area of study, various institutions, or people with immense experience in the relevant field may provide training.

For example, an organization may organise EA training for its employees from experts in the industry. Other examples of are specialized training courses for coordinators, such as the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) training provided by the CITI Program.

Further, various universities run comprehensive and dedicated courses for imparting study coordinator training. Some such institutes are Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), which provides basic coordinator training, and ACRP, which provides Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) training.

Conclusion

The field of a study coordinator is a career that has immense potential yet to be explored. More trained professionals can prove to be very valuable assets to the research processes. At CCRPS, we offer ACCRE accredited training specialized for study coordinators. In addition, we have complied articles below to help you better understand the complex aspects of clinical research.

Take courses from CCRPS and learn more on how to become a clinical research professional.

Discover more from Clinical Research Training | Certified Clinical Research Professionals Course