Clinical research coordinator (CRC)

    In Roles & organizations

    Also known as: study coordinator, research nurse, clinical trial coordinator

    A clinical research coordinator runs the day-to-day operation of a trial at a site. The CRC schedules participant visits, takes or supports informed consent, keeps source documents, enters data, handles supplies, and is the main contact for the monitor. It is the most common first role in clinical research.

    Why it matters

    The CRC role is the widest door into the field. It rewards organization, careful documentation, and patient communication more than it requires a specialized degree.

    Example

    On a busy clinic day the CRC consents a new participant, runs a scheduled visit, records two adverse events in the source notes, and hands over drug supplies to the pharmacy \u2014 documenting each step as it happens.

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