Clinical Research Coordinator Program

Introduction

Step into a high-demand field with over 20,000 entry-level vacancies annually. With a market poised to reach $70B by 2027, your career in clinical research is on a fast track to growth and advancement. The Clinical Research Coordinator supports, facilitates and coordinates daily clinical trial activities and plays a critical role in the conduct of the clinical trial. You will be working with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory professionals and patients. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to give something back. You will help develop new treatments, drugs, and medical devices that will make a positive difference to human health daily. The most successful CRC’s will have great attention to detail, enjoy working in a team environment and have good influencing skills. 

Key Features:

  • 65 Total Hours Over 6 Weeks Intensive Training (36 hours of Instructor Led and 29 hours of Self-Paced): About 11 Hour Time Commitment Per Week – 2x 3 Hour Instructor Led Sessions Per Week in Addition to Self-Study

  • Hands-On Learning: From Study Design to Data Management

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from Leading Clinical Research Professionals

  • Teaches You to Actually Do the Job

Overview

The role of a Clinical Research Coordinator is to support, facilitate and coordinate daily clinical trial activities and plays a critical role in the conduct of the clinical trial. CRC's work with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory professionals and patients. Most importantly, the career gives you the opportunity to give something back. You will help develop new treatments, drugs, and medical devices that will make a positive difference to human health daily. The most successful CRC’s will have great attention to detail, enjoy working in a team environment and have good influencing skills.

Admission Requirements: Open to motivated individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent. Post secondary education like associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are also encouraged to apply. Level of education will impact starting pay. Prior healthcare or science experience is a plus but not required.

Program Schedule:

Upcoming Cohort:

  • Start Date: May 14, 2024

  • Tues & Thurs 6-9 p.m. EST (Instructor Led)

  • Mon & Weds (Self Study/Assignment Days)

Secure your spot in our next training cycle.

Tuition and Financing: Invest in your future with our competitive pricing. Financial aid and payment plans available for eligible candidates.

For more information, visit our FAQs.

Quick Facts

Duration: 6 Weeks

Cost: $4750

Online - scheduled

Upcoming 2024 Cohorts:

Wednesday, July 24-Wednesday, Sept. 4
Tuesday, Aug. 27-Thursday, Oct. 3

About the certificate

The program will integrate interactive case studies, simulation exercises, and real-world scenario analyses, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and skills in a controlled, supportive environment. This hands-on approach ensures that you are knowledgeable and confident in your ability to tackle the challenges of a CRC role.

Download Program Brochure

Module Breakdown:

Foundations of Clinical Research: Ethics, Regulations, and Roles

Clinical Trial Coordination: Study Coordination, Documentation, and Compliance

Enhancing CRC Expertise: Data Management, Subject Retention, and Protocol Adherence

Advanced Compliance and Quality Management in Clinical Trials: Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Site Perspective Quality Management

CRC Entry Level Responsibilities: 

  • Assist with and oversee the day-to-day operations of clinical trials and studies • Obtain study subject’s medical history and current medication information, review research protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria, and confirm eligibility of subject to  participate in clinical trial 

  • Perform informed consent process or ensure that the informed consent process has  occurred, is properly documented, and that informed consent form documents are  filed as required 

  • Interview prospective subjects for a variety of research clinical trials. Educate  potential subjects on the details of the studies through phone contacts and personal  interviews 

  • Schedule subject participation in research clinical trial, coordinating availability of  necessary space, and clinical research support (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner,  laboratory, radiology, pharmacy) 

  • Collect, code, and analyze data obtained from research in an accurate and timely  manner 

  • Adhere to research regulatory standards 

  • Maintain detailed records of studies to ensure compliance with requirements of the  Food and Drug Administration (FDA), study protocols, department, hospital/clinical  standard operating procedures and other regulatory guidelines 

  • Participate in subject recruitment efforts, including communicating with patients  expressing an interest and all pre-screening/screening activities 

  • Ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment for studies are in stock and in  working order 

Job Placement and Support

  • Each graduate is promoted to hundreds of Open Job positions across the industry

  • Learners get tips and advice on navigating the Job Market, strategies for interviewing, and regional-specific job openings via links to employers hiring in your geographical location.

  • Curated Content specific to your job role, industry updates, regulatory updates and new drug developments.

Lifetime Access to your training

Stay connected with colleagues and industry leaders by participating in Virb's live online forums and podcasts.

FAQs

  • CRC jobs can pay anywhere from $37K to $70K. It can depend on the site and your level of education and experience. Entry level jobs generally start in the high 40’s to 50’s.

  • A CRC needs excellent communication skills (both written and oral) and the ability to build effective relationships with trial center staff and colleagues, the ability to motivate others, an eye for detail and the ability to multi-task and think on your feet.

  • Generally, minimum qualifications are: High School Diploma or GED and three years of administrative support experience; or two years of college in a scientific, health-related, or business administration program and one year of admin support or customer service experience; or licensed as a practical nurse (LPN) and one-year admin support or one year of licensed practical nursing experience; or Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, MD or PhD in a scientific, health-related, or business administration program.

  • The demand for clinical research professionals exceeds the supply, a trend that is likely to continue for years. The global clinical trial service market is predicted to reach $70 billion by 2024, continuing to drive a rising demand for broad-based hiring. There were about 60,000 jobs for Clinical Research Coordinator in 2022 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.9%, which is above the national average. Demand for Clinical Research Coordinators is expected to go up, with an expected 57,200 new jobs filled by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 36.11 percent over the next few years. In 2022, total reported cash payments from industry to clinical research sites was $7.6 billion with 50% going to non-profit organizations such as hospitals, academic medical centers and health systems and 50% to for-profits such as sites, site networks, for-profit health systems, and integrated research organizations.

  • For most CRC roles, there is no travel. You usually work for one site and the role is office-based. Some pharmacy chains have their CRC’s work with multiple locations which requires some travel via car to and from sites.

  • There may be some days when you can work from home. Generally you would be going into the office each day.

  • Clinical research sites can be a doctor’s office, a medical center/hospital or be a for-profit chain, like a pharmacy.

  • As a CRC there is usually a career ladder where you can receive promotions and better pay as a CRC. A CRC can start out with a role such as clinical research coordinator, progress to a title such as project manager and then eventually end up with the title medical director. You can also choose to become a Clinical Research Associate. These jobs are generally employed by a clinical research organization. You would travel around to multiple sites and ensure the trials are being delivered with good quality. Once you have been a CRA, you can go into line management or project management.

  • The course is about 55 hours in length and averages about 15- 17 hours per week.

  • You do not get paid during training.

  • This sum amounts to 10-15% of your first-year pay. It will accelerate your ability to get a job in a growth field where you are helping people.

  • Unlike many programs that teach you principles and concepts, Virb teaches you how to do the job. You are job ready, Day 1.

  • There is a Virb certification. Most certifications out there require actual work experience in the role. This is not helpful to those looking to break into the industry.

  • Virb provides job search training and 1:1 coaching on your resume. We also market you to our clients. Virb is providing the right skills to do the job, of course, after that there are all the other areas that come along with the follow-through of landing a position. There is over 85% chance if a learner follows through.

  • The next cohort will begin on April 30th.