Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan Career Overview

As a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), you play a significant role in the medical research field by overseeing clinical trials and ensuring they are conducted in compliance with regulatory standards. Your responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks that facilitate the smooth operation of research studies.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Regulatory Compliance: You ensure that all clinical trials comply with ethical standards and regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary approvals from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

  • Study Management: You coordinate all aspects of clinical trials, from planning and implementation to data collection and analysis, ensuring that timelines and budgets are adhered to.

  • Participant Interaction: You are responsible for recruiting and interacting with study participants, providing them with information about the study, obtaining informed consent, and monitoring their progress throughout the trial.

  • Data Collection and Reporting: You manage the collection of study data, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality, and you prepare reports for sponsors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

  • Collaboration: Your role often requires collaboration with various professionals, including principal investigators, medical staff, and sponsors, ensuring that all parties are informed and aligned throughout the research process.

Your contributions as a Clinical Research Coordinator are vital to advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments, making your role an important part of the healthcare and clinical research landscape.

Clinical Research Coordinator Salary in Michigan

Annual Median: $86,160
Hourly Median: $41.42

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan

To become a Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan, you must acquire specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs are relevant to this career path:

  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Earning a degree specifically in Clinical Research Coordinator provides a focused education on managing clinical trials, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and data management.

  • Clinical and Translational Science: This program emphasizes the application of research discoveries to human health and involves training in both clinical practices and translational research methodologies, preparing you for the complexities of clinical research.

  • Research Administration: A degree in Research Administration equips you with the knowledge of managing research processes, budgeting, and regulatory policies, which are essential for overseeing clinical research projects effectively.

  • Research and Development Management: This program focuses on the strategic aspects of managing research and development initiatives in biomedical settings, offering insights into the management of clinical trials and research teams.

In addition to these degree programs, it is often beneficial to pursue certification through organizations such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) to enhance your qualifications further. Completing internships or gaining experience in clinical research settings can also supplement your education and training.

Best Schools to become a Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan 2024

George Washington University

Washington, DC

In-State Tuition:$60,856
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,856
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:85%
Total Enrollment:25,939

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

In-State Tuition:$56,595
Out-of-State Tuition:$56,595
Admission Rate:80%
Graduation Rate:78%
Total Enrollment:22,344

MCPHS University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$36,060
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,060
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:6,824

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In-State Tuition:$60,480
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,480
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:31,275

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, NC

In-State Tuition:$2,067
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,312
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:24%
Total Enrollment:4,294

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Bronx, NY

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:1,303
Clinical Research Coordinator Job Description:
  • Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.
  • May develop the means for prevention and control.

Clinical Research Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Michigan

  • Clinical Knowledge: You should possess a solid understanding of clinical terminology, research protocols, and regulatory requirements. Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines is essential.

  • Attention to Detail: Your ability to meticulously manage documentation, data entry, and compliance with protocol specifications is vital to maintain the integrity of research.

  • Organizational Skills: You need to effectively prioritize tasks, manage multiple studies simultaneously, and maintain comprehensive records to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to timelines.

  • Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is necessary for interacting with study participants, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies. You must be able to convey complex information in an understandable manner.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with participants, colleagues, and stakeholders is important. You should be personable and empathetic, creating a comfortable environment for study participants.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions is crucial in managing unexpected challenges during research studies.

  • Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in electronic data capture systems, clinical trial management software, and other relevant technologies will enhance your efficiency in data management and reporting.

  • Time Management: You should be adept at managing your time effectively to meet deadlines and ensure that study milestones are achieved without sacrificing quality.

  • Ethical Judgment: A strong sense of ethics is imperative, as you will be responsible for ensuring the welfare of research participants and compliance with ethical standards in research practices.

  • Data Analysis Skills: Basic data analysis capabilities can be beneficial in understanding study results and reporting findings accurately, allowing for informed decision-making.

  • Team Collaboration: You must be able to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering a cooperative atmosphere that enhances study outcomes.

  • Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changes in regulations, protocols, and study objectives is important for maintaining compliance and meeting research goals.

Job Duties for Clinical Research Coordinators

  • Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.

  • Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.

  • Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.

Technologies and Skills Used by Clinical Research Coordinators

Analytical or scientific software

  • StataCorp Stata
  • World Health Organization HealthMapper

Geographic information system

  • Esri ArcGIS
  • Geographic information system GIS software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan

The job market for Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) in Michigan is favorable and shows promising trends. Here are some key points to consider regarding demand, growth potential, and geographical hotspots:

  • Increasing Demand: The demand for Clinical Research Coordinators is on the rise, driven by the growing emphasis on medical research and the expansion of clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. The prevalence of chronic diseases and the continual advancement of pharmaceuticals and medical devices have led to an increased need for CRCs to manage and oversee these trials effectively.

  • Growth Potential: The field is expected to see steady job growth in the coming years. According to industry reports, the growth rate for CRC roles can outpace the average growth rate for other occupations in healthcare. This expansion is fueled by the need for CRCs to support new research initiatives and the increasing complexity of clinical trials.

  • Geographical Hotspots in Michigan:

    • Detroit Metropolitan Area: Home to multiple hospitals and research institutions, this region is a central hub for medical research and clinical trials, offering numerous opportunities for CRCs.
    • Grand Rapids: With a growing healthcare sector, Grand Rapids is nurturing new clinical research capabilities, making it an emerging hotspot for CRC positions.
    • Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan: The university is a leading research institution, providing extensive opportunities for CRCs in various research fields.
    • Lansing: As the state capital, Lansing boasts several healthcare organizations that engage in clinical research activities, presenting additional job prospects.
  • Institutional Collaboration: The strong collaboration between hospitals, universities, and private research organizations enhances job availability for CRCs. This collaboration fosters a robust research community that demands skilled professionals to ensure compliance and quality in clinical trials.

  • Networking and Professional Development: Engaging with local professional organizations and attending industry conferences can increase visibility and access to job opportunities. Michigan hosts several events focused on clinical research, allowing CRCs to connect with potential employers and industry peers.

In sum, the job market for Clinical Research Coordinators in Michigan is thriving, characterized by increasing demand, significant growth potential, and several geographical hotspots creating a wealth of opportunities.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan

  • Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
    Website: www.acrpnet.org
    A leading organization for clinical research professionals that offers certification, training programs, and networking opportunities.

  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Certification
    Website: www.acrpnet.org/certification
    Information on certification options for CRCs, including the specifics on eligibility, requirements, and how to prepare.

  • National Institute of Health (NIH) Clinical Research Resources
    Website: clinicaltrials.gov
    A comprehensive database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world, useful for understanding ongoing research and methodologies.

  • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA)
    Website: www.socra.org
    An organization that promotes professional development and ethical conduct in clinical research, offering educational resources and certification for CRCs and CRAs.

  • FDA Office of Clinical Trials
    Website: www.fda.gov
    Official guidelines and information on the regulatory framework for clinical trials, providing insights into compliance and best practices.

  • Michigan Clinical Trials Network (MCTN)
    Website: www.michiganclinicaltrials.org
    A local resource connecting you to clinical trials in Michigan, including occasionally hosting educational events.

  • Clinical Research Society (CRS)
    Website: www.clinicalresearchsociety.org
    A professional society that offers resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for those in the clinical research field.

  • NIH Research Training and Career Development
    Website: researchtraining.nih.gov
    Offers various educational programs, workshops, and training resources designed for professionals in clinical research.

  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training
    Website: www.gcp-3.com
    Online courses and resources that offer GCP training essential for compliance and training in clinical research protocols.

  • PubMed
    Website: www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    A free database of biomedical literature, including articles and studies relevant to clinical research.

  • Michigan State University College of Human Medicine - Clinical Research
    Website: www.chm.msu.edu
    Provides insights into clinical research initiatives within the state, along with webinars and educational offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan

  • What is a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)?
    A Clinical Research Coordinator oversees and manages clinical trials and studies from start to finish. Their responsibilities include recruiting participants, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining study documentation, and working closely with investigators and sponsors.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    Typically, a bachelor's degree in a health-related field or life sciences is required. Certifications, such as the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA), can enhance your qualifications.

  • What skills are important for a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    Essential skills include strong communication and organizational abilities, attention to detail, problem-solving capabilities, and a solid understanding of research regulations and ethics. Proficiency in data management and familiarity with clinical trial software is also beneficial.

  • What is the typical work environment for a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    CRCs often work in hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or contract research organizations (CROs). Their work may involve both office settings and clinical environments where they interact with study participants.

  • What are the core responsibilities of a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    Key responsibilities include recruiting and screening study participants, obtaining informed consent, managing study materials, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings. They also ensure compliance with regulatory bodies like the FDA and IRBs (Institutional Review Boards).

  • Is certification necessary for a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    While certification is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can enhance job prospects and earning potential.

  • What is the job outlook for Clinical Research Coordinators in Michigan?
    The job outlook for Clinical Research Coordinators is positive, with a growing demand for clinical trials across the healthcare sector. Employment opportunities are particularly pronounced in metropolitan areas with significant healthcare facilities.

  • How much does a Clinical Research Coordinator earn in Michigan?
    The average salary for a Clinical Research Coordinator in Michigan varies based on experience and location but generally ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year. Higher salaries are possible with advanced experience or additional certifications.

  • Can I advance my career as a Clinical Research Coordinator?
    Yes, there are various avenues for advancement. With experience and further education, you can move into roles such as Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, or even seek positions in regulatory affairs or quality assurance within the research field.

  • What continuing education options are available for Clinical Research Coordinators?
    Continuing education might include workshops, online courses, and conferences related to clinical research. Additionally, pursuing advanced degrees or specialized training in regulatory affairs or biostatistics can enhance your expertise and career prospects.