Skip to main content

Clinical
Research Associate

APPLY HERE

What does a CRA do?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is a life sciences professional who monitors clinical trials that test drugs for their effectiveness and confirms that they are safe to put on the market for consumers.

1234/4

Tab

About the Job

Responsibilities may include:
– Writing trial protocols
– Setting up trial sites
– Monitoring participants
– Ensuring trials comply with practice standards
– Collecting, distributing, and storing data

Where Does a CRA Work?

The day-to-day activities and responsibilities of a CRA can vary from company to company, particularly in the private sector. CRAs can typically find work within Clinical Research Organizations (CRO), pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and, occasionally, in hospital academic departments.
Depending on the organization, study size and CRA job, a CRA may be required to travel to the sites or work remotely.

What Is the Job Demand for CRAs?

Clinical research associates fall under the category of medical scientists, for whom employment is projected to increase 8% from 2022 to 2028. This is faster than the 5% average for all occupations. With an expanding population, increasing population density and the growing frequency of international travel, the spread of new and existing diseases could increase. This will increase the need for clinical research associates to help with the creation of new drugs and vaccines to combat these illnesses and diseases.

CRAs featured in CNN Money, Best Jobs in America

Candidate Qualifications

It takes strong statistical knowledge, excellent verbal and written communications skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team.

Bachelor’s degree in life, health or physical sciences; social sciences, biology, chemistry, math, nursing, or adjacent field
Attention to detail, good data management skills, and the ability to build relationships and influence people
Good communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
Willingness to travel to various clinical trial sites

What does a CRA do?

Some of the primary responsibilities for clinical research associates include:

  • Setting up trial sites for conducting research studies
  • Designing materials for the trial and making sure all of the trial centers have plenty of materials available
  • Training the staff at the trial site on industry standards
  • Designing the data collection forms
  • Monitoring the trial throughout its duration
  • Collecting completed case report forms from hospitals and general practices
  • Closing down trial sites when the trial is complete
  • Discussing the results of the trial is a medical statistician
  • Preparing final reports and potentially manuscripts for publication

What's the average salary for a CRA?

Compensation can vary based on experience and geography but on average salaries can start at USD$50,000 and above.

Click here to learn more

Do I need a degree to be a CRA?

Most clinical research associate positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a health-related field.

How long is the training to be a CRA?

Training requirements may vary by the client; however, ViRB can prepare you within six to eight weeks.

Earn While You Learn

Virb offers paid training opportunities to qualfied applicants. Apply below today.