Introduction to Clinical Research Roles

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

CRAs monitor clinical trials to ensure they’re safe, compliant, and producing accurate data. They work for sponsors (like pharmaceutical companies or CROs) and often travel between trial sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor Trials: Visit sites to check that data is accurate and protocols are followed
• Ensure Compliance: Make sure trials meet regulatory and ethical guidelines (like GCP)
• Support Sites: Help prepare documents, train staff, and address issues
• Report Safety Data: Track and report adverse events (AEs and SAEs)
• Communicate: Act as a bridge between sponsors and research sites

Why It Matters: CRAs safeguard trial quality and patient safety—essential for trustworthy results.

‍Clinical Research Assistant (CRA)

CRAs (Assistants) provide behind-the-scenes support. This is often a great entry-level role and ideal for Clintern Ascend graduates.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with Protocols: Help draft and prepare study plans
• Recruit Participants: Identify and screen potential study participants
• Coordinate Schedules: Help organize site visits and data collection
• Maintain Records: Keep track of documentation and regulatory files
• Support the Team: Act as a key communicator between team members, participants, and sponsors

Why It Matters: CRAs keep everything running smoothly and help the research team stay organized and compliant.

Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)

CRCs work on-site at hospitals or clinics where trials happen. They interact directly with participants and ensure studies are carried out day-to-day.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit & Consent Participants: Screen and enroll subjects, explain the study, and get consent
• Manage Data: Collect, record, and maintain high-quality trial data
• Run Visits: Schedule and oversee patient visits, lab tests, and assessments
• Ensure Compliance: Keep everything aligned with protocols and regulations
• Collaborate Daily: Work with doctors, patients, sponsors, and regulatory bodies

Why It Matters: CRCs are the “boots on the ground,” ensuring each participant experience is smooth and every step is followed accurately.

Why These Roles Matter

Together, CRAs, CRAs (Assistants), and CRCs keep clinical trials ethical, efficient, and effective. They protect patients, maintain data quality, and help bring new treatments to the world.

Career Growth & Opportunities

These roles offer real career progression:

Entry RoleMid-Level RolesSenior-Level RolesClinical Research Assistant (CRA)Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)Lead CRA, Site Manager, Clinical PMStudy Intern (via Clintern Ascend)Clinical Trial Associate (CTA)Clinical Operations Lead, GCP Auditor

Top Skills You’ll Build with Clintern Ascend:

✅ Understanding of GCP and trial regulations
✅ Patient safety and ethics training
✅ Data handling and quality assurance
✅ Professional communication
✅ Regulatory document management
✅ Hands-on tools and workflows used in the field

Get Started with Clintern Ascend

With Clintern Ascend, you’ll gain real-world clinical research experience, complete remote internships, and develop job-ready skills—equivalent to a year on the job.

Whether you're just starting out or pivoting into clinical research, Clintern Ascend gives you the skills, experience, and support to get hired—fast.

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Ready to start your journey?
Visit www.obedtek.com or call 302.208.4020 to learn more.

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