How to Become a Clinical Research Associate

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

A clinical research associate acts as a liaison between research sponsors and the clinics conducting research. Learn how you can become one.

[Featured Image] Prospective clinical research associates attend a lecture as they learn essential terms, skills, and topics.

Researchers conduct clinical trials on every pill, vaccine, procedure, therapy, or medical device that might be prescribed or used to improve your physical or mental health. During these trials, a drug or medical device might get approved for consumer or hospital use. 

Clinical research associates (CRA) play a critical role in the healthcare industry and improving public health. In this position, you liaise between those who sponsor clinical research and those who facilitate it. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, rising population density and international travel have increased the spread of new and existing diseases. Clinical research is necessary to gain evidence-based insights on how well a drug or vaccine does.

Individuals excited by the prospect of a dynamic role overseeing various clinical trials may find a career as a clinical research associate rewarding. 

What is a clinical research associate?

Clinical research associates, or CRAs, provide a bridge between the institutions that sponsor and fund clinical research trials and the clinics that conduct the research. In this role, you will ensure that the clinical trials run smoothly. You monitor all the procedures, processes, and results and ensure researchers follow established guidelines and protocols. 

A clinical research associate works on behalf of the sponsor (pharmaceutical company, university, or health organisation) or for a contract research organisation (CRO), which typically funds the research. Clinical trials are the long, scientific process of ensuring that certain drugs, therapies, and devices are safe and effective for public consumption and use. CRAs guide the trials forward, following all relevant regulations for ethics and safety.

Clinical research associates work on a team of research professionals. Although your career journey may vary depending on your research speciality, a typical career path may include the following jobs:

  • Clinical trial administrator

  • Clinical research associate (CRA)

  • Clinical research lead 

  • Clinical research manager 

  • Clinical project manager 

  • Clinical trial manager 

  • Clinical specialist director  

Clinical research associate job description

As a clinical research associate, your duties will vary according to your employer’s needs. However, some typical tasks and responsibilities you’ll likely encounter include the following:

  • Monitor the clinical research process, including managing supplies and coordination.

  • Oversee data collection and documentation (known as case reports forms) and input data into systems databases.

  • Outline the trial objectives and present the trial protocols to a committee.

  • Coordinate with an ethics committee that protects trial subject confidentiality.

  • Prepare post-trial reports and manage the creation of the publications.

Where you’ll work

In the UK, CRAs often combine field and desk work. Visiting clinical trial sites can lead to significant travel throughout the UK and internationally. You may find some positions nearly entirely office-based, and others providing opportunities to work from home. 

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Skills needed

Clinical research associates must possess specific skills to get hired and succeed in their roles. Whether or not you currently have these skills, you can acquire them through online courses or on the job. Some critical skills you’ll need include: 

  • Administrative skills, including the ability to document important information accurately

  • IT and computer skills, such as databases and systems management

  • Written and oral communication skills

  • Keen attention to detail and organisation

  • Ability to manage and coordinate with several stakeholders

  • Understanding of good clinical practice (GCP)

  • Strong understanding of the clinical research trials and healthcare space, along with medical terminology

Clinical research associate salary and job outlook

The salary for a clinical research associate can vary depending on your organisation and experience level. Clinical research associates can earn a median wage of £36,651 per year, according to Glassdoor UK [1].  

The projected job outlook for clinical research associates will remain positive as the UK government aims to make the country a top location for clinical trials. In 2024 and 2025, the government will likely invest heavily to boost the efficiency and success of the clinical research industry, which will create a growing demand for skilled professionals.

How to become a clinical research associate

A career as a CRA can be incredibly fulfilling. It combines the roles of a translator, project manager, and administrator for life-saving clinical trials. Consider these steps to begin your journey to becoming a clinical research associate.

1. Earn a degree.

To become a CRA, you’ll want to earn a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field; however, you may also benefit from getting a master’s degree. This advanced credential can boost your earnings and increase your qualifications. Consider a major in clinical pharmacology, pharmaceutical medicine, clinical pharmacy, or clinical research.   The degree should provide the foundation you’ll need to pursue clinical research associate and technician roles. 

2. Gain clinical experience. 

Gaining professional working experience before looking for a job is vital. Consider volunteering opportunities or entry-level positions such as technician or research assistant to gain clinical experience.  

If you want to work in a specific area of clinical research, consider getting some experience in that profession or industry. 

3. Consider certification.  

While you do not need a certification to become a clinical research associate, having one can differentiate you from other candidates—especially if you’re job searching or looking for a promotion. You can choose from certifications offered by two different organisations. 

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)

The ACRP offers the Certified Clinical Research Associate credential. To earn this certification, you must have one of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree and at least 3,000 hours of experience as a CRA

  • A current CCRC, CPI, or ACRP-CP certification and be able to substitute 1,500 hours of work experience

  • Completed a clinical research degree programme and be able to substitute 1,500 hours of work experience

As a CCRA applicant, you must submit proof of your current job description and resume and pass the CCRA exam. You must also complete 24 hours of continuing education and recertify every two years to maintain your certification. Through the ACRP, you can also become certified as a research coordinator, principal investigator, and clinical professional.

The Certified Clinical Research Professionals Society (CCRPS)

The CCRPS offers the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals and Human Use (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certificate for professionals involved in clinical research, such as Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), and other clinical trial personnel. While no degree is necessary to earn this credential, you must be at least 18 or older with the required GCSEs and at least two years of professional experience or completion of an accredited training programme. 

To become certified, register online on the CCRPS website. Then, complete either the GCP course training or the Clinical Research Training Online modules. 

The course is self-paced, allowing you to study according to your schedule. It usually takes two to three days to finish, depending on your pace. After completing the training modules, you’ll have to take and pass a final exam. Upon passing the exam, you will receive a certificate, which you can print or share electronically. This certificate is valid for two or three years.

As of August 2024, the course typically costs around USD 50 USD, with a USD 25 renewal fee each year. 

4. Apply for jobs.

You can start applying for jobs when you have the qualifications to become a CRA. Visit job sites such as Indeed or LinkedIn and type in “clinical research associate” to search for entry or junior-level positions.

Enhance your CV with any healthcare-related experiences, including volunteer activities and internships. Quantify your accomplishments with statements such as, “I managed clinical trials in seven different states in 2024.”

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and preparing your best answers. Don’t forget to write up a list of questions for your interviewer. 

4. Continue learning.

Earning a master’s degree can help you land a managerial position or get a salary boost as a CRA. Many organisations need clinical research associates, so you’ll find plenty of opportunities to achieve more exciting and dynamic job opportunities when you pursue higher education. 

Start your clinical research associate career on Coursera

If you want to start a career as a clinical research associate, consider enrolling in an online course where you can learn the basic skills required for this position or more advanced skills and knowledge you can use as you progress in your career. For example, you’ll gain the skills and foundational knowledge necessary to identify parts of words commonly used in medicine, understand health records, and more with the Medical Terminology Specialisation from Rice University, offered on Coursera.

Article sources

  1. Glassdoor. “Clinical Research Associates Salaries in United Kingdom, https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/united-kingdom-clinical-research-associate-salary-SRCH_IL.0,14_IN2_KO15,42.htm.” Accessed 11 September 2024. 

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