Introduction to Clinical Research Roles

Introduction to Clinical Research Roles
Clinical research drives medical innovation, developing new treatments, drugs, and devices that improve patient outcomes. For those breaking into this growing field, understanding key roles is essential. Obedtek’s Clintern Ascend program prepares participants with hands-on experience, remote internships, and career-ready skills, perfect for recent graduates, career changers, or aspiring professionals.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
CRAs oversee clinical trials to ensure safety, compliance, and accurate data. They work for sponsors like pharmaceutical companies or CROs and often travel between trial sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor trials and verify data accuracy
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards (GCP)
• Support sites with training, documentation, and issue resolution
• Track and report adverse events (AEs and SAEs)
• Serve as a liaison between sponsors and research sites

Why It Matters
CRAs safeguard trial quality and patient safety, ensuring reliable, actionable results.

Clinical Research Assistant (CRA Assistant)
CRA Assistants provide critical behind-the-scenes support, making it a strong entry-level role and common first step for Clintern Ascend graduates.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting and preparing study protocols
• Recruit and screen study participants
• Organize site visits and data collection
• Track regulatory documentation
• Facilitate team communication

Why It Matters
CRA Assistants help trials run efficiently and keep research teams organized and compliant.

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Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
CRCs work on-site at hospitals or clinics, managing day-to-day operations and interacting directly with participants.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and consent participants, explaining study protocols
• Collect and maintain high-quality trial data
• Schedule and oversee visits, labs, and assessments
• Ensure adherence to protocols and regulations
• Collaborate with doctors, patients, sponsors, and regulatory teams

Why It Matters
CRCs are the “boots on the ground,” ensuring participant experiences are smooth and protocols are followed accurately.

Career Growth and Opportunities
Roles in clinical research offer clear progression:
Entry-Level: Clinical Research Assistant, Clinical Research Coordinator, Clintern Ascend Intern
Mid-Level: Clinical Trial Associate, Clinical Operations Lead, GCP Auditor
Senior-Level: Lead CRA, Site Manager, Clinical Project Manager

Top Skills You’ll Build with Clintern Ascend

• GCP and regulatory compliance
• Patient safety and ethics
• Data management and quality assurance
• Professional communication
• Regulatory documentation and workflows
• Hands-on experience with clinical trial tools

Get Started with Clintern Ascend
Obedtek equips participants with real-world clinical research experience through remote internships, self-paced training, and mentorship, equivalent to a year on the job. Clintern Ascend gives you the experience, skills, and guidance to launch your clinical research career with confidence.

Ready to start your journey?
Visit www.obedtek.com or call 302-208-4020 to learn more.

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