The Clinical Research program at Oxford College will prepare students to enter this industry to be either a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC).  But what is the difference between a CRA and a CRC, and which would be right line of work for you?

The primary difference between a Clinical Research Associate and a Clinical Research Coordinator is where you work and your job activities.  A Clinical Research Associate typically works for a pharmaceutical firm that is interested in drug development.  One of the main requirements of a CRA is that they are able to be mobile and travel, as clinical trial facilities often exist in different sites around the world. 

Meanwhile, Clinical Research Coordinators will work in one place, usually a hospital, and is more locally-based.  This type of career is more attractive to people who have significant experience in the medical field, such as a doctor. 

 

In our Clinical Research program, you are trained to work as both a CRA and a CRC, but we also allow you to focus and specialize in either of these two fields, and your placement will also reflect your interest in becoming a CRA or CRC.