A clinical research associate (CRA), also called a clinical monitor or trial monitor, is a health-care professional who performs many activities related to medical research, particularly clinical trials.
Clinical research associates work in various settings, such as pharmaceutical companies, medical research institutes and government
agencies. Depending on the jurisdiction, different education and certification
requirements may be necessary to practice as a clinical research associate.
Clinical research associates (CRAs) organise and administer clinical trials of new or current drugs in order to assess the benefits and risks of using them. Typical employers of clinical research associates include pharmaceutical companies and clinical contract agencies.