AI exposure score

Clinical Research Coordinators

Clinical Research Coordinators score 53 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #181 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 33 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 5 on its own and 25 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 6 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

53/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #181of 923 jobs
US workers: 108,690for Natural Sciences Managers
Median pay: $167,220a year
In real AI use: 6 of 33tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (15%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 25 (76%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (9%)

Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Register protocol patients with appropriate statistical centers as required.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Dispense medical devices or drugs, and calculate dosages and provide instructions as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Arrange for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Interpret protocols and advise treating physicians on appropriate dosage modifications or treatment calculations based on patient characteristics.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Contact industry representatives to ensure equipment and software specifications necessary for successful study completion.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Solicit industry-sponsored trials through contacts and professional organizations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Participate in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Organize space for study equipment and supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about clinical research coordinators and AI

Will AI replace clinical research coordinators?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Clinical Research Coordinators score 53 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #181 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 30 of the job's 33 tasks, 5 of them on its own, while 3 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which clinical research coordinators tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports"; "Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data"; "Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data".

Which clinical research coordinators tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms"; "Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens"; "Organize space for study equipment and supplies".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 6 of the 33 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as clinical research coordinators, and what do they earn?

About 108,690 people in the US (figure for Natural Sciences Managers), with median pay of $167,220 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.