Clinical Research Coordination Badge
Clinical research coordination is a burgeoning area of growth in Northeast Florida and beyond.
As the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, and the use of technological advances, and that consumers are demanding more personalized medicine, the need for clinical research coordinators will grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% growth in employment for medical and health services managers (including clinical research professionals) from 2020 to 2030. Research coordinators can work globally, including remote positions, and according to the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the median annual salary for clinical research professionals in the United States ranges between $45,000-150,000 depending on the role. This highlights the lucrative nature of the careers and ability to grow within the field.
Employers are actively seeking graduates equipped with the skills to enter the field as clinical research coordinators. Clinical research involves the thorough examination of the safety and efficacy of cutting-edge advances in patient care. Unlike laboratory research, clinical research in the clinical setting engages research volunteers to advance the understanding of medicine and health. Virtually every medical innovation in use today—from drugs and devices to diagnostic tests—has undergone testing through clinical research studies.
There are various types of clinical research:
- Epidemiology studies enhance our knowledge of diseases by analyzing patterns, causes, and impacts within specific demographics.
- Behavioral studies explore the relationship between human behavior and health outcomes.
- Health services studies investigate healthcare accessibility, costs, and patient outcomes.
- Community-based participatory research involves local communities in all stages of research.
- Genetic studies examine the role of genetics in various diseases.
- Observational studies monitor groups over extended periods to understand disease progression.
- Physiological studies explore human body functions.
- Public health research aims to improve population-level health and well-being through research.
Locally, UFHealth, Mayo Clinic Florida, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, Medtronic, and more hire clinical research coordinators. National and International, companies such as IQVIA,Thermo Fisher Scientific, ICON, Parexel, PRA Health Sciences, ICON, and Abbott Laboratories hire research assistants, coordinators, and managers as well as clinical trial assistants, clinical research associates, managers and beyond to fill important roles in clinical research.
Why Earn a Badge?
The ability to earn a co-curricular badge offers several advantages that can enhance your educational and professional journey. These digital credentials recognize and validate your achievements in specific skills or areas of study beyond the traditional curriculum. Digital badges can enhance your resume, LinkedIn Profile or digital portfolio by providing tangible evidence of your abilities and to help differentiate yourself in a competitive job market. Badges highlight your expertise in niche areas, making you stand out to potential employers. Furthermore, a badge such as this, can connect you with peers, mentors and professionals who share similar interests, expanding your network and opening up new avenues for growth.
The UF Health | MedNexus Clinical Research Coordination Badge provides evidence to an employer that you have been introduced to the knowledge, skills and roles performed by an entry-level clinical research coordinator. In this program, you will learn:
- Basic research methods
- Good Clinical Practice principles for the regulation of clinical trials, informed consent and ethical recruitment
- The phases of clinical trials
- The importance of the research protocol and investigator brochure
- Research team responsibilities
- Institutional review boards
- Careers in clinical research, and much more!
After the online curriculum is completed, students will complete a 150-hour internship in a clinical research environment. After successful completion of the badge requirements (curriculum plus internship), students will be well-positioned to apply for entry-level clinical research coordinator roles in the region and beyond.
How the Program Works
The program is limited to 10 students. Selected students begin the online Canvas-based coursework at the start of the spring semester. The coursework should take a few hours a week for six to eight weeks, depending on your pace. The following resources are available at the UNF Library:
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by: Rebecca Skloot
- Clinical Research Coordinator Handbook, 5th Edition by: Deborrah Norris
After successful completion of the coursework, students will be eligible for internship placement at UFHealth Jacksonville. There are specific internship requirements including a Level II Background check and interview process. Students will work directly with UFHealth to schedule and complete their internship during the Summer 2025 semester. The in-person internship will require approximately 10 to 15 on-site hours per week. Students who have a required internship for their program of study are welcome to discuss this internship counting for their program requirements with the permission of their internship coordinator/program director.
After completion of the coursework and internship, students will be issued a digital badge to use on their LinkedIn page and resume.
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Undergraduate and graduate students at UNF with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Plan to graduate within one academic year of application.
- Must take a research course and a medical terminology course prior to starting the badge.
- Interested in a career in clinical research.
- Must complete a 150-hour internship (can be part of your Program of Study for course credit).
- Complete and pass a Level II background check for internship placement.
How to Apply:
- Eligible students should complete this Application by October 24, 2025.
- You will be notified if you will move on to the next round of interviews by October 31, 2025.
- Interviews will be scheduled for early November.
- Selected students will begin the badge process in January 2026.
Program Director: Colleen Kalynych, MSH, EdD
Dr. Kalynych serves as the Assistant Dean for Medical Education at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, as well as the Director of Educational Development and Research, and Director for the Center for Medical Education Research and Scholarship (CREATORS). With over 20 years of experience in clinical research and clinical trials, Dr. Kalynych is passionate about equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to ensure job opportunities following graduation. Dr. Kalynych is excited to partner with MedNexus to promote careers in clinical research.
Cohort 1
Sara Giraldo Castillo
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychology
Sara's favorite part of UNF: "The meaningful friendships I have made and the significant personal and professional growth I have experienced during my time here."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "The potential to create a positive impact in healthcare by advancing medical research and learning more about patient care to improve their quality of life."
Jaelen Facey
Major: Public Health
Minor: Health Administration
Jaelen's favorite part of UNF: "The small classes give me the opportunity to build a connection with my professors. It also gives me the opportunity to learn more effectively."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I want to be in clinical research because I believe it will put me right place to succeed. I desire the ongoing research and always hunting for results. The opportunity to continue learning about new topics fascinates me. Overall, I think clinical research will help me to achieve the goals I am striving for."
Madison Rivera
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Madison's favorite part of UNF: "The beautiful scenery of the campus!"
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "My end goal for my career is to become a pediatric neurologist. As I am doing this job, I’ll be required to address and treat many neurological diseases and disorders in children. I believe that clinical research will allow me to contribute to the improvement of different treatments, tools, and therapies to help my future patients. My experience gained in clinical research will allow me to be on the forefront of such future treatments to not only be able to provide my future patients with the best care possible, but also to be able to provide them with the most accurate information."
Rachel Boyd
Major: Kinesiology & Lifestyle Medicine
Rachel's favorite part of UNF: "I really enjoy the proximity of the buildings. Once I've parked my car, I'm able to walk to most of the areas I need to get to."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I am passionate about the advancement of healthcare in every community, but especially those who are typically underrepresented. Clinical research will allow me to be at the forefront of this process and bridge the gap between discovery and real-world application."
Jennifer Wells
Major: Masters of Public Health
Jennifer's favorite part of UNF: "The supportive faculty."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "While I have research experience, it isn’t in this realm, and I would love to learn all of what is involved in clinical research. This type of research is incredibly important for the improvement of health and I am passionate about working in an area directly involved in improving the health of my community and further."
James Nguyen
Major: Biomedical Sciences
James's favorite part of UNF: "My favorite thing about UNF is the campus atmosphere and the nature preserve it sits on. Walking around our campus with open and 'plant-integrated' architecture is calming (especially after a big exam). The Lake Oneida trail is a beautiful getaway from the sometimes busy and stuffy labs. I love exploring and being in nature at and around UNF."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I believe the forefront of medicine starts in the lab. Working in clinical research is a way to save countless lives through future advancements. This idea has been my driving force in pursuing clinical research. Alongside this, I have a passion for lab work, especially in histology and microbiology. Through my courses, I fell in love with the idea of an entire world hidden in the molecular and cellular level. Exploring this world, and discovering medical and technological advancements along the way, is what drives me to be in clinical research."
Presley Murray
Major: Biomedical Sciences & Nutrition & Dietetics
Presley's favorite part of UNF: "My volleyball teammates and coaches, and how willing the professors are to help me understand material."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I want to be in clinical research because I want to find new ways to help people and expand my knowledge in biology."
Amanda Slater
Major: Nursing
Amanda's favorite part of UNF: "The wide offering of courses that allow for professional development paired with professors that truly care about your goals and success."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I want to pursue a career in clinical research because I aim to make a lasting impact on those around me by contributing to advancements that better various areas of medicine. Through research, I plan to bridge the gap between innovative discoveries and patient care, ensuring that the work I do improves lives, supports communities, and helps best address medical needs."
Manolya Apak
Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
Amanda's favorite part of UNF: "I absolutely love UNF's faculty. The professors are amazing and genuinely care about their students, which only motivates me to continue learning from them and be inquisitive in my field. They inspire and support students, like myself, to push through difficult obstacles, search for new opportunities, and set and achieve ambitious goals that will shape the future."
Reason for Interest in Clinical Research: "I aspire to become a physician in a field that is relatively new. There are huge mysteries regarding the brain, and I want to be part of the process that discovers and explains complex phenomena, such as the nature of consciousness and memory, all while applying new techniques and findings to patients and educating the public. Through clinical research, I hope to improve an aspect of someone's life and the future of neuroscience and related fields."