Objective To investigate the current status of career development of clinical research nurses (CRNs) and clinical research coordinators (CRCs), to analyze existing problems, and to propose management strategies. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 49 CRNs and 564 CRCs for a questionnaire survey in terms of their general information, job status, career intentions, ways to be CRNs or CRCs, and professional needs. Results Both CRNs and CRCs were predominantly female (91.84% and 96.63%, respectively) and mostly had a nursing background (75.51% and 58.16%, respectively). Age and years of work experience were the main factors influencing job status and career intentions for CRNs, while age, professional background, and years of work experience were the main influencing factors for CRCs (all P<0.05). Conclusion As emerging professions, CRNs and CRCs are developing rapidly in China. Institutions should optimize training and supervision systems based on their actual conditions to ensure the quality and efficiency of clinical trial projects.