I can understand clinical experience being desired for an investigator, however research experience and good communication/people skills seem to be more important. While clinical experience icludes patient interactions and the administration various treatments, unless completion of the trials requires some specialized knowledge of a treatment or procedure, I have to agree with amandaally1029 and akshayakirithy that a clinical background is not a necessity.

During my Undergrad, I interned at a Neuroscience Lab where we conducted subject based research. myself and my PIs met many of the same responsibilities to that of a CR team. While one of my PIs did have clinical experience, it was not necessary for all of us to have clinical experience to properly conduct research. therefore clinical experience should not be a requirement for CRA positions, especially positions such as sponsor or CRO.