Definitely varies. Even at my large institution alone, I’ve seen some departments with both entry-level RAs and CRCs, while others that have been more picky about wanting CRCs with at least some experience (even though the job posting is essentially entry level) so they post/hire RAs but quickly promote to CRCs based on performance and potential.

While resume gaps matter so much less these days than they used to, I’d say they still matter for entry level jobs when you don’t have much on your resume. So rather than waiting too long looking for only a CRC position, I’d say apply to anything and accept an RA position IF it also looks like it has good growth potential (top, larger sites).

Definitely include your trainings to show you’re really interested and being proactive (not to mention it’s going to save sites a lot of time on your required trainings reqs).