| Required Education | A bachelor's degree is generally required, but not in all situations; some positions also require a master's degree |
| Degree Field | Nursing, counseling, or social work |
| Job Outlook (2018-2028)* | 12% (for registered nurses); 11% (for social workers) |
| Salary (2019)** | $46,118 (median annual salary) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Payscale.com
Patient Care Coordinator Job Description
A patient care coordinator's primary role is to advocate for patients to ensure that they get the best care possible. As a part of carrying this role out, they perform administrative tasks, including answering phone calls, entering patient data, scheduling patient visits, and coordinating multiple schedules.
This role includes a significant amount of communication, including with patients and their families and various medical professionals. A patient care coordinator synthesizes information from these individuals, such as healthcare goals and patient needs, in a way that is helpful and useful to the patient and all the medical professionals providing them with care. They also play a role in ensuring adherence to professional and regulatory standards and requirements.
Some patient care coordinators are also responsible for carrying out a general assessment of a patient, coming up with an overall healthcare plan for them, and then following up with them to ensure those plans are being carried out.
Patient Care Coordinator Education Requirements
The education requirements for a patient care coordinator can vary depending on the position. Some patient care coordinators will only need to have a high school diploma, while others may need a master's degree. Some organizations will hire employees who have a bachelor's degree, but four or more years of work experience in the medical or social services field may be required.
Some patient care coordinator roles require specific education or training. For example, one 2019 job posting stated the employer would only be hiring candidates who were already registered nurses (RNs) because of the responsibilities required. Additionally, a patient care coordinator working in the field of social work will most likely be required to be a licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree.
Patient Care Coordinator Salary
According to Payscale.com in November 2019, the median annual salary for all patient care coordinators was $46,118, with a median hourly rate of $16.49. During this same time frame, entry-level employees made a median annual salary of $40,108, those in the middle of their career earned $49,221 yearly, and experienced individuals in this position made a median salary of $52,025 each year. Those who have knowledge and experience in the area of electronic medical records (EMR) generally earn more.
