How to Become a Patient Care Coordinator

Patient care coordinators work with medical teams to ensure each patient receives the appropriate amount of ongoing medical care. These vital healthcare workers schedule appointments and follow-ups, secure prior authorizations from insurers, provide community resources, and more.

This guide discusses how to become a patient care coordinator, including their responsibilities, salary, education requirements, and more. Continue reading to discover whether this healthcare career is right for you!

What is a Patient Care Coordinator?

A patient care coordinator helps oversee patient healthcare by liaising with providers to confirm, consolidate, and organize treatment plans. They also educate patients and their families about specific health conditions. 

Patient Care Coordinator Skills

• Knowledge of electronic medical record systems
• Implementing care plans 
• Strong communication skills
• Medical terminology knowledge
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Empathy
• Administrative skills

Patient Care Coordinator Duties

Working alongside other healthcare professionals, patient care coordinators ensure patients receive appropriate, adequate care. They also provide patients with the education necessary to understand their current and future health needs. In some patient care settings, their responsibilities are similar to those of a nurse or office administrator.

Patient care coordinator job duties include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• Schedule needed outpatient and follow-up appointments
• Obtain prior authorizations before procedures
• Discuss health history and current needs with patients and their families
• Answer patient calls and emails
• Register patients within a healthcare system
• Record insurance information
• Update clinical standards for healthcare professionals
• Perform clerical tasks
• Provide community resources
• Research funding options for patients 
• Hiring and training staff
• Educate patients and their families
• Manage and coordinate patient care 
• Monitoring a patient’s progress toward their healthcare goals

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How to Become a Patient Care Coordinator

Step 1: Undergraduate Education

To become a patient care coordinator, you must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in a relevant field. Degree options for patient care coordinators include:

• Nursing
• Health Administration
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Health Sciences
• Business Administration
• Health Management

Essentially, your education must focus on public health practices, communications, administration, management, and technology. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is beneficial for becoming a patient care coordinator because the curriculum covers relevant disciplines. It also prepares graduates to begin earning healthcare experience immediately at the bedside.

Step 2: Earn Relevant Experience

Patient care coordinators need relevant healthcare experience. The amount varies by employer, with many seeking candidates with 1-4 years of applicable work history.

If your undergraduate education is in nursing, you can earn this experience working as a bedside nurse. Alternatively, you might pursue a healthcare administration or management background.

Step 3: Earn Licensure/Certification

In the US, individual states set licensure standards for patient care coordinators. Some require that you complete a state-approved training program and pass an exam. Others have no set standards. Check with your state to understand your specific licensure requirements.

In addition to your state's criteria, employers may require licensure or certifications for patient care coordinator positions. Often, holding a nursing or social work license can be helpful.

Those with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) care coordination and transition management (CCCTM) certification may also have an edge. However, the ANCC discontinued the exam for this certification, and it's only currently available for renewal.

Where Can Patient Care Coordinators Work?

Patient care coordinators can work in various locations, including:

• Hospitals
• Doctors’ office
• Nursing care facilities
• Specialty care centers
• Nursing care facilities
• Retirement homes
• VA hospitals
• Ambulatory care offices
• Academia
• Dentists’ office

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Patient Care Coordinator Salary

How much a patient care coordinator makes depends on your location, employer, experience, and several other factors. However, the average annual patient care coordinator salary is $99,990 or $40 per hour, according to Salary.com.

This estimate differs from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, which classifies patient care coordinators as medical and health service managers. According to BLS data, patient care coordinators earn $110,680 annually or $53.21 per hour.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS,  the growth for patient care coordinators is 29% from 2023 to 2033. These estimates are considerably faster than the average for all occupations. 

FAQs

• What is the role of a patient care coordinator?

  • Patient care coordinators are healthcare professionals who liaise between patients, families, and medical providers.

• Is a patient coordinator the same as a receptionist?

  • No, a patient care coordinator is responsible for coordinating a patient's care and helping them navigate during the healthcare process. While some duties may be more administrative, they have very different responsibilities.