How to Become a Healthcare Coordinator: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Are you interested in a healthcare career that blends management and patient care? Becoming a healthcare coordinator could be the perfect path for you. This article will guide you through the steps to become a healthcare coordinator, including the educational requirements, certifications, and skills needed.

We’ll also explore the salary, career outlook, and the different industries healthcare coordinators work in. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides insights into medical and health services managers (which includes healthcare coordinators), Zippia and other job platforms offer more specific details about this role, helping you get a clearer picture of your future career.

What are the benefits of becoming a healthcare coordinator?

Healthcare coordinators can earn a median salary of around $43,411 per year, depending on experience and location.
The job outlook for healthcare coordinators is strong, with a projected growth rate of 6% over the next decade.
Career paths include roles like healthcare manager, nursing director, or health services coordinator, offering various advancement opportunities.

What is a healthcare coordinator?
How do I become a healthcare coordinator for 2025?
What skills and experiences are important for healthcare coordinators to have?
What licenses and certifications do I need as a healthcare coordinator?
What are the educational requirements to become a healthcare coordinator?
How long does it take to become a healthcare coordinator?
How much does it cost to become a healthcare coordinator?
How much can I make as a healthcare coordinator?
Can additional specialized degrees boost my career as a healthcare coordinator?
What are the career paths for healthcare coordinators?
Is a career as a healthcare coordinator worth it?
How can ongoing professional development drive success in healthcare coordination?
How are emerging technologies reshaping healthcare coordination?
Other Things You Should Know About Healthcare Coordinators

What is a healthcare coordinator?

A healthcare coordinator is a professional who ensures that patients receive the appropriate care while managing the operations of healthcare settings. As of recent data, there are over 53,235 healthcare coordinators in the US. Their primary responsibilities involve managing patient care processes, coordinating between healthcare teams, and ensuring that medical services run smoothly.

This role is a key pathway for those with a healthcare administration degree, as it offers a chance to work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

What do healthcare coordinators do?

Healthcare coordinators are responsible for managing and organizing patient care in healthcare settings. Their role includes ensuring that medical teams work together efficiently to provide high-quality care while maintaining smooth operations within the facility.

Here’s what healthcare coordinators typically do:

Coordinate patient care schedules and services.
Manage patient information and records.
Oversee compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.
Liaise between healthcare providers, patients, and families.
Manage billing, insurance claims, and financial records.

Estimated total number of healthcare coordinators in the United States.

How do I become a healthcare coordinator for 2025?

Becoming a healthcare coordinator involves a series of actionable steps to prepare you for this vital role in the healthcare industry. Here's how you can pursue this career:

Earn a Relevant Bachelor's Degree: Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, public health, nursing, or a related field. This foundational education equips you with essential knowledge of healthcare systems and management principles.
Gain Practical Experience: Seek entry-level positions in healthcare settings, such as administrative roles or clinical support, to build hands-on experience. This exposure helps you understand the operational aspects of healthcare facilities.
Develop Essential Skills: Focus on enhancing skills like communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving. These competencies are crucial for effectively coordinating patient care and collaborating with healthcare teams.
Consider Advanced Education: While not always required, pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration or a related field can open up advanced career opportunities and provide a deeper understanding of healthcare management.
Explore Online Degree Options: If flexibility is important to you, consider enrolling in an online degree in healthcare management. Online programs offer the convenience of balancing studies with work and personal commitments.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare for a rewarding career as a healthcare coordinator, contributing to the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.

What skills and experiences are important for healthcare coordinators to have?

To excel as a healthcare coordinator, a blend of technical and interpersonal skills is essential. These competencies ensure effective patient management, seamless communication among healthcare teams, and adherence to industry standards.

Key Skills:

Communication Skills: Facilitating clear and empathetic interactions with patients, families, and healthcare professionals is vital for understanding needs and delivering quality care.
Organizational Skills: Managing multiple tasks, such as scheduling appointments and coordinating care plans, requires strong organizational abilities to ensure efficiency and timeliness.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in patient records, billing, and compliance with healthcare regulations demands meticulous attention to detail.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Addressing unexpected challenges and finding effective solutions is crucial in maintaining smooth healthcare operations.
Knowledge of Medical Terminology: Understanding medical language enhances communication with healthcare providers and aids in accurate documentation.
Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHR): Familiarity with EHR systems is essential for managing patient data and coordinating care effectively. This skill can qualify you for a role as a medical records manager. Check out the medical records manager requirements if this career path trajectory is something you are interested in.
Patient Advocacy: Championing patients' needs and ensuring they receive appropriate care is a fundamental aspect of the role.

Relevant Experiences:

Clinical Experience: Hands-on experience in healthcare settings, such as roles as a registered nurse or medical assistant, provides valuable insights into patient care processes.
Administrative Experience: Roles involving scheduling, billing, and coordination within healthcare facilities develop the organizational skills necessary for effective coordination.

Regarding educational pathways, pursuing advanced nursing programs, such as ADN to NP programs, can enhance clinical skills and open opportunities for roles that involve care coordination. These programs prepare nurses for advanced practice, contributing to improved patient outcomes and expanded career prospects.

To give you an idea of skills that employed healthcare coordinators have, the chart below presents the skills common in resumes.

What licenses and certifications do I need as a healthcare coordinator?

Becoming a healthcare coordinator involves obtaining specific certifications that validate your expertise in managing patient care and healthcare operations. While licensure requirements vary by state, certain certifications are widely recognized and can enhance your qualifications.

Key Certifications:

Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC): Offered by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC), this certification demonstrates proficiency in managing nursing unit operations, including transcribing physician orders and handling patient records.
Certified Medical Manager (CMM): Provided by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM), this certification focuses on administrative aspects of healthcare management, covering billing, coding, and compliance.
Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA): This credential is essential for those overseeing nursing home operations, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and quality care standards.
Health Information Management Certifications: Certifications such as the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) are beneficial for managing patient data and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws.

Online nursing school programs often offer courses that prepare students for various certifications and licensing exams, providing flexibility for working professionals. It's advisable to verify that the online program is accredited and meets the certification requirements of your state or desired certification body.

While not all positions require licensure, obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in healthcare coordination.

What are the educational requirements to become a healthcare coordinator?

To become a healthcare coordinator, obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is essential. Common majors include:

Nursing: Provides clinical expertise, enabling effective patient care coordination.
Psychology: Offers insights into patient behavior, enhancing communication and support.
Business Administration: Develops management skills crucial for overseeing healthcare operations.
Social Work: Equips with tools to advocate for and assist diverse patient populations.
Health Care Administration: Focuses on the operational aspects of healthcare facilities, preparing for administrative duties in coordination roles.

Enrolling in affordable online nursing programs can be a convenient and flexible way to meet these educational requirements. These programs offer opportunities to develop the necessary skills for roles such as healthcare coordinators.

The chart below presents the common majors that appear in resumes of healthcare coordinators.

How long does it take to become a healthcare coordinator?

Becoming a healthcare coordinator typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field, which generally takes about four years of full-time study. Some positions may accept an associate degree, which usually takes two years to complete, but a bachelor's is often preferred for advancement.

Additionally, gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level roles in healthcare settings is beneficial; entry-level positions may require 1 to 2 years of experience. While not always mandatory, pursuing certifications such as the Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC) can enhance job prospects. These certifications typically require passing an exam and may necessitate completing specific educational courses, which can vary in length.

Therefore, the time to become a healthcare coordinator can range from approximately two to six years, depending on educational choices and experience gained.

How much does it cost to become a healthcare coordinator?

Pursuing a career as a healthcare coordinator typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or a related field. The total cost, including tuition, books, and other expenses, varies based on the institution and program chosen.

Estimated Costs:

Tuition: For the 2023-2024 academic year, the average tuition for undergraduate programs in healthcare-related fields is approximately $25,636.
Books and Supplies: Estimated at $1,200 per year.
Room and Board: On-campus living expenses average around $10,000 annually.
Additional Fees: Including registration and activity fees, approximately $1,000 per year.

Total Estimated Annual Cost: Combining these expenses, the average annual cost is estimated at $37,836.

Total Cost for a Bachelor's Degree: Over a standard four-year program, the cumulative cost would be approximately $151,344, not accounting for potential increases in tuition or living expenses over time.

It's important to note that costs can vary significantly between public and private institutions, as well as between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.

Prospective students are encouraged to research specific programs, consider financial aid options, and evaluate the return on investment when planning their educational expenditures.

The chart below presents the undergraduate out-of-state programs typically taken by healthcare coordinators.

How much can I make as a healthcare coordinator?

Healthcare coordinators in the United States can expect to earn varying salaries depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience. According to Zippia, the average annual salary for healthcare coordinators is approximately $43,411, with a typical range between $32,000 and $57,000.

ZipRecruiter reports a slightly higher average of $50,728 per year. Glassdoor estimates the average salary at $58,913 annually. Indeed lists the average salary as $44,030 per year. PayScale reports an average salary of $76,284 for healthcare services coordinators.

Salaries can also vary by state. According to Zippia, the highest-paying states for healthcare coordinators include New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. ZipRecruiter identifies top-paying cities such as Santa Cruz, CA, and Sunnyvale, CA.

Industries also influence salary levels. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers, which include healthcare coordinators, earn a median annual wage of $104,830, with the highest salaries in hospitals, government, and outpatient care centers.

Overall, healthcare coordinators can anticipate annual earnings ranging from approximately $43,000 to over $76,000, depending on various factors.

Can additional specialized degrees boost my career as a healthcare coordinator?

While foundational education and certifications support entry into healthcare coordination, pursuing specialized advanced degrees can differentiate your profile and prepare you for broader leadership roles. Targeted programs offer sector-specific insights and strengthen competencies in clinical decision-making and patient care management, thereby improving collaboration between clinical and administrative teams. For instance, innovative options like the best accelerated PharmD programs can provide a streamlined pathway to gaining comprehensive clinical expertise that complements administrative acumen.

What are the career paths for healthcare coordinators?

Healthcare coordinators have several career advancement opportunities, each offering unique responsibilities and salary prospects:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provides basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Average salary: $48,070. Speaking of LPNs, between a certified nurse assistant or CNA or LPN which is better?
Consultant Nurse: Offers expert advice on nursing practices and healthcare systems. Average salary: $85,000.
Registered Nurse Case Manager: Coordinates patient care plans and ensures effective treatment. Average salary: $72,000.
Nursing Director: Oversees nursing staff and administrative functions within healthcare facilities. Average salary: $90,000.
Social Work Case Manager: Manages social service programs and assists clients in accessing resources. But what is the difference between a case manager vs social worker? We have a separate article on this topic. Average salary: $55,000.
Clinical Social Worker: Provides mental health services and support to patients. Average salary: $60,000.
Healthcare Manager: Plans and directs health services in hospitals or clinics. Average salary: $100,000.
Health Director: Leads public health initiatives and programs. Average salary: $110,000.
Health Services Manager: Coordinates medical and health services in various settings. Average health services manager salary: $104,830.
Wellness Director: Develops and manages wellness programs in organizations. Average salary: $75,000.

Pursuing further education is beneficial to these career paths. A masters in educational psychology, for instance, can be beneficial for roles like Clinical Social Worker or Social Work Case Manager, where understanding human behavior and learning processes enhances patient support and program development.

Is a career as a healthcare coordinatorworth it?

Yes, a career as a healthcare coordinator is worth it for those seeking a stable and meaningful role in the healthcare industry.

The cost of becoming a healthcare coordinator varies based on educational choices. Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a public institution averages $9,750 per year, while private institutions average $38,421 annually. Additional expenses, including books and living costs, can add approximately $20,000 per year. Licensing and certification costs, such as the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) credential, range from $200 to $400.

In terms of compensation, healthcare coordinators earn an average annual salary of $50,728, with potential to earn up to $73,000 depending on experience and location. The job outlook is positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 28% growth in employment for medical and health services managers from 2021 to 2031.

Considering the reasonable educational investment, solid salary prospects, and strong job growth, pursuing a career as a healthcare coordinator offers both financial and professional rewards. But checking the cost of living in the image below will help you decide on this career better.

How can ongoing professional development drive success in healthcare coordination?

Continuous professional development enables healthcare coordinators to stay ahead of regulatory changes and operational advancements. Embracing targeted training programs and certifications enhances strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and leadership capabilities. Pursuing specialized courses also supports the development of robust analytical and financial skills that are essential in adapting to a dynamic healthcare environment. Investing in continuing education, such as affordable online medical billing and coding training, ensures that professionals remain competitive and well-equipped to drive quality care outcomes.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Career as Healthcare Coordinators

Transitioning into healthcare coordination allowed me to make a tangible impact on patients' lives. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to ensure individuals receive the care they need. It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of their healthcare journey. Anika
Working as a healthcare coordinator has been a fulfilling experience. The role requires constant communication and problem-solving, which keeps me engaged. Knowing that my efforts contribute to better patient outcomes makes it all worthwhile. Mary
I appreciate the flexibility that comes with being a healthcare coordinator. Balancing administrative tasks with patient interactions ensures that no two days are the same. It's a dynamic role that keeps me on my toes. Lilly

How are emerging technologies reshaping healthcare coordination?

Healthcare coordination is increasingly influenced by digital transformation and streamlined information systems. Advanced electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and real-time data sharing tools are enhancing communication and decision-making processes. These technologies improve workflow efficiencies, reduce administrative burdens, and support better patient outcome tracking. As healthcare environments evolve, staying adept with these innovations can provide a competitive edge. For those exploring related support roles, consider applying to the cheapest medical assistant program to develop complementary technical skills.

Key Findings

Healthcare coordinators earn an average annual salary of $43,411, with variations based on experience and location.
The role is projected to grow by 6% from 2018 to 2028, adding approximately 195,400 new jobs.
A bachelor's degree in fields like nursing, psychology, business administration, social work, or healthcare administration is commonly required.
Healthcare coordinators can advance to positions such as healthcare manager, nursing director, or health services coordinator, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $110,000.
The total cost to become a healthcare coordinator, including tuition, books, and living expenses, averages around $37,836 per year, totaling approximately $151,344 over four years.

Other Things You Should Know About Healthcare Coordinators

What is the typical work schedule for a healthcare coordinator?

Healthcare coordinators usually work full-time, adhering to standard business hours, especially in outpatient clinics or administrative settings. However, in hospitals or facilities operating 24/7, they may work evening, night, or weekend shifts. Some positions offer part-time or flexible schedules, depending on the employer's needs and the coordinator's responsibilities. The role often requires adaptability to accommodate patient needs and ensure seamless care coordination.

What are the common challenges faced by healthcare coordinators?

Healthcare coordinators often encounter challenges such as fragmented healthcare systems, which can hinder effective communication among providers. Data silos and interoperability issues may lead to incomplete patient information, affecting care quality. Additionally, varying care processes across providers can result in inconsistencies. Addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and proficiency in health IT systems.

Is prior clinical experience necessary to become a healthcare coordinator?

While not always mandatory, prior clinical experience can be beneficial for healthcare coordinators. Understanding clinical workflows and patient care processes enhances a coordinator's ability to manage care plans effectively. Experience in roles such as nursing, medical assisting, or health administration provides valuable insights into the healthcare environment, facilitating better coordination among multidisciplinary teams.

How does a healthcare coordinator's role differ from that of a health unit coordinator?

A healthcare coordinator primarily focuses on managing patient care plans, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate services across various providers. In contrast, a health unit coordinator handles administrative tasks within a specific hospital unit, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and facilitating communication among staff. While both roles are integral to healthcare operations, their responsibilities and scopes differ significantly.