What Can You Do With an MSN Degree in Care Coordination in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs can you get with an MSN in Care Coordination Degree?

An MSN in care coordination prepares nurses to lead complex healthcare initiatives, manage patient care across settings, and improve overall health outcomes. Graduates develop skills in clinical leadership, patient advocacy, and operational management, making them vital in both hospital and community-based care environments. For many professionals researching how to become a healthcare coordinator, pursuing an MSN is often the pathway that opens doors to advanced leadership and specialized care roles.

With increasing demand for efficient care delivery, these professionals play a key role in reducing readmissions, improving chronic disease management, and supporting population health strategies.

These roles include:

• Nurse Care Coordinator / Nurse Navigator: Manage individualized patient plans and transitions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Clinical Nurse Coordinator: Supervise multi-patient care programs and streamline operational workflows.
• Case Management Supervisor: Ensure quality and consistency of services across patient populations.
• Population Health Manager: Develop and integrate system-level strategies to improve community health outcomes.
• Transitional Care Nurse: Support patients moving between hospital, rehab, and home settings to reduce readmissions.

What is the average salary for MSN in Care Coordination Degree graduates?

The earning potential for MSN in care coordination graduates grows as nurses advance in experience, responsibility, and specialized expertise. Entry-level roles provide foundational skills and moderate pay ($62,700). 

On the other hand, leadership and program management positions offer significantly higher compensation ($108,000). Geographic location and organizational size are also factors that further influence salaries, with urban hospitals and large healthcare systems offering top-tier earnings.

For those exploring career pathways and wondering what can you do with an MSN in health systems management, these salary insights also provide a helpful benchmark when comparing related roles.

The chart below from Zippia shares the nurse coordinator salary by experience level.

How can I maximize my earning potential with an MSN in Care Coordination Degree?

A care coordination degree opens diverse pathways for higher compensation, but advancing earnings requires more than clinical expertise. Build leadership experience, pursue specialized tracks, and earn respected certifications to enhance professional value. 

For nurses concerned about cost, exploring the cheapest online MSN programs can provide an affordable entry point into advanced practice while still opening the door to higher salaries.

Nurses who strategically position themselves in high-demand areas, such as chronic disease management, quality improvement, or population health, often see significant salary growth. These are the various ways to boost your earning potential with a care coordination degree:

• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transition into management positions like Population Health Manager or Director of Case Management to oversee teams and programs.
• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on fields such as nursing informatics, quality improvement, or chronic disease management where specialized expertise commands higher pay.
• Earn Professional Certifications: Credentials like CCM, CCCTM, or ANCC Case Management Nurse Board Certified enhance credibility and marketability.
• Work in Larger Healthcare Systems: Hospitals and integrated health networks in urban areas often offer more competitive salaries and advancement opportunities.
• Expand into Consulting or Advisory Roles: Experienced coordinators can leverage their expertise to advise organizations on care transitions, utilization management, or value-based care strategies.
• Pursue Advanced Education or Dual Expertise: Combine care coordination with training in healthcare administration or public health to open doors to executive-level positions.

What is the career outlook for professionals with an MSN in Care Coordination Degree?

Professionals with an MSN in care coordination can expect strong career growth due to increasing demand for skilled healthcare managers. The role often aligns with positions like medical and health services manager, which are projected to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. During this period, approximately 61,400 annual job openings are expected, with total employment reaching 723,300 by 2033 in the US.

Job opportunities are particularly abundant in states with the highest employment levels for medical and health services managers. California leads with 57,310 positions, followed by Texas with 51,030, reflecting concentrated healthcare systems and large populations. This robust outlook indicates that care coordination degree holders can pursue leadership roles with strong job security, competitive demand, and opportunities across multiple healthcare settings.

The chart below from the US BLS shows the states with the most medical and health services management jobs.

How can I transition into care coordination from another nursing specialty?

Many registered nurses build rewarding careers in care coordination by leveraging prior clinical expertise and supplementing it with advanced training. A care coordination degree provides specialized education in leadership, patient-centered care, and population health, preparing nurses to move beyond bedside practice into roles that influence healthcare delivery at a systems level.

For nurses exploring similar shifts in their careers—like asking what can you do with an urban planning degree—the process also involves identifying transferable skills and applying them in new contexts.

With industries like general medical and surgical hospitals (employing 279,000 professionals) and outpatient care centers (119,000 employed), opportunities are abundant for those ready to make the shift.

Here, I have listed the key strategies you can try to transition into care coordination:

• Complete Specialized MSN Coursework: Courses in leadership, health informatics, and quality improvement provide the foundation needed to manage complex care processes.
• Participate in Practicums or Residencies: Hands-on training in hospitals, outpatient centers, or community clinics develops real-world skills in coordinating care across teams.
• Leverage Transferable Skills: Experience in patient management, clinical decision-making, and team collaboration demonstrates readiness for advanced coordination roles.
• Pursue Relevant Certifications: Credentials such as CCM (Certified Case Manager) or CCCTM (Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management) strengthen professional credibility.
• Network within the Field: Engage with professional associations, hospital committees, or interdisciplinary teams to build connections and uncover job opportunities in coordination.

The chart below from Data USA details the top industries that employ medical and health services managers.

Is an MSN in Care Coordination Degree worth it for career advancement?

A care coordination degree equips nurses with advanced leadership, patient navigation, and data-driven decision-making skills that position them for promotions and higher-impact roles. Beyond bedside care, the degree allows nurses to move into leadership, administration, and system-level positions that directly shape healthcare outcomes and policies. For those seeking flexible options, programs such as fast track MSN care coordination online make it possible to earn this credential while balancing work and family commitments.

With growing demand for medical and health services managers and nurse care coordinators,  the credential provides both job security and pathways for long-term professional growth. Some of the benefits for pursuing the degree include:

• Access to Administrative Roles: Positions like Director of Case Management or Care Coordination Manager allow nurses to oversee teams and system-level processes.
• Increased Leadership Credibility: Advanced training helps nurses command authority in interdisciplinary teams and influence organizational strategies.
• Enhanced Marketability: Specialized skills in population health management, care transitions, and health informatics improve competitiveness in hospital systems.
• Financial Benefits: Roles such as Nurse Care Coordinators can include additional perks like a pension benefit averaging $5,620 annually.
• Expanded Career Pathways: Graduates can branch into policy development, healthcare consulting, or quality improvement leadership beyond traditional hospital roles
• Long-term Career Resilience: With the aging population and rising chronic illness rates, the demand for nurse leaders in care coordination will only continue to grow.

What leadership or specialized roles can I pursue with an MSN in Care Coordination Degree?

A care coordination degree prepares nurses to take on advanced roles that blend clinical expertise with organizational leadership. These positions allow graduates to influence patient care on a broader scale by shaping care delivery systems, improving population health outcomes, and guiding interdisciplinary teams.

For those comparing career advancement options, researching programs such as the best medical assistant to RN bridge program online can also provide insight into how different educational pathways open doors to leadership opportunities.

With healthcare organizations prioritizing efficiency, quality, and value-based care, MSN-prepared nurses are well-positioned for both leadership and specialized career paths. Below are some of the leadership and specialized roles one can purse with the degree:

• Care Coordination Manager: Direct care coordination programs, oversee patient transitions, and ensure seamless communication across providers and departments.
• Population Health Manager: Design community health initiatives, monitor health trends, and develop preventive programs to improve long-term outcomes.
• Director of Case Management: Supervise interdisciplinary teams, standardize case management processes, and align care strategies with organizational goals.
• Nursing Informatics Specialist: Use data systems to track patient progress, optimize care pathways, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Executive Leadership (VP of Care Management or Chief Nursing Officer): Lead large-scale initiatives, manage budgets, and influence system-wide strategy and policy.
• Quality Improvement Director: Oversee performance metrics, develop improvement plans, and drive compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

How can an MSN in Care Coordination Degree help you advance in hospital administration?

An MSN in Care Coordination equips nurses with both clinical insight and administrative expertise, preparing them to thrive in hospital leadership. The degree strengthens decision-making, policy development, and resource management, positioning graduates to guide organizational strategy while ensuring patient-centered care. 

For career changers or those without a BSN, online direct entry MSN programs make it possible to transition into advanced nursing and care coordination roles while maintaining flexibility.

With 10.8% of nurse coordinators holding a master’s degree, this path is increasingly recognized as essential for advancing into hospital administration. Here’s how a care coordination degree help you advance in hospital administration:

• Overseeing Patient Flow: Coordinate admissions, discharges, and transfers to improve efficiency and reduce hospital readmissions.
• Leading Quality Initiatives: Design and implement evidence-based programs to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.
• Shaping Policy: Develop hospital procedures, staffing frameworks, and strategic goals to align with regulatory standards and organizational priorities.
• Managing Interdisciplinary Teams: Direct nurses, physicians, and allied staff to improve collaboration and streamline communication.
• Optimizing Resource Allocation: Balance staffing, budgets, and technology investments to maximize both patient care and operational efficiency.
• Driving Accreditation Readiness: Ensure compliance with hospital standards and prepare departments for external audits and reviews.

What skills are essential for success in care coordination roles?

A care coordination degree requires a balance of clinical knowledge and management expertise, with communication playing a central role. A nurse care managers study show they spend nearly 50% of their time on communicating with other healthcare professionals. 

Similarly, 93% of medical and health services managers report using the telephone daily, highlighting the need for consistent and effective interaction. Beyond communication, success in these roles depends on leadership, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.

For professionals exploring training pathways, looking into programs such as the best online appliance repair trade school programs shows how different fields emphasize specialized skills—just as healthcare coordination relies on advanced leadership and system-level expertise.

Below are the necessary skills for care coordination roles:

• Interprofessional Collaboration: Partner with physicians, nurses, and social workers to create seamless transitions across care settings.
• Data Analysis: Interpret electronic medical records (EMRs) and population health data to identify trends and guide interventions.
• Leadership and Organization: Direct teams, streamline workflows, and implement initiatives that improve care quality and efficiency.
• Patient Advocacy: Support patients in navigating healthcare systems, securing resources, and understanding treatment plans.
• Health Policy Knowledge: Apply regulatory guidelines and healthcare policies to ensure compliance and support strategic hospital initiatives.
• Conflict Resolution: Address barriers between patients, families, and providers to foster trust and collaborative care.

What certifications or additional training enhance a career in care coordination?

In care coordination, advanced credentials showcase expertise and build trust with employers, patients, and interdisciplinary teams. Certifications can open doors to leadership roles, strengthen practical skills in complex care delivery, and prepare professionals for the evolving demands of population health management. 

For nurses who are just beginning the journey, starting with one of the easiest MSN programs to get into can be a practical way to enter the field and later pursue specialized certifications.

While some roles may not require certification, pursuing additional training signals commitment to professional growth and positions nurses for competitive opportunities in hospital administration, case management, or community health leadership.

Here are some of the common certifications and additional trainings that you can pursue with a care coordination degree:

• CCM (Certified Case Manager): Recognized across healthcare settings, this certification validates expertise in case management, care planning, and patient advocacy.
• CCCTM (Care Coordination and Transition Management): Focuses on optimizing patient transitions between care settings, reducing readmissions, and ensuring continuity of care.
• ANCC Case Management Nurse Board Certified (CMGT-BC): A nationally respected credential that highlights advanced skills in care coordination and quality improvement.
• AACN Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCTM): Covers nine dimensions of care coordination, including patient education, family engagement, population health, and nursing informatics.
• CHCQM (Certified in Health Care Quality and Management): Equips professionals to lead quality improvement initiatives and integrate care coordination into organizational strategy.

What MSN in Care Coordination Degree Graduates Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know About MSN in Care Coordination Degree Programs

What is the difference between care coordination and case management careers?

Care coordination focuses on organizing patient care across multiple providers and settings to ensure continuity and efficiency. Case management emphasizes managing individual patient plans, including discharge planning, follow-ups, and access to resources. Both roles overlap, but care coordination is broader and system-focused, while case management is patient-specific.

What courses are required for an MSN in Care Coordination?

Core courses typically include Care Coordination Leadership, Population Health, Health Informatics, Quality Improvement, Ethical and Legal Issues, Interprofessional Collaboration, Healthcare Policy, and a Practicum or Capstone. These courses build skills in leadership, data-driven decision-making, and patient-centered care.

Can I combine care coordination with nursing informatics?

Yes, many MSN programs allow students to integrate nursing informatics, applying data analysis and electronic health records to improve care coordination. This combination enhances efficiency, patient outcomes, and organizational decision-making.

Are there continuing education requirements for nurse care coordinators?

Yes, nurse care coordinators must maintain RN licensure and often pursue continuing education or certification renewal. Programs like CCM or CCCTM require ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and industry standards.