What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Patient care coordinators facilitate communication between patients, families, medical staff, and healthcare providers. They assess patients’ needs, explain policies, and connect them with community resources, including health care, behavioral health, and social services. Coordinators train patients, families, and staff in care management and self-management. They also oversee the coordination of services, monitor care quality, and act as patient advocates when necessary. Patient care coordinators can include licensed professions such as social workers or registered nurses or unlicensed professionals including patient navigators or case managers, with differences in education and responsibilities.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most patient care coordinators work in hospitals, clinics, and community-based organizations, assisting patients with complex care needs in navigating the health care, behavioral health, and social service systems.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Patient care coordinators salaries vary greatly depending on setting and on licensure status. Those with licenses such as social workers or registered nurses earn more than those without licenses, and patient care coordinators working in hospitals earn more than those working in community-based settings.
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Increased demand for patient care coordinators can be attributed to changes in health care systems (eg, coordinating multiple provider organizations), an aging population, and the complex needs of chronic disease patients.
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Most patient care coordinator occupations require a 4 dyear bachelor’s degree, but some do not. Many patient care coordinators have degrees in social work, nursing, or public health. Some may have more generic 2-year associate degrees in human services.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
No license is needed to work as a patient care coordinator in New York State.
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.