To become a medical staff coordinator, you should have experience in either the human resources department of a company or as an administrative assistant in a medical center or clinic. Due to the fact that medical staff coordinator duties often include scheduling, writing, and processing, having top analytical skills in a must. Most jobs in this area only require that a candidate have a high school diploma or its equivalent, although having a two year associate's degree or a four year bachelor's degree would definitely make you more attractive to potential employers. Certification is also a great way to fast track into a medical staff coordinator position.
If you desire to become a medical staff coordinator, you should learn best practices to use while working within human resources. As a professional who will be responsible for keeping track of and supporting high level employees, you will need to be organized and understand staffing practices. Learning how to recruit appropriate medical staff, such as residents, physicians, and nurses, will be a huge part of your on the job experience.
Much of your work will include administrative duties. Medical staff coordinators are often called upon to be the recording secretary at staff meetings, the first point of contact for recruits, a documentation and regulation resource for the staff, and sometimes the executive assistant to the medical facility's director. With such a varied job description, developing experience as an administrative assistant, particularly within the healthcare field, will prove to be useful as you seek to become a medical staff coordinator.
While you can become a medical staff coordinator with only a high school diploma or equivalent, it is recommended that you seek opportunities to obtain an associate's or a bachelor's degree in health care administration, business, or another relevant subject. Having a degree will make your application more competitive among potential employers. It will also enable you to command a higher salary and greater benefits than those with a high school diploma.
Some countries have organizations that grant certification for aspiring medical staff coordinators. Certification usually includes taking special classes and seminars that cover the unique challenges of the job, such as interviewing highly technical staff or keeping meticulous healthcare financial records. After receiving certification, you may find yourself in high demand by well known and large hospitals who need many coordinators.
