The path to become an admissions coordinator depends on what kinds of settings someone plans to work in. Admissions coordinators handle incoming enrollments at hospitals and other health care facilities along with schools, camps, and social services programs. Some jobs require specific training, including a college education and a license to work, while others may only require a high school diploma. It can help to review job listings for positions of interest to learn more about what might be expected.
For a low-level admissions coordinator job, it may only be necessary to have a high school diploma; a two year degree can be helpful, however, as can administrative experience. This can include jobs in the admissions offices of junior colleges and trade schools, camps, and similar facilities. Institutions of higher education may require a four year degree in communications or a related field to become an admissions coordinator, as the jobs can be more demanding.
Someone who wants to become an admissions coordinator in the health care field has a number of potential jobs to choose from. Some have minimal requirements because they involve processing paperwork and turning over complex tasks to other personnel. Others require at least a four year degree, and a postgraduate degree may be preferred, if possible. A nursing license can also be required if the admissions coordinator performs patient intake, including tentative diagnosis and ward assignments. Other positions require licensed social workers.
No matter what the working environment, experience can help someone become an admissions coordinator. One way to enter the field is to pursue education while working in admissions office as an administrative assistant. As people achieve educational milestones and develop more experience, they can apply for promotions into more important positions in the office. Over time, they may acquire enough experience and education to apply for an open coordinator position.
Once someone has become an admissions coordinator, it helps to keep up with the field. This can include reading policies and regulations along with proposed rule changes, subscribing to trade publications, and keeping up with the services the facility offers. For people in health care, it is necessary to maintain licenses and certifications to keep working, if they were required originally. Some jobs may provisionally hire on the understanding that candidates will obtain licenses or certifications within a set period of time; setting a schedule for meeting these requirements can be helpful.
