An organ procurement coordinator manages all aspects of organ transplantation at every stage of the process. When a patient matches with an available organ, all the pieces need to be in place to transport the organ safely from donor to recipient. Organ procurement coordinators address all paperwork, applications, and obstacles to make sure a patient is ready for their transplant when the time comes. They communicate and coordinate with donors, families, transplant recipients, and many members of the healthcare team to ensure the best transplant outcomes.
Where Do Organ Procurement Coordinators Work?
Many organ procurement coordinators work for organ procurement organizations (OPOs) like:
Working environments for organ procurement coordinators can be variable: many coordinators have an office with their company, but almost all must travel frequently to meet with donors, recipients, and families and to transport organs. Organ transplants are performed all over the United States, and as a result, organ procurement coordinators work in and travel to many locations around the country.
Organ transplant surgery is typically done at large university-affiliated medical facilities, so organ procurement coordinators will likely travel to large metropolitan areas to deliver organs. However, they may visit more suburban or rural areas to meet with donors and/or their families.
What Does an Organ Procurement Coordinator Do?
Organ procurement coordinators organize all aspects of organ donation, transportation, and transplant. When a patient’s healthcare provider determines they need an organ transplant, they must be put on a transplant list. How sick they are decides how high up on the list they go, and organ procurement coordinators assist in that process.
Once an organ is identified as a possible good match for the patient, the organ procurement coordinator refers the recipient to the hospital where they will receive transplant surgery. After screening the donor and patient, the organ procurement coordinator may be required to travel with the organ. After the transplant, organ procurement coordinators also assist with recovery, patient transportation, and surgeon follow-up.
Another part of an organ procurement coordinator’s job is to meet with families to discuss the possibility of organ donation. These family members are almost always experiencing the worst tragedy in their lives, and organ procurement coordinators must approach them with sensitivity and compassion. Many families express relief that their loved one’s death will hold meaning by saving another’s life.
Once a donor or family agrees to organ donation, organ procurement coordinators work with the medical team onsite to stabilize the patient and order the administration of medications that promote a successful transplant. The organ procurement coordinator may accompany the deceased to the morgue and supervise until surgeons can operate.
How Do I Become an Organ Procurement Coordinator?
The first step in becoming an organ procurement coordinator is to graduate from an accredited nursing program with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While a nursing degree is not always required for this position, a nursing designation may offer an advantage when applying.
Once nurses earn a degree, they can start their careers by working in health settings as graduate nurses (GNs). Many medical settings hire nurses as GNs for training until they pass their state licensing exam: the NCLEX-RN. After they pass the NCLEX, GNs become registered nurses (RNs) and can practice on their own after they complete orientation with a nurse preceptor.
Nurses who gain experience in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments (EDs) may have an easier time finding roles as organ procurement coordinators, since much of the clinical knowledge used by ICU and ED nurses comes into play during transplant coordination.
Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) To be eligible to apply, candidates must have:
An active RN license
At least 12 months of work experience in an appropriate specialty area
How Much Does an Organ Procurement Coordinator Make Per Year?
Organ procurement coordinators’ annual salary averages $76,242, according to Payscale. RNs in other roles make an average of $81,220 per year as of 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), so applicants with an RN designation may be able to ask for closer to that amount. Salary can also differ by location and experience, from the low-end average of $61,250 to the high-end of $131,000.
The West Coast, New England states, and Alaska pay their nurses the best, but the cost of living in these areas can also be high. The lowest paying states are in the Midwest and some southeastern states.
Organ procurement coordinators with a specialty certification can often earn more than nurses who are not certified. The more experience an organ procurement coordinator has, the more they can charge for their expertise.
Are Organ Procurement Coordinators in High Demand?
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, over 42,800 organ transplants were performed in 2022, which set an annual record. The medical criteria for organ donation after death have been expanded, allowing for more organ donations than ever. With organ donations on the rise, the U.S. health system should see an increasing demand for organ procurement coordinators.
Additional Resources for Organ Procurement Coordinators
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