How to Become an Organ Procurement Coordinator
Organ procurement coordinators manage all steps of the organ transplantation process. The steps to become an organ procurement coordinator include education, testing, and licensing, after which organ procurement coordinators can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become an organ procurement coordinator, and where to start.
Become an Organ Procurement Coordinator in 6 Steps
To become an organ procurement coordinator, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as an organ procurement coordinator, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in organ procurement coordination. However, employers generally look for nurses who have worked in high-acuity settings like the emergency department or intensive care unit.
5
Apply for Organ Procurement Coordinator Nursing Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for organ procurement coordinator positions.
6
Earn Organ Procurement Coordinator Certification
After some bedside experience, organ procurement coordinators may pursue specialty certification in their field through the American Board for Transplant Certification. While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Organ Procurement Coordinators
Organ procurement coordinators are generally required to be registered nurses, a title earned by graduating with an ADN or a BSN degree.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become an organ procurement coordinator with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Organ procurement coordinators with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future organ procurement coordinators a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares aspiring organ procurement coordinators to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Organ Procurement Coordinator Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Most organ procurement coordinator positions require a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Organ procurement coordinators may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the American Board for Transplant Certification:
- Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC)
- Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator (CCTC)
- Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN)
- Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP)
Where Do Organ Procurement Coordinators Work?
Organ procurement coordinators can find employment in organ procurement organizations (OPOs) like:
- Donor Alliance
- Gift of Life Michigan
- Indiana Donor Network
- Legacy of Life Hawaii
- Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency
- LifeLink
- Mid-America Transplant Services
FAQs: How to Become an Organ Procurement Coordinator
1. What education is needed to become an organ procurement coordinator?
Organ procurement coordinators must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become an organ procurement coordinator?
The time it takes to become an organ procurement coordinator depends on which degree one pursues, but it may take two to four years for an undergraduate degree, plus bedside experience.
3. What are the steps to become an organ procurement coordinator?
To become an organ procurement coordinator, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply for organ procurement coordinator positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do organ procurement coordinators make an hour?
According to ZipRecruiter, organ procurement coordinators earn an average of $31.26 per hour, which equals about $65,020 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
