Transplant Coordinator - which degree?

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hello,

I'm just starting out and would appreciate any information any transplant coordinators/NPs might have.

I'm interesting in eventually becoming an organ transplant coordinator. I would like to take care of the patients post-transplant for their follow-up care.

I have a few questions:

1. From what I've seen, it seems the majority of these types of coordinators are all NPs. Can you become a transplant coordinator with just a BSN? Or does the prescribing of medications make it standard to only have NPs in that role?

If you only have a BSN, what other coordinating roles are possible (if any)?

2. If you have a MSN in Case Management and not NP, would you still be hireable for this type of position?

Just a FYI: I live in major metro area so I know requirements may vary depending on where one lives.

Thanks!

[nguti19]

USC, UCLA, and Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, CA require BSN at the minimum, and 3 years acute care experience. ICU experience is highly favored. A BSN paired with several years of acute care that includes ICU would make one a strong candidate. There are NP transplant coordinators, but their role/job category, and scope are different.

Also, if you want to go the NP route, but want to work in Transplant or acute care, an MSN, or DNP with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) will serve your purpose better. Pair that with your RN acute care experience. An FNP is usually not hired into these positions at some of the large academic medical centers.