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What does a Surgical Coordinator do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A surgical coordinator is responsible for coordinating and scheduling surgeries. This may include working with patients, doctors, and insurance companies. The coordinator may also be responsible for pre- and post-operative care, as well as keeping track of medical supplies and equipment.

Surgical Coordinator job duties include:

  • Schedule surgeries and related procedures
  • Obtain patient medical histories
  • Verify patient insurance coverage
  • Pre-authorize surgeries with insurance companies
  • Coordinate surgical team schedules
  • Arrange for surgical equipment and supplies
  • Transport patients to and from the operating room
  • Monitor patient vital signs during surgery
  • Keep families updated on surgery progress
  • Post-operative care coordination

Surgical Coordinator Job Requirements

A surgical coordinator is a medical professional who assists in the organization and coordination of surgical procedures. They work with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff to ensure that all aspects of the surgery are carried out smoothly and efficiently. Surgical coordinators must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a health-related field, although many have a master's degree or higher. They must also be certified by the American Board of Surgical Coordinators. Experience in the medical field, particularly in surgery, is highly beneficial for those seeking a career as a surgical coordinator.

Surgical Coordinator Skills

  • Multitasking
  • Detail oriented
  • Organized
  • Strong communication skills
  • Able to work under pressure
  • Able to work independently
  • Team player
  • Problem solving skills
  • Computer skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Time management skills

Related: Top Surgical Coordinator Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Surgical Coordinator

The first step to becoming a surgical coordinator is to complete a degree in a relevant field, such as health administration or business administration. Alternatively, some coordinators have a nursing background. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to obtain certification from the American Board of Surgical Coordinators. To do this, you must pass an exam and have at least two years of experience working in the surgical field.

After you have obtained your certification, it is important to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field of surgery. This can be done by attending conferences and seminars, reading surgical journals, and networking with other coordinators. It is also important to be well-organized and have excellent communication skills, as you will be coordinating between surgeons, nurses, patients, and their families.

If you are interested in becoming a surgical coordinator, there are many resources available to help you get started. The American Board of Surgical Coordinators offers a variety of resources on their website, including information on certification and continuing education requirements. There are also many professional organizations for coordinators, such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the American College of Healthcare Executives. These organizations offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and job postings.

Related: Surgical Coordinator Resume Example

Related: Surgical Coordinator Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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