A transplant coordinator is needed for two phases of the organ transplantation process: organ procurement and clinical recipient care. A procurement transplant coordinator educates the public and health-care workers about organ donation while also developing donor programs. He or she may be able to locate and assess potential donors, as well as provide advice to their families about organ donation. A procurement transplant coordinator may also work in organ distribution, determining which potential recipients are the best matches for donor organs.
Clinical transplant coordinators help with the transplantation process assessing potential donors and recipients, educating them and their families, and coordinating post-transplant care. A clinical transplant coordinator’s job is to ensure that transplant recipients’ physical and emotional well-being is maintained after their procedure, as well as to provide ongoing practical education and counseling to them and their families. Some transplant coordinators specialize in obtaining or facilitating the transplantation of a single organ, such as the heart or kidney, as well as working with patients who are waiting for these organs.
Although there are no specific educational programs for transplant coordinators, a background in nursing or science is recommended. Physician assistants and those with master’s degrees in public health or business administration may be able to find work in this field. For the counseling aspects of the job, degrees in psychology or social work are beneficial.
The American Board of Transplant Coordinators offers certification on a voluntary basis. The credential of Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) or Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator (CCTC) is awarded to transplant coordinators who have passed the certification exam and have worked in the field for at least one year (CCTC). Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) or Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) is a designation given to transplant nurses and coordinators who are qualified and have passed an examination ensuring a high level of competence in their field.
Transplant clinics and agencies can be self-contained or linked to hospitals or universities. The demand for donated organs far outnumbers the supply, which is unsurprising. In order to secure more organ donors, transplant coordinators must overcome fear, ignorance, and certain prejudices.
Because the hours are long and irregular, and the stress level is high, procurement transplant coordinators have a high rate of job turnover. Some procurement coordinators last less than 18 months on the job before burning out and moving on to less demanding jobs. As unfortunate as these vacancies are, they do provide opportunities for others seeking work in the transplant coordination field.