How long does it take to become a Program Coordinator?

It takes 4 years of professional experience to become a program coordinator. That is the time it takes to learn specific program coordinator skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 7 to 9 years years to become a program coordinator.

What degree do you need to be a coordinator?

You do not need a degree to be a coordinator. A person can begin working as a junior project coordinator with just a high school diploma or GED. The industry, however, tends to favor applicants with a four-year degree.

What degree does a program coordinator need?

Program coordinators typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration. While a bachelor's degree in business administration is typically preferred, many companies will accept a bachelor's degree in other subjects.

What does a program coordinator do at a college?

In a college setting, program coordinators are the primary point of contact for all issues related to the degree programs that they represent. Program coordinators have a diverse set of duties they perform for the college to ensure that all administrative functions for various degree programs.

What is a program coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Lisa Wallace,

Sonja Armbruster

A program coordinator manages the planning, implementation, and evaluation of various programs or projects. They work in education, healthcare, social services, and non-profit organizations. Program coordinators develop program goals and objectives, create program schedules, manage budgets, and coordinate with stakeholders and team members. They also ensure that programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the needs of the community. Other duties may include recruiting and training staff or volunteers, monitoring program outcomes, and ensuring compliance.

What general advice would you give to a Program Coordinator?

Lisa Wallace

Director of Career Services, Rocky Mountain College

Stay in a learning mode.

ScoreProgram CoordinatorUS Average

Salary

3.5

Avg. Salary $45,068

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.9

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

10.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.16%

Asian 7.06%

Black or African American 11.97%

Hispanic or Latino 19.37%

Unknown 5.18%

White 54.27%

Gender

female 71.23%

male 28.77%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Program Coordinator?

Pros

Chance to work with diverse groups of people
Ability to gain leadership skills
Opportunity for creativity and innovation
Opportunity for professional growth and career advancement
Chance to gain valuable experience in program management and coordination

Cons

Potential for high levels of stress or pressure
Possibility of dealing with difficult or challenging stakeholders or partners
Potential for limited resources or budget constraints
Possibility of burnout or fatigue due to high workload or intense periods
Chance of encountering unforeseen obstacles or challenges during program implementation

Key steps to become a program coordinator

Explore program coordinator education requirements

Most common program coordinator degrees

Bachelor's

65.7 %

Master's

17.7 %

Associate

10.2 %

Start to develop specific program coordinator skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	10.34%
Patients	8.65%
Social Work	6.43%
PowerPoint	5.07%
Mental Health	4.18%

Complete relevant program coordinator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New program coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a program coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real program coordinator resumes.

Research program coordinator duties and responsibilities

Manage all medical records and client information without HIPAA violation.
Develop a syllabus, maintain an assignment schedule, and manage course records.
Manage operations and administer an outpatient diabetes management program for adults by MD referral.
Perform community outreach to Medi-Cal recipients, via public speaking, flyers, wellness fairs, and practice manager meetings.

Prepare your program coordinator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program coordinator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a program coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Program Coordinator Resume templates

Build a professional Program Coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Program Coordinator resume.

Apply for program coordinator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a program coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do program coordinators rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Program Coordinator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2023

Pros

Fulfilling, has a flexible schedule, and very team-oriented environment.

Cons

It can be stressful, with a heavy workload. Talking to patients who are in crisis or who are displeased with services can be emotionally draining.

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022

Pros

The company I work for is it very small company but very generous to its employees. Has great benefits that start out right away wonderful training programs. And does a great service for our community.

Cons

I I wish the wages were a little higher.

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Cons

Want to be able to do more

What is a program coordinator and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Program Coordinator?

What are the pros and cons of being a Program Coordinator?

Program Coordinator career paths

Key steps to become a program coordinator

Explore program coordinator education requirements

Most common program coordinator degrees

Start to develop specific program coordinator skills

Complete relevant program coordinator training and internships

Research program coordinator duties and responsibilities

Prepare your program coordinator resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Program Coordinator Resume templates

Apply for program coordinator jobs

How Did You Land Your First Program Coordinator Job

Average program coordinator salary

How do program coordinators rate their job?

Program Coordinator reviews

Program Coordinator FAQs

How long does it take to become a Program Coordinator?

What degree do you need to be a coordinator?

What degree does a program coordinator need?

What does a program coordinator do at a college?

Search for program coordinator jobs

Program Coordinator jobs by state