MDS Coordinator Certification: Requirements & Career Path

A minimum data set (MDS) coordinator is generally a registered nurse responsible for recording patient information in a medical setting.

Education

• MDS coordinators must have a bachelor's or master's degree. The bachelor's degree requires four years of coursework in anatomy, medical terminology and pharmacology. The master's degree is more advanced and focuses on clinical and research-based aspects of nursing for those who wish to hold a supervisory role.

Experience

• To become a MDS coordinator, a hospital or other medical setting may require one to two years of MDS experience or nursing experience. A supervisory MDS position may require more than two years job experience.

Certification

• Nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before practicing nursing or becoming an MDS coordinator. Passing the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators Certification is not mandatory, but demonstrates proficiency in nursing and resident assessment.