MDS Coordinator
Direct Care & Nursing
1–3 years (substantial RN experience required)
RN licensure required + RAC-CT (Resident Assessment Coordinator — Certified) preferred
$41-$47/hr
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Overview
Job Description
The MDS Coordinator oversees the Minimum Data Set assessment process — the standardized clinical assessment used in nursing facilities to evaluate resident needs, drive care planning, and determine Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. It is one of the most specialized and consequential roles in nursing facility operations.
Responsibilities include completing and coordinating MDS assessments on time and with clinical accuracy, ensuring documentation across the care team supports each assessment, monitoring for compliance with CMS regulations, and serving as the facility’s expert on the RAI (Resident Assessment Instrument) process.
This role is ideal for an experienced RN who is highly organized, meticulous with documentation, and interested in the intersection of clinical care, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement.
Education Requirements
Current RN licensure through the Minnesota Board of Nursing is required. The RAC-CT credential (Resident Assessment Coordinator — Certified), offered through the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC), is strongly preferred by most employers and is the recognized standard for MDS expertise. Substantial RN experience in long-term care is expected.
Resources
MDS Training Opportunities | MN Dept. of Health
Resident Assessment Coordinator–Certified Program | AAPACN
A Day In This Role
A day might begin with reviewing the MDS tracking calendar and prioritizing assessments due in the next 48 hours. From there, an MDS Coordinator might conduct resident interviews, review documentation from nursing and therapy staff, complete assessment coding, and meet with the Director of Nursing on a recently identified compliance concern. The work is detail-intensive and clinically demanding.
Advancement Opportunities: Where this role can take you
Cross-Pathway Note: MDS Coordinators with strong operational instincts and leadership skills are well-positioned for Director of Nursing or administrative leadership roles — particularly in organizations that value the combination of clinical depth and regulatory expertise.