What does a Patient Navigator do?

A patient navigator helps people move through the health care system by coordinating appointments and resources, supporting communication with care teams, and addressing practical barriers to timely care. Navigators may assist with referrals, transportation, insurance questions, and access to financial or social support, but they do not provide clinical treatment.

At a Glance

Career Path

Employers may prefer education in public health, social work, human services, psychology, or health sciences. Entry-level work can involve referrals, scheduling, outreach, or community-resource coordination. Experienced navigators may specialize in oncology, mental health, chronic disease, or program supervision.

Finding Work

Look for positions in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, nonprofits, public-health programs, social-service agencies, and patient-support organizations.

Professional Skills

  • Case management

  • Health-system navigation

  • Referral coordination

  • Documentation

  • Resource research

  • Privacy practices

  • Reporting

  • Community outreach

Interpersonal Skills

  • Advocacy

  • Empathy

  • Cultural responsiveness

  • Active listening

  • Conflict resolution

  • Clear communication with patients and care teams

Work Life

Many positions are full-time and office- or clinic-based. Client needs, outreach, or care coordination may occasionally require work outside regular business hours.

The Berklee Boost

Employers look for skills learned in the following Berklee programs.