How to Become a Medical Courier
Courier jobs are one of the fastest-growing job categories in the world, and rightfully so. Not only do you get the flexibility and freedom of self-employment but you can also work with a wide array of clients, or just one. These options make it an ideal option for the nomad in all of us.
Courier jobs rose 26% just in the last year. Not only is there a high demand for these positions, but pay rates continue to rise in the wake of COVID-19. (Quartz)
What is a medical courier?
Medical couriers deliver medical documents, lab specimens, medications, test results, medical supplies, and other records across the country every single day. In many cases, the delivery of these resources is critical to saving lives and advancing medical sciences.
Medical couriers usually work as independent contractors, this allows them the freedom to manage their own schedule, and stay flexible in their work-life balance.
What does a medical courier do?
As a medical courier, you will be responsible for the pick-up and delivery of medical documents, lab specimens, medications, test results, medical supplies, and other records.
You will need to ensure that these items are delivered in a timely manner and maintain the confidentiality of the information that you are handling.
You may also be required to work with medical facilities, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, laboratories, and other medical organizations.
What are the qualifications for becoming a medical courier?
There is no specific educational background required to become a medical courier. However, many medical couriers have some experience in the medical or medicine industry. This could include experience working as a pharmacist, doctor, nurse, medical assistant, or other medical professional.
Common requirements to become a medical courier:
- Drivers must be 21 years of age or older
- Solid knowledge of the city you’ll be working in
- A registered, insured and inspected car, SUV, or van that’s less than 10 years old
- A current driver’s license and clean driving record
- Basic tech skills — you’re comfortable using a smartphone and apps
The majority of the US workforce meets these requirements, meaning there’s a lot of opportunity for you regardless of your background.
What skills benefit medical couriers?
There are several skills that you will need to become a medical courier.
The most important skill is being able to stay organized and efficient, as this will help you manage your time and workload effectively.
You must also be comfortable driving in different areas, as you will often be making deliveries to different locations.
Finally, it is important to have good customer service skills as you will be interacting with clients on a regular basis.
How much does a medical courier earn on average per year?
While medical couriers are paid per delivery, the average medical courier earns $30,000-$45,000 per year. (Glassdoor)
The amount you earn as a medical courier will depend on the number of deliveries you make and the distance you travel for each delivery.
Being paid per delivery makes courier services a great revenue stream for those who don’t want to wait two weeks for their next paycheck to come in.
Dropoff is hiring medical couriers all across the country, apply now.
What are the benefits of becoming a medical courier?
There are many benefits to becoming a medical courier. The most obvious benefit is that you will be able to work independently as your own boss. This means that you will have more control over your own schedule and the amount of work you take on.
You will also be able to choose the clients you want to work with, which can give you more variety in your work.
How to become a certified medical courier?
The first step to becoming a medical courier is to find a reputable courier company to work for. Once you have found a company, you will need to complete their training program and pass any required examinations. After you have been certified by the company, you will be able to start making deliveries.
At Dropoff many of our clients require that our couriers get HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogen certifications, we help you get these certifications and provide you everything you need to do your job effectively.
What are some common questions asked in medical courier interviews?
Are you able to lift and carry up to 50 Ibs.?
This question is common due to the physical demands and various weights that delivery items may have.
What would you do if you knew that you’d be late for delivery due to traffic?
A common issue that can come up for any courier, this question is a great opportunity to stand out.
What would you do if a package was damaged during transit?
While this issue is less common, it is critical to the performance of any delivery service.
What would you do if a pickup is not ready when you arrive?
Equally as important as timely dropoffs are timely pick-ups you should always have a plan in place for when you hit a roadblock.
If you are interested in becoming a medical courier, Dropoff is hiring for positions across the US. We offer competitive pay and the opportunity to work with some of the largest healthcare organizations in the country. All of our open positions go through one unified application system, apply to any position you like and a local team member will reach out to you shortly.
