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Medical Logistics Specialist: Salary, Job Description & Duties

A Medical logistics specialist is a job in the medical field, and this person handles storing, tracking, and ordering medical supplies for hospitals.

It is a professional job which is why this article will discuss extensively Medical Logistics Specialists, including their salary, job description, and duties.

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Job Description Of A Medical Logistics Specialist

The job description of a Medical logistics specialist involves taking orders from doctors and nurses about what supplies should be brought in next, then getting those items delivered to the hospital when needed.

It’s also important to work because, without proper storage and ordering of these supplies, there can be delays in delivering medicine to patients at their appointments or surgeries and, therefore, serious complications. 

Medical Logistics Specialists are also responsible for managing the movement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other related supplies from origin to destination. They ensure that these items are received in the correct quantities at the correct time and place so they can be used effectively by healthcare professionals.

A typical workday for a medical logistics specialist will include the following:

  • Working with suppliers and vendors to ensure that orders are filled on time.
  • Ensure all supplies are stored in the right places to be available when needed.

Duties Of A Medical Logistics Specialist.

A Medical Logistics Specialist has so many duties. These duties include:

1. Storing Items In Their Proper Locations

As a medical logistics specialist, you will be responsible for storing items in their proper locations. You must ensure that all supplies are stored in a way that allows for quick access when needed, and that storage areas are climate controlled. 

Storage areas should also be secure, clean, dry, and accessible to all staff members working at your facility. These requirements these areas must be organized, so they’re easy to navigate during an emergency when time is of the essence. 

2. Recording Receipt Of Deliveries From Suppliers

A Medical Logistics Specialist does the following:

  • Record the date and time of delivery.
  • Record the supplier’s name and contact information.
  • Record the quantity, description, and unit price of each item received.
  • Record any damage to the items received and, if possible, photograph them. 
  • Record any shortages in the shipment. For example, if there are only enough t-shirts for one school but you have two schools requesting them at once.

3. Performing Regular Inventory Counts To Determine To Reorder Needs.

Inventory counts are an important part of your job because they help ensure that you have stock on hand to meet customers’ needs.

You’ll be responsible for performing regular inventory counts, which means checking the current level of each item in stock and ensuring there’s enough to meet demand.

When conducting these types of calculations, you’ll use a scanner or hand-write them down. These numbers can then be used as a baseline for future reorders. For example, suppose an item sells out quickly and frequently during peak seasons (e.g., holiday shopping). I

n that case, this information could help inform future purchases by determining whether or not it should stay stocked year-round instead of only being available during specific periods when consumers expect more availability.

4. Ordering New Stock When Necessary

An ideal candidate for this position will be able to:

  • Order new stock when necessary. This can be done by placing an order with the vendor or finding out what’s available and ordering directly from them.
  • Ordering new stock when inventory is low. When you’re running low on something, you mustn’t just let things sit there without replenishing them. You need to ensure your suppliers have enough supplies, so they’re not forced into making additional orders for themselves before yours come in. This can lead to shortages and high prices for consumers who buy from those vendors or even worse.
  • Ordering new stock when inventory needs replacing due to loss or damage, which could happen.

5. Tracking Orders Placed With Vendors

As a Medical logistics specialist, you will be responsible for tracking orders placed with vendors. You should be able to track order status, delivery dates, and invoices.

You must have the capacity to manage your own time effectively so that you can keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed daily.

6. Checking Supplies Against Invoices To Ensure The Accuracy Of Orders And Charges

You will check that the items ordered are the same as those delivered and that their invoices match. You will also ensure that the charges are correct.

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Medical Logistics Specialist Salary

The average salary of a medical logistics specialist is $45,000 per year. However, the median salary is $47,000 per year. However, it can range from less than $40,000 to more than $55,000, depending on experience and location.

Requirements To Be A Medical Logistics Specialist?

Here are some basic requirements to be a Medical Logistics Specialist:

  • Good communication skills
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Knowledge of medical equipment and supplies
  • Knowledge of medical procedures, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. 

You should have experience with these areas if you want to become an effective medical logistics specialist or supervisor:

  • Organization and management of inventory systems.
  • Inventory management, including ordering and receiving.
  • Storage/warehousing.
  • Distribution/delivery operations.
  • Supply chain management. 

These things can be gained through various sources, including textbooks, journals, and online resources. If you are searching for a job with no written test requirements, this is not the job for you. However, if you have previous experience in these areas, then it would be beneficial to mention them when applying for a job position, as this will help demonstrate your knowledge base compared with other applicants who may not have had similar training or experience. 

Where Do Medical Logistics Specialists Work?

Medical Logistics Specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. They may also be known as medical supply technicians or medical supply managers.

Other names for this occupation include:

  • Medical Supply Technician (MS) (BS).
  • Health Care Logistics Manager. 

How Can I Become A Medical Logistics Specialist?

To become a medical logistics specialist, you’ll need to complete some training and certification. Suppose you are searching to get into the medical logistics field and want to focus on a particular area of expertise. In that case, getting certified in that area is one way you can differentiate yourself from other candidates. The following are some options for you to consider:

  • Medical Logistics Specialist Training (MLS) – This two-year program teaches students how to manage the flow of patients through hospitals and clinics. It also covers other areas, such as facility security and quality assurance.
  • Certified Medical Logistics Specialist (CMS) – The CMS designation indicates that you’ve completed this specialized coursework on hospital operations within the US healthcare system.

If these certificates interest you, here are some tips for how to get started:

First, identify what type of certification or credential your employer needs and which ones will help most. For example, many hospitals require employees with certain certifications, such as an EMT-Basic or Paramedic, so they know who’s qualified for those positions. 

Other organizations may require less formal credentials, such as CPR training or first responder certifications. These may not be necessary if there aren’t any jobs available in the community where someone lives, but they may give them more options when applying for jobs elsewhere across several states.

Benefits Of A Medical Logistics Specialist

As a medical logistics specialist, you will work in a variety of settings. Some examples include:

  • Hospitals. 
  • Healthcare facilities and clinics. 
  • Commercial health insurance companies. 

You will be responsible for organizing medical supplies as a medical logistics specialist. You may also help coordinate patient care through the use of equipment and instruments.

Skills Of A Medical Logistics Specialist

A medical logistics specialist is a person who has the capacity to manage and coordinate the movement of healthcare supplies and equipment. They are responsible for safely delivering these items from point A to point B, ensuring that patients receive proper medical treatment at their facilities.

The skills required for this position include the following:

  • Good communication skills. 
  • Organizational skills. 
  • Ability to work under pressure. 

FAQs

1. What Are The Duties And Responsibilities Of Logistics?

Your duty as a logistics and distribution manager is to arrange the storage and distribution of goods.

2. What Is The Meaning Of A Logistic Specialist?

The logistics specialist is responsible for the overall logistics of a base or program to meet a specific mission’s operational and technical needs.

3. What Is The Highest Salary For Logistics?

Top logistics jobs can pay up to $132,000 per year.

4. What Are The 4 Functional Areas Of Logistics?

Logistics has five elements: storage, warehousing, and material handling. Packaging and consolidation. Inventory.

5. What Are The 5 Functional Areas Of Logistics?

Purchasing, manufacturing, inventory management, demand planning, warehousing, transportation, and customer service.

6. What Are The Hard Skills In Logistics?

Some popular logistics skills are Negotiation, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Warehouse Operations, Warehouse Management Systems, and Transportation and Inventory Management.

7. What Are The 3 Types Of Logistics?

They are inbound logistics, outbound logistics, and reverse logistics.

8. Is Working In Logistics Stressful?

It’s a high-pressure job.

Conclusion

Medical logistics specialists are key players in the healthcare supply chain. They ensure that the right medicines, supplies, and equipment are available at the right time and place.

This can be difficult when considering that the medical industry is constantly evolving with new technology and discoveries.

Therefore, it is important to have a solid understanding of what’s happening in order to ensure everything runs smoothly for your patients who depend on them. 

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