How To Become A Medical Courier: Opportunities, Requirements & Earnings

Medical courier services have a crucial role to play in the healthcare system. As the name suggests, your job as a medical courier is to transport medical items and important documents from one place to another. It’s more specific and demanding than regular courier delivery work. It requires care and responsibility, and also pays better. 

If you're good at logistics, you like being your own boss, can make timely deliveries, and can handle medical items carefully, then you’re a good candidate to be a medical courier. 

The good news is that there are many different parts of the healthcare industry that rely on medical couriers, so there’s plenty of work for talented couriers. If you're interested in a solo career as a courier driver, read on! Or if you want to start a business that employs others, check out our article on how to start a medical courier business.

Bear in mind though, this is not a job where you can just call in sick when you feel like it, and you can easily be replaced. You need to think of yourself as running a small business handling packages that have to go out, whether you feel like it or not. People may be depending on those pharmaceuticals and that medication to arrive, and there are not a bunch of drivers sitting in the wings who will swoop in to cover for someone that flakes off.

What qualifications do I need to be a medical courier? 

To offer medical courier services, there are a few things you need to get started:

• A high school diploma and a valid driver's license.
• You need to pass a background check and have a clean driving record.
• To be at least 21 years old.

In addition, you probably need some training and certifications around basic medical terms, privacy laws, and workplace safety. This ensures you can handle sensitive items correctly, talk with healthcare workers, and know how to behave in healthcare facilities.

The training you will need to get varies depending on your country:

In the United States:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen certification

The Association for Delivery Drivers offers these and other useful training programs for medical couriers.

In Canada:

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act certification

In the EU:

• Training in Good Distribution Practice guidelines

Do your own research about your country’s laws before you get started, and look for reputable training providers.  

Bear in mind there is an upfront cost to getting certification, so that can be a barrier to entry for some people. You should expect to pay between $30 - $100, depending on the scope of training. 

You may be able to start off doing some low-level deliveries but it’s very hard to move up and take on more responsibility if you’re not certified.

What does a medical courier job involve?

Like any courier service, a medical courier needs to pick-up goods from a designated spot and then get them to their destination safely and on time. So like all courier work, there’s a lot of driving, following directions, waiting, carrying and loading and unloading vehicles.  

But there are important differences from being a regular courier: 

• You will be handling sensitive, urgent materials like lab specimens, organs for transplant, or critical medications. 
• You need to maintain a temperature-controlled environment. 
• Follow strict chain-of-custody procedures regarding documentation, packaging, GPS-tracking and more.

Given the nature of their cargo, medical courier companies bear significant responsibility. A mistake could have serious consequences for patient care or research integrity. On the plus side, this increased liability is compensated with higher wages.

A medical courier is very different from a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider. A medical courier transports medicines and medical supplies; a NEMT provider transports people.

What kind of equipment is required?

There are several important tools that you need when you work in medical delivery services:

1. A reliable vehicle is priority number one. If you don't have one, some companies let you use theirs, but you make less money using a company vehicle. Most people use a car or a van, but in certain dense urban areas, there is work for medical couriers on bikes. 
2. A smartphone that can handle hard-working apps. Almost all companies have apps that track routes, locations, and mileage. You can also use them to take pictures of samples and stay in contact with a dispatcher. 
3. Pen and paper are still useful to have in 2024. You’ll be surprised how often you need to write things down or sign medical records. 
4. A mileage tracking app is important. You should keep your own records of how far you drive to make sure you're paid fairly for your travel.
5. Route planning apps can be your new best friend, saving you time and money and helping you achieve more by doing less.
6. Even though samples are usually well-sealed, it’s worth keeping latex gloves and some other protective gear in your car.  
7. Frozen ice packs and a sealed cooler box are essential items for a medical courier.

Those are the basics, but for those who do well and want to earn more, specialized equipment is needed:

1. Temperature-controlled containers to keep things like vaccines and blood samples at the right temperature for at least four hours. 
2. Devices that monitor temperature and humidity during transport.
3. GPS trackers to monitor sensitive deliveries.
4. Secure lockboxes for confidential medical documents, test results or special medicines.
5. Special containers for potentially dangerous materials, often with warning labels.

Remember, starting out might be expensive because of all this equipment. But you don’t need it all at once - it’s the kind of career where you can keep upskilling and taking on more responsibilities. 

Do medical couriers work independently or for companies?

Medical courier drivers can choose how they want to work. Some people prefer to work for themselves, use their own car and set their own schedules. You might work for a handful of medical delivery companies, a pharmacy or a hospital group as an independent contractor. This allows you more freedom, but you have to handle your own expenses and taxes. 

Other couriers prefer to work full-time for a company as a regular employee. Some courier companies, like Accurate Courier Services and Fleet Couriers offer training programs that will help you get certified so you can start delivering medical equipment. Company jobs often come with set schedules and company vehicles, so you don't have to worry about car repairs or gas costs. 

There are pros and cons to both options. It just depends on what kind of person you are and how much responsibility you want to take on.

What does a typical work day look like? 

A typical day as a medical courier can be unpredictable and demanding. The best way to find out what it’s really like is to listen to the people who do the job. We browsed a dedicated Reddit thread to bring you some first-hand information. Here are some of the best comments we found.

Firstly, time management is crucial when you are working with same-day delivery services: 

"You should expect long hours with any of these medical industry jobs. Some days are just really busy, and you can expect a schedule that's not that different from the medical people you'd be working for. I think the longest shift I ever pulled was 26 hours." — Reddit user WrathofGrunge

Bear in mind that the work can be inconsistent:

"I'm an independent contractor, working as a blood delivery driver for a small local company. Just a lady working out of her house. Pays 18/hour, plus gas. More for night runs, more for stat runs. More for bad weather. The main issue is inconsistency of work. I'll have a $1200 check followed by a $200 check." — Reddit user NameLips

A typical day might involve driving long distances:

"Sometimes I drive 4 hours away to deliver a single unit of blood." — Reddit user NameLips

“You are going to run your car into the ground. In the time I was a courier, I put about 250,000 miles on my car. Whether or not it is worth it depends on the company.” — Reddit user a_million_questions

This can be challenging: 

"It's a difficult job. Most times you're left alone by the Company. But you're subject to people being discharged from the hospital daily, with little to no notice of their script needs. You won't have 200 stops a day like with Amazon, but you'll have 10-20 a day and can expect to drive up to 300 miles every day, or at least 2-3x a week." — Reddit user Maleficent_Cut_7302

This job offers a lot of alone time, which some couriers enjoy for listening to audiobooks and podcasts: 

"Most of the time you drive to the doctor's office or clinic and there's an external lock box with samples in it. You collect and log the samples, stick them in your cooler, then drop off at the lab or with a healthcare professional at the end of day." — Reddit user Fickle_Dig_8987 

While the independence is appealing to some, it can also feel isolating to others:

"The only thing that sucks is your value as a worker because you're alone all day which may make you feel like you don't belong. Otherwise if you like the independence and not having to deal with coworkers on the daily it's a great job." — Reddit user 9ER_KINGS

Safety issues for medical couriers

All couriers face some common safety challenges, but medical couriers have extra risks that need to be considered.

General safety concerns:

1. Traffic safety: Driving for long hours, searching for unfamiliar addresses, and working under time pressure can increase accident risks. It's crucial to practice defensive driving, take breaks and keep your vehicle in good working order. 
2. Proper lifting: Constantly getting in and out of a vehicle all day long, and carrying heavy packages can take a toll on your body. Proper lifting techniques, where you use your legs and protect your lower back, are important when it comes to avoiding injuries that could sideline you for weeks or even months.

Medical-specific safety issues:

For certified medical couriers  with more responsibility, there are some additional hazards to manage. 

1. Biohazard exposure: Medical couriers might handle infectious materials like bloodborne pathogens or bodily fluids. It's essential to use proper handling techniques and wear protective equipment.
2. Chemical hazards: Some medical supplies or lab chemicals can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Couriers need to understand hazard symbols and safety information sheets.
3. Radiation safety: When transporting materials used in medical imaging or treatments that are radioactive, couriers must follow strict safety rules.
4. Temperature control: Keeping certain medical specimens at the right temperature is critical. If the temperature gets too hot or fluctuates, it could ruin samples or make medications ineffective.

By being aware of these risks and following safety procedures, medical couriers can protect themselves and ensure the safe delivery of important medical materials.

How much can you earn as a medical courier?

How much you can earn doing a medical courier job depends on how much you work and where you live. 

• In the United States, medical couriers usually make between $30,000 - $50,000 a year. 
• In the United Kingdom, the average is about £31,235 per year. 

Wherever you work, as you gain experience and take on more responsibility, you can expect your pay to increase.

It's important to understand that being a delivery driver isn't always a standard 40-hour work week, especially if you're an independent contractor. If you work full-time at a medical facility, they might cover costs like gas but it’s not guaranteed.

One medical courier, CaRiSsA504, shared their experience: "I had a route that paid $180 a night but went through the mountains and took 8-9 hours. Had one that paid $230 a night because I got bonus pay to go to another pharmacy."

Managing your money is crucial in this job. Some new couriers struggle because they don't save money for car repairs or rental cars when their vehicle breaks down. Remember, your car is your main tool for making money, so keeping it running is very important.

On the bright side, experienced courier bobreezy69 says: "I was a medical courier for 17 years and made great money, consistently! There's always work available and rarely requires heavy lifting so it's the kind of work you can do in old age if you want."

They advise taking any work offered, especially nights and weekends, to build a good reputation. They add, "You're sitting on a gold mine with medical courier jobs, trust me on this."

In summary, while the pay in the courier industry can vary quite a lot, being a reliable and hardworking medical courier can lead to a steady and potentially lucrative career.

What’s the bottom line?

Being a medical courier is an interesting job with both good and tough parts. You need a high school diploma, driver's license, and courier certification which can stretch your budget. The job requires a good car, a smartphone, and some basic tools which we have discussed. For tougher jobs, you might need special equipment to keep medical items cold.

Most days, you'll drive a lot and work alone, delivering things like blood samples and medicine. You’ll spend a lot of time alone but you do need good communication skills so people know exactly what you’re busy with. And when you’re with a client, customer service skills are also necessary.

It's important to be safe on the road and when lifting heavy items in and out of your vehicle and carry them up stairs. Special care needs to be taken with medical items that could be dangerous.

How much you earn can change a lot, but it's usually between $30,000 and $45,000 a year. If you work nights and weekends, you can often make more. It's really important to save money for car repairs because you need your car to work.

To make more money and save time, many couriers use apps to plan their routes. This helps them use less gas and deliver more items.While the job can be hard sometimes, many people find it to be a good, steady career. If you're careful about safety, manage your money well, and plan your routes smartly, you can have a really good career and make a difference in people’s lives.