How To Become A Medical Review Officer
Looking for a career in the medical field but don’t feel like attending years and years of medical school? Becoming a Medical Review Officer is a great alternative to a career in medicine. Discover what kind of education it takes to become an MRO, what MRO’s earn, and where you can find MRO job listings below:
What is a Medical Review Officer?
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician responsible for receiving and reviewing lab results generated by employer drug testing programs. They also evaluate and provide medical explanations for certain drug test results. In other words, an MRO acts as a “gatekeeper” ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the drug testing process. This includes:
• Testing the drug specimens
• Determining if there’s a legitimate reason the test came back positive
• Recognizing when tests are adulterated, substituted, or invalid
• Ensuring the timely flow of both testing and results
How do you become a Medical Review Officer?
Medical Review Officers must be certified. You can earn your MRO Certification by taking exams in person or online. There are a number of resources you can use to study for these exams. Fees associated with MRO Certification are as follows:
Certification
• $495-$595 Onsite Exam
Recertification
• $395 Onsite Examination following course
• $495 Online Examination after completion course
• $565 25 Hour MROCC Self-Study CME Activity and On-site exam
• $665 25 Hour MROCC Self-Study CME Activity and online recertification
Where do Medical Review Officers work?
Anywhere drug screening is performed. They can work at a drug testing facility or travel around to different business who want their employees to be tested for drug and alcohol use.
Who utilizes Medical Review Officers?
Large companies tend to send their employees to drug testing facilities, viewing drug testing as a commodity. Smaller companies looking for convenience will often hire Medical Review Officers to come into their business and provide easy, convenient drug testing to all of their employees.
How much does a Medical Review Officer make?
According to Glassdoor, the average Medical Review Officer makes $40,000 annually.
Does a Medical Review Officer work full or part time?
Most often, Medical Review Officers are part-time employees who also work in clinics or other consulting practices.
Where can I look for Medical Review Officer job listings?
To find job openings seeking Medical Review Officers, check local listings for business that provide clinical or medical director services, or Consortium/Third-Party Administrators who manage a company’s drug and alcohol testing program. You can also look online at job listings posted on sites like Indeed.com.
For more information about MRO drug testing, reach out to MRO Express.