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Trauma Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Trauma Performance Improvement Specialist provides support to the Trauma Program Manager (TPM) for all Trauma Performance Improvement/Peer Review activities. Assures performance improvement in ...

Trauma RN Team Lead

Escondido, CA · On-site

$55.74 - $81.20/hr

In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of ...

In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of ...

Trauma Registrar-Certified

Escondido, CA · On-site

$39.16 - $58.79/hr

Under the guidance and supervision of the Trauma Program Medical Director and Trauma Program Manager, performs case coding and abstracting, and analysis of trauma patients records under the ...

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Trauma Program Manager information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$65.7K

$139.2K

How much do trauma program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for trauma program manager in California is $65,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trauma program manager?

Trauma Program Managers are healthcare professionals, often nurses, responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a hospital's trauma program. They ensure that trauma care meets regulatory standards and guidelines, manage trauma team operations, and facilitate quality improvement initiatives. Their role also includes staff education, data collection, and reporting to ensure optimal patient outcomes and compliance with accreditation bodies such as the American College of Surgeons. Trauma Program Managers serve as liaisons between hospital administration, medical staff, and external agencies.

What does a trauma program manager do?

A trauma program manager (TPM) develops and oversees all operational nursing issues related to emergency trauma care at a hospital or medical facility. As a TPM, you manage all nurses in the trauma center and report to the trauma program director. Your responsibilities include improving the flow of patients through the center, coordinating care systems for different types of trauma, and contributing to the development and implementation of clinical treatment for all trauma patients. In performing your duties, you work closely with other nurses, physicians, surgeons, and medical staff to ensure this program is working smoothly and to address any issues in care delivery.

How does a trauma program manager typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes?

A Trauma Program Manager regularly works with physicians, nurses, trauma registrars, and ancillary staff to coordinate care and ensure compliance with trauma center standards. They facilitate multidisciplinary meetings, oversee performance improvement initiatives, and review trauma cases to identify areas for quality enhancement. By fostering open communication and providing education across departments, the Trauma Program Manager helps drive process improvements that directly impact patient outcomes and maintain trauma center accreditation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trauma program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trauma Program Manager, you need expertise in trauma nursing or emergency care, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, and a valid RN license, often complemented by experience in trauma program coordination. Familiarity with trauma registry databases, performance improvement processes, and certifications like TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) or ATCN (Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses) is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are crucial for managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with trauma system standards. These competencies are vital for maintaining high standards of patient care, facilitating continuous quality improvement, and ensuring the trauma program meets accreditation requirements.

What is the difference between Trauma Program Manager vs Trauma Coordinator?

Trauma Program ManagerTrauma Coordinator
Oversees the entire trauma program, manages staff, develops policies, and ensures compliance with regulations.Supports trauma team operations, assists with patient care coordination, and maintains trauma registry data.

Both roles require knowledge of trauma protocols and certifications like TNCC or ATCN. The Trauma Program Manager typically has more administrative responsibilities, while the Trauma Coordinator focuses on clinical support and data management. Employers in hospitals and trauma centers often use both titles, with the Program Manager holding a broader leadership role. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trauma Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Trauma Program jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Trauma Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trauma Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trauma Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trauma Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Trauma Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,707 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Lead, Trauma PI Analyst - Trauma Center

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$55.60 - $76.45/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

Under the direction of the Trauma Program Manager, the Lead, Trauma PI Analyst serves as the clinical and registry expert for the pediatric trauma program. This role integrates advanced trauma registry operations, clinical oversight across the continuum of trauma care, and performance improvement (PI) leadership to ensure compliance with American College of Surgeons (ACS), State of California, and local trauma system requirements. This position functions as a lead subject matter expert and institutional resource, providing programmatic oversight, complex case review, data integrity assurance, and trauma PI facilitation. This position will participate in the regional, state, and national trauma performance improvement activities such as Trauma Quality Performance Improvement Program (TQIP).
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Trauma Program Manager, the Lead, Trauma PI Analyst serves as the clinical and registry expert for the pediatric trauma program. This role integrates advanced trauma registry operations, clinical oversight across the continuum of trauma care, and performance improvement (PI) leadership to ensure compliance with American College of Surgeons (ACS), State of California, and local trauma system requirements. This position functions as a lead subject matter expert and institutional resource, providing programmatic oversight, complex case review, data integrity assurance, and trauma PI facilitation. This position will participate in the regional, state, and national trauma performance improvement activities such as Trauma Quality Performance Improvement Program (TQIP).
MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
BLS for Health Providers (AHA)
California RN License
Ped Adv Life Support Prov(AHA)
3 Years of Experience (Minimum) in an Emergency Department or ICU
Graduate from an accredited institution for professional education in Nursing
Current TNCC or ATCN Provider card or willingness to obtain within 6 months
Successful completion of the ATS Trauma Registrar course (or equivalent course that satisfies ACS requirements) within 6 months of hire
Successful completion of the AAAM Injury Scaling course within 6 months of hire
Critical care or emergency nursing experience
Competent in use of computer programs, such as Microsoft 365, trauma registries, and EHRs
CAISS within 2 years of hire
Demonstrated commitment to respecting differences and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Adv Trauma Care for Nurses
Currently or recently credentialed Trauma Nurse, or significant trauma care experience
Practical experience in performance improvement strategies and projects
Experience with trauma databases and injury coding (preferably AIS and/or ICD-10)
The current salary range for this position is $55.60 to $76.45
Rady Children's Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the "date posted" until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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