Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate

Why Choose North Island College?

• Ready for a change? Classes are offered during the evenings, giving you time to continue to work or meet family responsibilities, even as you study. And with the program complete by July, you’ll be on your way to a new career in less than a year.
• Use your new knowledge. Workplace practicums will give you first-hand experience and applied training in the field. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to step directly into the busy environment of a hospital unit clerk.
• A system of support. Our Student Advisors are ready to answer your questions about the Hospital Unit Clerk program and other health care-related programs available. They’ll provide you with the information you need to make an informed career choice.

Program Highlights

The eight-month Hospital Unit Clerk certificate is ideally suited for anyone seeking entry-level employment, as well as those currently employed in the health care field wishing to upgrade their skills. The program is offered evenings along with self-directed study beginning in the fall term and concluding in the summer term. Students must complete all of the courses in the program within this time frame. It consists of approximately 240 hours of classroom, 80 hours of practicum, self-directed 130 hours and home study.

Students study the role of the unit clerk in the health care team, medical terminology and vocabulary related to body systems, and professional communication in a hospital unit setting. Students are given an introduction to the classification, identification, and correct spelling of commonly-used medications.

There is a focus on management techniques and communication in a hospital environment. This includes the transcription and understanding of physicians’ orders – the major and most critical function of the Hospital Unit Clerk. Students study dietary information, diagnostic imaging, respiratory care, physical and occupational medicine, and medications. Students attend lectures, participate in class discussion, and complete assignments, quizzes, and tests. In addition, students will be required to complete a minimum of 130 self-directed hours along with additional home study.

Finally, students participate in a work practicum, where they are given the opportunity to put theory into practice. The student will integrate and apply skills and knowledge obtained through coursework, and practice their skills in a workplace setting.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this Hospital Unit Clerk certificate will be prepared for employment in a variety of health care settings, including private and public hospitals, public health offices, long term care facilities, medical offices, specialist's offices, nursing services (scheduling), insurance companies, and government offices with medical related departments.

Admission Requirements

1. Grade 12 graduation (including English 12), or successfully complete a Hospital Unit Clerk Math and English assessment.
2. Keyboarding speed minimum of 50 words per minute. Students can book a testing time with the designated Applied Business Technology (ABT) instructor at their local NIC campus or contact Assessment Services for an open testing session.
3. Computer skills. Successful completion of an Introduction to Computers course within the past 2 years or equivalent course; or if you use computers regularly in your work or have extensive recent experience using computers, provide documentation of this work in your application, detailing the systems and programs you use and know.

To Be Successful

The following points are highly recommended in addition to the admission requirements:

• Computers are used in most health care facilities, thus strong word processing skills are an asset.
• A keen interest in working in a stressful, fast-paced working environment.
• TB testing may be required.
• A standard criminal record check and up-to-date immunizations may be required prior to practicum placement.
• Strong study skills and the ability to maintain a heavy homework load is essential to your success.
• Practicum placements may be scheduled during day shifts. It may be necessary to make arrangements for vacation leave and/or daycare arrangements when practicum is scheduled.

Program Requirements

• HUC-100 Hospital Unit Clerk Overview (15 hours)
• HUC-101 Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology (60 hours)
• HUC-103 Pharmacology Introduction (42 hours)
• HUC-104 Non Clinical Management of the Nursing Unit (18 hours)
• HUC-105 Unit Clerk Procedures & Observation (111 hours)
• HUC-106 Unit Clerk Practicum (81 hours) 

Completion Requirements

• Maintain 75% or better in all classes.