Health Unit Coordinator
Health Unit Coordinator
Are you interested in pursuing a position within the healthcare field that involves non-patient contact? The health unit coordinator (HUC) is a highly respected member of the health care team and in high demand locally. They provide non-direct patient care in a fast-paced environment. They are an important part of the team because they perform key clerical duties. After successful completion of the program, the student is awarded a certificate from Delta College. Area hospitals require this certificate of training before considering an applicant for employment. Graduates have the opportunity to join NAHUC (National Association of Health Unit Coordinators). Most graduates of the Delta College Health Unit Coordinator Program are hired within one to three months. Positions are a mix of part-time and full-time, and most are in hospital settings, although other health organizations are also potential employers. The clinical internship requires you to be available for 8 hour shifts that will be scheduled at varied times of the day. Cost: $1795
Prerequisites:
Students must go through Admission to Delta College and show course readiness with the following prerequisite levels obtained by taking COMPASS or ASSET:
- Reading – Level 5 (81 or higher)
- Writing – Level 3 (38 or higher)
- Math – Level 1 (26 or higher)
Students are exempt from prerequisites if they can provide proof of an associates degree or higher.
What does the health unit coordinator actually do on the job?
- Answers and directs phone calls
- Interacts on an on-going basis with staff from a variety of departments and visitors
- Transcribes physician treatment and medication orders via computer and chart forms
- Completes clerical duties for patient admissions, discharges and transfers
- Maintains the medical records of patients
What will I learn in this course?
The first 80 hours of the program are spent in a classroom environment. You are evaluated through written exams, class participation, punctuality and attendance. You spend the next 160 hours in the clinical portion of the program. Here you receive hands-on experience at a local hospital. You train with a health unit coordinator preceptor (clinical instructor) during this time. An on-going evaluation by the instructor and the preceptor is conducted through individual conferences and written examinations. The student must maintain a 75% average in each aspect of the program, including ethical and safety aspects as well as demonstrations in order to receive a certificate. Also, students must have consistent attendance in order to receive a certificate. There are no excused absences from this course.
After Registration:
- Health requirements on entry to the course require documentation of:
- Completed health assessment form
- Negative TB test within the past three months
- Physical exam within the past 6 months
- Hepatitis Vaccine series or signed waiver
Students must have consistent attendance in order to receive a certificate. There are no excused absences from this course.
Note: Consistent attendance is MANDATORY. If a problem arises, you MUST contact your instructor and your clinical unit prior to the class or clinical.
Other requirement
Uniform requirement: A pair of scrubs (top and bottom) is required for the clinical portion of the course. You must dress according to hospital policy – including no piercings.
What kind of certification will I receive?
After successful completion of the program, the student is awarded a certificate from Delta College. Area hospitals require this certificate of training before considering an applicant for employment. The student and/or graduate also have the opportunity to join NAHUC (National Association of Health Unit Coordinators). Information on NAHUC will be provided during the classroom portion of the course.
What kind of employment opportunities exist?
Most graduates of the Delta College Health Unit Coordinator Program are hired within one to three months. Positions are a mix of part-time and full-time, and most are in hospital settings, although other health organizations are also potential employers.
Textbooks
Textbooks are required for this course. Check with the Delta Bookstore.
Clinical schedule
The on site clinical internship requires you to be available for 8 hour shifts that will be scheduled at varied times of the day. If you are currently employed full-time or have other obligations that would hinder your being scheduled for these 8 hours shifts, you must speak with the program director prior to registration.
Class Schedule:
Option 1:
CHH-3302-21
Cost: $1795
Lecture: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
1/20/09-2/12/09 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Main Campus
Lab: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
2/16/09-2/25/09 Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Clinical Site
Clinical: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
3/02/09-4/02/09 Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Clinical Site
Option 2:
CHH-3302-22
Cost: $1795
Lecture: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
4/14/09-5/08/09 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Main Campus
Lab: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
5/11/09-5/22/09 Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Clinical Site
Clinical: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
5/25/09-6/26/09 Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Clinical Site