Allied Health
Health Unit Coordinator
Overview
Average length of program:
50-95 credits, 3-6 quarters
Completion award:
Certificate, A.A.S. degree
This program prepares the student to work as a health unit
coordinator in a nursing unit of a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The
health unit coordinator works closely with health professionals providing
communication support to nursing services and ancillary departments in the
collection and dissemination of patient data.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write certification
examination given by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators.
Program goals
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
-
Coordinate physician orders for the patient between the physician, nursing
staff and other hospital departments.
-
Perform daily chart analysis for physician signatures on orders.
-
Receive and coordinate telephone calls properly, according to hospital
procedure, and in compliance with confidentiality statues and procedures.
-
Release information according to the law and facility policy.
-
Communicate with physicians and hospital staff using appropriate verbal and
nonverbal skills.
-
Demonstrate use of order entry computer systems.
Career opportunities
Hospitals employ a number of health unit coordinators on each of two shifts in a
24-hour day. Limited night shifts are available. Graduates should expect
employment to begin part-time or on call. (On call may mean 40+ hours per
week).
Potential positions
Health unit clerk and unit secretary
Other employment opportunities available
Skilled nursing facilities, insurance companies, clinics, and health maintenance
organizations
Special requirements
-
Physical examination
-
Ability to perform under stress
-
Keyboarding ability
-
Appropriate scores in one of the following: ASSET, SAT or ACT
-
Any exceptions to the admission requirements must be approved by the program
director and the dean of instruction for Health and Environmental Sciences.
Persons with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, accommodations for students with disabilities will be considered at the student's request. The student will be required
to register with the Disability Support Services office and provide documentation of disability. Once the student is qualified by
the DSS Manager as having a disability, requested accommodations will be considered. Accommodations for the classroom, laboratory,
or clinical setting will be considered according to reasonableness. Accommodations that compromise patient care, or that
fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity, are not considered to be reasonable. A student denied accommodation may
request an individualized determination to assure that the denial is not a result of disability discrimination by contacting the
Manager of Disability Support Services and Testing at 533-7498. Procedures for appeal are outlined in the SCC Center for
Students with Disabilities Student Handbook. Other than accommodation issues, procedures for student grievances including
academic dismissal are outlined in the following SCC website:
www.scc.spokane.edu/?concerns.
For additional information, please contact Disability Support Services.
| |
 | Additional Information |
| |
| If you have general questions regarding the Health Unit Coordinator program, its entry requirements, or the admissions process,
please contact the SCC Admissions Office via email
(AdmissionsInfo@scc.spokane.edu) or phone (509-533-8020 or
1-800-248-5644, ext. 8020), and one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members will assist you. |
| |
| If you have more specific questions regarding this program, please contact Melanie Endicott,
MBA/HCM, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, who is the program director/instructor, or
Sharon Meyer, RHIT, who is an instructor in the program. Their contact information is as follows: |
| Email: | MEndicott@scc.spokane.edu or
SMeyer@scc.spokane.edu |
| Phone: | (509) 533-7305 or 533-8852; 1-800-248-5644
ext. 7305 or 8852 |
| |
| You can also submit an online information request or get
our address to write for more information.
You may be eligible for free tuition!
Follow this link to learn more.
 |