Health Unit Coordinator

Prepares the student for a position as a coordinator of activities at the nursing unit desk.

Program objectives to achieve this goal give the student the competencies needed in communications, human relations, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, health unit coordinator tasks, and unit management. As the communicator for the hospital unit, it is essential that the student has the ability to read, write, understand and speak English.

The student will participate in realistic training in the classroom and clinical settings in practicing the responsibilities of the health unit coordinator. Skills include transcription of physician’s orders, scheduling diagnostic studies and appointments for follow-up care, ordering and maintaining supplies, and maintaining clerical and patient records.

Successful graduates are eligible to take the certification exam by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators.

This program is approximately two quarters in length, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.

Prerequisites: Students must obtain a current CPR card for healthcare providers. In order to participate in the clinical aspect of the program, students must receive, during HUC 102 course, a “No Record On File” report from the Washington State Patrol, related to Crimes Against Persons, and students must have current immunizations or laboratory verification of immune status. Immunizations could include, but not limited to, Hepatitis B series, Tetanus/ Diphtheria, Tuberculosis Test, Measles/ Mumps/Rubella, and Varicella and yearly flu as required by contracts with clinical facilities and CDC recommendations.

Each student is required to carry personal health/medical insurance throughout the program and their clinical rotations. Quarterly based insurance for students may be purchased; further information is available through the counseling office.  

No student will be allowed at clinical site without proof of insurance. Proof of immunizations should be submitted the first week of class unless arrangements have been made with instructor. Some hospitals may require a drug screen test before the student is permitted to practice in the hospital. Most clinical sites enforce a No Smoking Policy.  Smoking at a clinical site may hinder completion of the program.

Must be a High School graduate or have a GED by completion of program. Students must be at least 17 ½ years of age to begin the program.

Admission Dates:

Fall and Spring quarters - Lakewood campus Day Program

Winter and Summer quarters - Lakewood campus Evening Program

Check with the Advising and Counseling Office for specific information.

Program Requirements

To review course descriptions, please click here.