ObjectivesThe Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate Program is a 360-hour part-time program that prepares graduates for the challenging and rewarding career of looking after the administrative and clerical requirements of a hospital unit. Students are examined in theory and practical components and, upon successful completion, receive a certificate.
Academic titleCertificate in Hospital Unit Clerk
Course descriptionPharmacology • 30 hrs (approx)
This module covers aspects of Pharmacology, which relate to the hospital unit clerk. Topics include: the twenty-four hour clock, pharmacology vocabulary, and the C.P.S. The majority of course content is focused on trade and generic names of common drugs and the classifications in which they belong.
Communication Skills for Unit Clerks • 25 hrs (approx)
In your role as a unit clerk, you communicate with a myriad of people. From other professionals to family members to patients, the quality of your interpersonal communication enhances the quality of the services you provide. This module gives you the opportunity to assess your own communication style, learn and practice skills to understand others, skills to speak assertively and with empathy in a variety of situations with a wide range of people. You will learn how to manage yourself in difficult, stressful situations as well as learn skills to cope with distressed and angry individuals. Students will also explore the need for understanding cross- cultural communications and dealing with grief, death and dying.
Patient Chart Records • 15 hrs (approx)
This module will introduce students to the important purpose and function of Patient Chart Records and the required assembly and maintenance. They will be provided with the skills to recognize standard chart forms and instructed where to file these forms in the Patient Chart.
Processing Medication Orders • 30 hrs (approx)
This module provides the student with the skills and knowledge to understand and correctly process a variety of different medication orders, as well as the ability to process IV and TPN orders.
Hospital Communication Tools • 15 hrs (approx)
This module is designed to enable the student to learn how to use the communication tools within the hospitals and how to effectively enable them to communicate with patients, visitors, all hospital and medical staff. The students will tour all areas of the hospital and learn the codes needed to explain emergency situations.
Processing Laboratory and Diagnostic Orders • 45 hrs (approx)
This course is designed to enable the student to learn laboratory and medical imaging terminology, how to process doctor’s orders regarding laboratory and diagnostic work, as well as receive reports. The student will also learn the role of each laboratory and diagnostic department and the work the staff perform in these areas.
Admissions/Discharges/Transfers • 12 hrs (approx)
Students will learn about the organization and structure of the Patient Registration and Placement departments and the function of these departments in Admitting, Discharging and Transferring patients. Students will also be introduced to departments that support the nursing unit including Food & Nutrition Services, Housekeeping Health Records and Infection Control.
* Unit clerk responsibilities for processing pre and post operative surgical orders and anaesthetic orders
* About the services provided by Nutrition Services
* About specialty beds and how to obtain them.
Timekeeping Overview • 10 hrs (approx)
Currently being revised.
Employment Skills and Practicum Preparation for Unit Clerks • 9 hrs (approx)
This module will explore work search subjects and skills such as: self-assessment; employability and transferable skills; resume and cover letter writing; information interviews and research skills; and job interview preparation in relation to working as a graduate of the Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate program.
Practicum • 125 hrs
The Practicum component provides an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the program and to meet the required competencies. It gives students hands-on experience on a Unit in a hospital setting.