What type of work can I do with a Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate?
Upon completion of the Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate you will be qualified to perform a variety of administrative, clerical and reception duties within a hospital, continuing care facility, or other medical centre environment. Unit clerks are responsible for admissions, patient transfers and discharges, answering telephones, processing physician orders, updating patient census’ and room lists, assembling standard forms for patient charts, and many other administrative and clerical tasks.
What are the job prospects for graduates of this program?
The expected growth for the Unit Clerk occupation in Alberta is 1.5 to 2.5% between 2006 and 2011. Also, it is forecasted that 40 to 70 NEW positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover and retirements.
Where can I expect to work after graduation?
Hospital unit clerks can expect to find work in private and public hospitals, public health offices, long term care facilities, specialist’s offices, government offices with medical related departments and nursing services organizations.
What qualities contribute to success as a Hospital Unit Clerk?
Unit clerks are expected to maintain their composure, particularly in highly stressful situations, while addressing the needs of all levels of hospital personnel, visitors, patients and the general public. Unit clerks should be able to prioritize and multi-task in order to ensure the smooth operation of their unit. These activities require excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational and stress management skills. The ability to work effectively with others as part of team and a genuine interest in patient wellbeing are also important.
How much can I expect to earn as a Hospital Unit Clerk?
Salaries are variable depending on years of experience and the employer’s salary scale. Currently Hospital Unit Clerks earn $22,500 - $49,500 per year, with an average of $35,000/year. (2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.)
What is the difference between the Medical Office Assistant and the Hospital Unit Clerk programs?
The Hospital Unit Clerk is prepared to work in a hospital setting. The program includes skills in processing medical orders, operating hospital information system software, and general skills for a hospital nursing unit. Some health regions will specify that a Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate is a job requirement. However, Hospital Unit Clerk graduates have transferable skills that enable them to find employment in other health settings.
The Medical Office Assistant is prepared to work in a medical or private office or clinic. The program includes training in specific clinical skills for the medical office or clinic, basic financial skills, medical billing, and the use of health care software for medical offices or clinics.
There are several courses that the identical in the two programs. If a learner completes one of the programs, and wishes to gain a Certificate in the other, the learner can apply for transfer credit for these identical courses.
What is the difference between the Hospital Unit Clerk program offered at the downtown Calgary campus, and the Hospital Unit Clerk Online program?
Both programs have the same content and the same Certificate is issued. The differences are:
* The Hospital Unit Clerk Calgary campus program is offered face to face and is offered on a full time basis during the day. It can be completed in 24 weeks.
* The Hospital Unit Clerk Online program is offered on line and is part time. It can be completed in 64 weeks (4 semesters).
Is this program suitable for mature learners with previous life and work experience?
Yes. The Business Department has many students that are returning to learning as adults and bring excellent life and work experience to their learning and their new careers.
