Unit Clerk, Certificate

Program Information
Credential: 
Certificate
Duration: 

16 weeks on campus | 10 months for online program

Delivery: 
Downtown Campus | Donald School of Business and Online Delivery
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Trevor Thomas
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca

Department Information

For more information visit the Unit Clerk Department.

Related Careers

This program prepares the graduate to work in hospital, long term care, and other health related institutional settings as a Unit Clerk or Unit Secretary to provide clerical support to patient care units. It includes instruction in computer applications, medical terminology, and the various roles of the Unit Clerk.

The Program

This program provides opportunities to develop the skills and attributes to efficiently operate in the management and coordinating position of a unit clerk. It is imperative that, as a key team player, the unit clerk has highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with proficiency in stress and time management. The program promotes and encourages extensive student involvement as most activities are interactive and the learning is experiential.

Delivery Options

This program is available on-campus as well as through online delivery. Distance students will require regular access to a computer with Internet service.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

1. ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 OR equivalent OR a minimum score of 4 on the written essay component of the College Board Placement Test.

2. Two tests to assess keyboarding speed of 20wpm with 3 errors or less.

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Preceptorship Requirements:

Immunization Records to be completed prior to commencement of preceptorship.

Other Requirements: 

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Police Information Check (also known as a Criminal Record Check) including Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of police information or a criminal record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the Police Information Check.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

Graduation Requirements: 

Successful completion of all required courses.

Program Content

UNIT 100 Computer Skills
UNIT 101 Speed Building
UNIT 102 Medical Terminology
UNIT 103 Processing Medical Orders
UNIT 105 Preceptored Practice
UNIT 106 Exploring the Role of the Unit Clerk
UNIT 107 Essential Communication Skills for Unit Clerks

Year 1 Course Descriptions

UNIT 100

This is a self-directed course covering an introduction to computers; together with word processing and spreadsheet applications. This course will provide a foundation of computer literacy for the Unit Clerk field. The course is designed as a self-directed course but a mandatory seminar is required to provide students with support. Prerequisites: None Prior Learning recognition; based on a skills appraisal; is available for students with computer skills but application for PLAR must be completed by the Add/Drop date.

UNIT 101

Computer keyboard speed and accuracy building.

UNIT 102

Using and interpreting medical terminology; abbreviations and symbols commonly used in the health care system.

UNIT 103

Transcribing medical orders in a combination of classroom and eLearning environments; which incorporate a variety of Meditech Health System diagnostic procedures and order entry system codes. Pre/Corequisite: Unit 102

UNIT 105

Experience in a health care setting with a Unit Clerk preceptor. Prerequisites: Unit Clerk 100; 101; 102; 103; 106 & 107.

UNIT 106

Concepts; skills and attitudes necessary to perform the role of the Unit Clerk.

UNIT 107

Develop critical oral; written and non-verbal communication skills including telephone and interview skills. Create an effective resume; cover letter; and portfolio.

Recognition of Prior Learning/Experience

Students may receive Recognition of Prior Learning in some courses where the learning of skills, knowledge or competencies has been acquired through work, formal and informal education or training, or self study. Recognition of Prior Learning is applicable in UNIT 100 and UNIT 101. Application forms for Recognition of Prior Learning are available through the Registrar's Office.