Unit Clerk, Certificate

Program Information
Credential: 
Certificate
Duration: 

16 weeks on campus

Delivery: 
Downtown Campus | Donald School of Business
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.

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

Develop computer skills critical for success in the Unit Clerk field. Prerequisite: 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

Develop keyboarding speed and accuracy.

UNIT 102

Develop a Medical Terminology vocabulary necessary to communicate information in a hospital or similar health care setting.

UNIT 103

Develop processing; critical thinking and problem solving skills by completing thorough and accurate medical orders. Pre/Corequisite: Unit 102

UNIT 105

Demonstrate integration and consolidation of knowledge; skills; attitudes; behaviours and judgements within the context of a comprehensive Unit Clerk practice setting. Prerequisites: Unit Clerk 100; 101; 102; 103; 106 & 107.

UNIT 106

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

UNIT 107

Develop interpersonal communication skills; practice oral presentation skills; apply professional skills; and create an effective resume.

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.