Health Unit Coordinator Certificate

This certificate program is composed of two courses. The first course provides instruction in the definition and pronunciation of basic medical terms and vocabulary used in the health care industry. Medical terminology will be taught using an anatomy and systems approach and will include the use of prefixes and suffixes. Students will learn terminology related to diseases, laboratory tests, imaging, surgical and treatment procedures, and basic terms related to specialized areas of medicine.

The second course provides instruction on the responsibilities for the coordination of non-clinical activities related to patient care and the department (unit). Topics include overview of the healthcare industry, scheduling diagnostic tests and treatments, assisting with processing of orders, maintaining an organized unit, managing medical charts, supplies, equipment, and workflow in the health care setting. Communication skills and soft skills necessary to interact with patients, visitors, healthcare workers, and other healthcare professionals are integrated throughout the course.

• Live face-to-face classes
• Collaborative project-based learning
• 24-hour tutoring
• Live counseling available
• 24-hr library services
• Career Counseling
• Professional development
• High quality professionally designed courses
• No textbook fees

Upon successful completion of the first medical terminology course, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the common rules for proper medical terms grammar, pronunciation and spelling.
2. Interpret and use anatomical references to identify position, body planes and cavities.
3. Define, spell, and pronounce common terms related to the systems of the body.
4. Use root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms to analyze and build medical terms.
5. Identify common tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, and surgeries associated with diseases and pathologies of the body.
6. Analyze and explain the medical terminology and vocabulary used in specialized areas of medicine, such as pharmacology, obstetrics, pediatrics, radiology and imaging, oncology, mental health and gerontology
7. Identify key healthcare agencies and regulations.
8. Utilize appropriate sources, including internet and medical dictionary to research medical terminology.
9. Use standard medical abbreviations and symbols accepted by the Joint Commission.
10.Interpret medical records, text and articles that include diagnosis, lab test, imaging tests, treatments, and prognosis.
11.Translate medical information and content into non-technical terms and vice versa.
12.Research medical terminology, body anatomy and systems, and health regulations using the Internet and other resources.

Upon successful completion of the second course, you will be able to:
1. Describe the role and responsibilities of a HUC.
2. Explain the variety of entities that influence cost and financing of healthcare in the United States.
3. Describe the variety of healthcare delivery systems and services they provide.
4. Operate equipment used by HUC such as scanners, copiers, fax machines, shredders, and intercom systems used in healthcare facilities.
5. Exhibit effective communication skills.
6. Apply HIPPA guidelines in all aspects of communication.
7. Describe workplace ethics, guidelines, relevant laws and regulations related to healthcare.
8. Demonstrate the ability to manage the ordering of supplies and equipment, troubleshoot and apply warranty agreements for defective equipment.
9. Plan the general daily non-clinical HUC tasks performed in a hospital nursing unit or healthcare facility.
10. Schedule appointments, procedures, and tests utilizing medical terminology and abbreviations.
11. Demonstrate the use of EMR and paper medical records by locating or filing information such as assessments, tests, procedures, orders.