Healthcare Unit Clerk

Associate Certificate Part-time School of Business + Media

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Overview

Healthcare Unit Clerks combine healthcare with administrative duties in hospitals and healthcare facilities, and form part of a healthcare team. They act as a vital communications hub that focuses on clerical tasks. Common duties of Healthcare Unit Clerks include:

transcribing and processing physicians’ orders
maintaining electronic medical records
following medical billing practices
scheduling appointments

Healthcare Unit Clerks use business information systems software and have strong client-service abilities, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills.

The Healthcare Unit Clerk Associate Certificate program is designed to teach applied relevant knowledge about healthcare administration to help prepare you for employment as a Healthcare Unit Clerk. The program includes an 80-hour practicum that allows you to gain real-world working experience.

The courses are offered through Part-time Studies starting three times a year in January, April and September. The January intake offers a fast-track option that allows you to complete the program in eight months plus a practicum and is available for financial aid.

About the program

Employers value BCIT’s applied, job-ready approach to education and training. The BCIT advantage sets our graduates apart from the pack. Our courses are taught by knowledgeable and experienced instructors who are industry professionals.

This program focuses on healthcare administration. All courses are delivered online, and many of the courses will provide you with the opportunity to use business information systems software to complete various tasks.

A hands-on 80-hour industry practicum arranged by BCIT will provide participants with valuable experience and contacts. Participants will be ready to start their career immediately upon graduation.

Learn more about how this program prepares you for a new career as a Healthcare Unit Clerk on the Program Details page.

Who should complete the Healthcare Unit Clerk Associate Certificate?

This program may be of interest to you if:

You enjoy working with people
You have excellent organizational and communication skills
You’re interested in health care and the medical field

Classes fill quickly for this popular program, so be aware of the key registration dates. (updated each term). Then visit the Entrance Requirements page to declare your program.

If you are looking for a healthcare administration program that prepares you to work in settings such as walk-in clinic, family practices and specialist offices, consider the Medical Office Assistant Associate Certificate.

What grads can do

With the job-focused training you receive at BCIT, you will be well prepared for working in hospital departments or healthcare facilities from the day you graduate. You will have many options, as employers are always seeking qualified applicants.

You can continue your education part-time at BCIT, in healthcare administration or business management, with the following programs:

Find out more about the new job opportunities awaiting you on the Graduating and Jobs page.

Entrance Requirements

About Part-time Studies

Take a single course, or work towards a credential – all at a pace that’s right for you.

This program is offered entirely online. If you meet the prerequisites and there is space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of the three terms: Terms start in January, April and September.

To apply for a Part-time Studies program and earn the credential, you simply need to complete a Part-time Program Declaration Request. Applications are processed throughout the year.

Applicants to the BCIT School of Business are required to have completed 2 years of full-time study in high school or a post-secondary program in English in an English speaking country. If you do not have English 12 and have not studied in an English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. For information on English equivalencies, testing and upgrading options, visit:

English Requirements and How to Meet Them
Equivalencies
Assessment Testing
Upgrading

Application processing

Ongoing throughout the year.

Recommended for success

Minimum starting keyboard speed of 35 words per minute. Please note that some practicum and employment positions require keyboarding speeds of up to 55 words per minute.
English as an additional language students are recommended to take COMM 1106 – Introduction to Business and Technical Communication (With Language Development Component)

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit. International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.

Program declaration

Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.

To submit your declaration:

Answer all questions completely.
If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Declare Now

Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.

Learn more about program declaration

Scheduled Intakes

Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees pages for more information:

Financial assistance

Students pursuing the Fast-Track Study Schedule [PDF] may be eligible for financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid office for further information.

Courses

Important updates to Part-time Studies

1) Need to waitlist for a School of Business + Media course? Find out more.
2) English Requirement: Find out more.

Prepare for a rewarding career as a Healthcare Unit Clerk. The courses in this program provide you with the essential skills to take on the everyday challenges and administrative responsibilities in a hospital department or healthcare facility. Your studies will include Hospital Practice Systems, Anatomy and Terminology, Pharmacology, Business Information Systems, Transcription, Electronic Medical Records, Medical Billing Practices, and Healthcare Communication. The program culminates with an 80-hour practicum that will provide you with hands-on training and real-world exposure to the day-to-day work environment of a Healthcare Unit Clerk.

Please check the Program Details page for important information for students approaching the end of the program and preparing for the Healthcare Unit Clerk practicum.

Please note: part-time programs and courses are open enrolment and although we make every effort to accommodate demand, course registration cannot be guaranteed in every semester. High demand courses fill quickly and may result in students unable to register for a course that semester. Courses may also be cancelled due to low enrolment.

Program matrix

Check current availability of courses for this program.

1. Required Courses			Credits
	BSYS 1001	Business Information Systems 1-Microsoft 365 for Windows Computers and information technology are the foundation of business today and an essential tool in the current labour market. This course provides a deep understanding of computer terminology, operating systems, and the most popular software applications used in business. The course discusses up to date technology issues and challenges that affect and impact the business environment. At the end of the course students will become proficient on Microsoft Office applications; specifically, in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Power Point. Students work individually on projects in lab settings and complete a number of individual projects and quizzes /exams. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	CLRK 1001	Hospital Practice Systems 1 This course teaches the use of Cerner hospital administration software. Cerner is a cloud-based EHR software program used by health organizations of various sizes across the world and to streamline operations and provide greater healthcare. It offers Quick-Select charting, detailed scheduling dashboard, powerful integration, patient education resources, dynamic clinical documentation tools, auto-texting, revenue management, and health analytics. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	1.5
	CLRK 1005	Pharmacology This course is designed to develop an understanding of concepts surrounding pharmacology and combines anatomy and physiology with medical terminology for Unit Clerks. Students will learn anatomical structures and organs of the respiratory, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems, and identify anatomy of structures of the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Classification of drugs will be covered, their mode of delivery, clinical effects and side effects will be learned and aided with common examples. Students will learn medical terminology, the professional language of medicine. The course covers the responsibility involved in safely handling and dispensing medications to patients that contributes to drug effectiveness and health for patients. Students will learn how different drugs are administered and routinely eliminated. Different drug categories are studied along with pharmacology terminology. Students will learn “Scheduled" and “PRN" (as required) medications as indicated in the patient's medical record. Prerequisite(s): 65% in OFFC 1001 course outline	3.0
	CLRK 1010	Transcription This course introduces students to the words and phrases of medical practice with the assistance of a software program. Medical terms that students previously studied will relate to those heard with the software. Through this course, students will develop entry-level transcription skills for transcribing dictated materials accurately and completely, following the proper documentation requirements used in specific areas of the medical field. This course is also designed for medical office personnel wishing to upgrade their medical transcription skills. Prerequisite(s): 65% in OFFC 1001 course outline	3.0
	CLRK 1015	Healthcare Communication Unit Clerks require excellent communication skills as their role requires them to interact with the public at various levels as well as with colleagues and other members of the healthcare team. Therefore, this course introduces professional healthcare communication skills customized to meet those objectives. Students will learn tone in written and oral communication and use language correctly when interacting with patients and families, external partners and the healthcare team: physicians, nurses, technologists, and other hospital staff. The course covers communication required for work specific tasks and addresses collaboration when working with team members. Conflict resolution is introduced along with techniques to contribute positively and in cooperation with work teams as well as patients. Students will learn how to demonstrate accountability and responsibility when working as sole charge and in groups. Intercultural sensitivity and awareness are introduced via case studies and class discussions. Communication skills to be covered in this course will include persuasion and argumentation. Students will deepen their skills in critical analysis and logical reasoning and write a research report and present their findings. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	CLRK 2001	Hospital Practice Systems 2 This course teaches the use of hospital administration software called Meditech. Meditech is a secure cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) software with standardized databases used by healthcare organizations of various sizes across the world. Meditech's EHR software provides healthcare providers with cost savings, efficiencies, flexibility, and timely access to patient information. Students will learn Meditech's software features, how to enter data, and how to navigate, retrieve and store patients' medical information. The management and security of private information is explained and demonstrated with case studies. Students will receive practical experience with Meditech software used at hospital and clinic sites and engage with software features that form an electronic record of the patient's healthcare journey. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	1.5
	OFFC 1001	Anatomy and Terminology 1 This course combines anatomy and physiology with medical terminology. You will learn about the digestive, urinary, reproductive, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. For each system, we will discuss the organs, the functions of each component, common disease processes and symptoms, and anatomical terminology. You will learn common prefixes, suffixes, and terminology related to disease processes of specific body systems. Anatomy and Terminology 1 will cover approximately 50% of the body systems and Anatomy and Terminology 2 will cover the other 50%. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	OFFC 1007	Medical Billing Practices In this course, you will explore the Wolf billing software system, including data entry for both manual and computer billing to the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia. We will address billing for visits, supplementary items, and diagnostic procedures carried out in a medical office, a hospital, or home. It is essential that you learn how to accurately process claims and forms related to alternate billing such as what is needed for WorkSafeBC, the Insurance Corporation of BC, reciprocal procedures, and private companies. Emphasis is placed on the Preamble, Fee, and Diagnostic Code Schedule from MSP of BC. You will create a computerized medical clinic, register new doctors, new patients, and newborns. You will generate an electronic appointment schedule with appointment codes and computer reports through to the completion of accurate billing records. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	OFFC 1055	Electronic Medical Records With many physicians converting their practices over to electronic medical records, the Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) Management course enables the student to explore all aspects of EMR software using Wolf Medical Systems. The student will implement, use and become familiar with EMRs. Through lectures, exercises and hands-on practical experience, both from an administrative and clinical perspective, the student will navigate EMRs and manage the input and retrieval of electronic data. This course is a required component of the MOA program, however it may be taken on its own by former MOA graduates and other interested healthcare workers. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	OFFC 2001	Anatomy and Terminology 2 In this course, you will learn about the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body and the associated medical terminology. Based on the foundation gained from Anatomy and Terminology 1, you will build and define more medical terms and use more medical abbreviations. You will gain knowledge of the blood, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, skin, sensory, and endocrine systems. There will also be an emphasis on pathology, diagnostic testing, and clinical procedures. Successful completion of this course will prepare you for 1048 Medical Transcription Skills. Prerequisite(s): 65% in OFFC 1001 course outline	3.0

2. Practicum			Credits
	CLRK 2500	Healthcare Unit Clerk Practicum This 80-hour practicum takes place in either a hospital department, physician's office, clinic, or related healthcare facility and enables students to apply the skills that they have learnt in the BCIT Unit Clerk Associate Certificate. For many, this experience is their gateway into the healthcare system. Some keys to a successful practicum experience include having excellent communication skills, compassion for patients, maintaining confidentiality, having a keen eye for detail, being fluent in anatomy, terminology, and pharmacology, and being software savvy. The course also includes class time to help students prepare for a successful workplace experience. Students will write a resume and cover letter matched to a unit clerk position and prepare for an interview. For some practicum positions (e.g., in hospitals), students will require the following: Current certification of the two-day St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid for Industry—WorkSafeBC Level 1 Equivalent course, which includes CPR level C and AED content; a criminal record check; up-to-date immunizations; a minimum keyboarding speed of 55 words per minute; and successful completion of a terminology test. Note: Since first aid certifications expire, we recommend that students complete the above First Aid course shortly before the Practicum. Prerequisite(s): 65% in CLRK 1001 and 65% in CLRK 2001 and 65% in OFFC 1001 and 65% in OFFC 2001 and 65% in CLRK 1005 and 65% in CLRK 2005 and 65% in CLRK 1010 and 65% in OFFC 1055 and 65% in OFFC 1007 and 65% in CLRK 1015 course outline	3.0

Total Credits:			30.0

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

The Healthcare Unit Clerk Assistant Associate Certificate program teaches courses that are designed to provide you with the skills and resources necessary to be successfully employed in a hospital department or healthcare facility. All course offerings are held in the evenings and on Saturday online.

Courses in the program cover:

hospital practice systems
anatomy and terminology
pharmacology
business information systems
transcription
electronic medical records
medical billing practices
healthcare communication

By developing the key skills for a range of tasks, you will be prepared for administrative responsibilities that may arise in hospital departments, therefore broadening your appeal to potential employers.

You will also attend an 80-hour practicum to gain practical, hands-on work experience.

Important practicum information!

Register for the practicum as early as possible to allow time for you to meet the following requirements before you begin your practicum:

Up-to-date immunizations are required.
A criminal record check must be obtained.
The St. John’s Ambulance two-day Standard First Aid for Industry course OFA level 1 must be completed.

Program goals

Upon successful completion of the Healthcare Unit Clerk Associate Certificate, you will be able to:

Describe how the Canadian healthcare system functions.
Describe the different roles and responsibilities of hospital department employees.
Describe how the role of the Unit Clerk is changing with Electronic Health Records EHR systems.
Explain how EHR software is used to transcribe and process physicians’ orders.
Communicate with a positive tone in both written and oral communication with a healthcare team and when interacting with patients and families.
Use anatomy and terminology medical names and abbreviations to communicate with healthcare professionals.
Use conflict resolution skills when interacting with stakeholders to foster positive outcomes.
Describe basic pharmacology terminology and the different types of drug categories.
Differentiate between generic and brand-named drugs.
Explain the similarities and differences of the role of a Unit Clerk in long-term care, acute care facilities and community care facilities.
Create detailed and accurate electronic billing for the Medical Services Plan MSP of British Columbia.
Process claims and forms for WCB, ICBC and Teleplan.
Use critical thinking skills when interpreting information and communicating with healthcare professionals.

Grading

Courses are graded on a percentage scale. The minimum passing grade for all CLRK and OFFC courses is 65%.

Program delivery

Online: This program is delivered fully online.

The program is offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you the flexibility to choose the number of courses taken each term.

Fast-track schedule

The Fast-Track Study Schedule [PDF] allows students to complete this program in eight months, over two terms. This schedule is only possible for students who begin the program in the January (winter) term.

Students pursuing the fast-track schedule may be eligible for financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid office for further information.

If you would prefer a lighter schedule and need assistance planning a schedule that works for you, contact the Program Assistant.

Program location

Courses are offered through online learning.

Graduating & Jobs

By developing the essential skills needed for a variety of jobs in a hospital department or healthcare facility, you will be well prepared for a successful, rewarding career. The courses and hands-on practicum in the Healthcare Unit Clerk Associate Certificate program all combine to give you the real-world, relevant skills and the confidence that you require to begin your future.

Some job opportunities include:

Healthcare Unit Clerk
Health Unit Coordinator
Medical Clerk
Medical Receptionist
Medical Record Specialist

Further education

Graduates of the Healthcare Unit Clerk program who wish to further develop their healthcare administration training or their business skills and knowledge may consider the following Part-time Studies programs:

Apply for graduation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.

Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.

All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Our instructors are active industry professionals who provide current and first-hand knowledge in their areas of expertise. The materials covered in the Healthcare Unit Clerk program directly relate to work that you will be performing in your future careers. This hands-on training with industry level tools and resources, as well as the 80-hour industry practicum, prepares you for a rewarding position as a Healthcare Unit Clerk.

Contact Us

Paul Sawyer
Program Head/Faculty
604-456-1011 | Paul_Sawyer@bcit.ca

Contact a Part-time Studies Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:

Course selection and program planning
Declaring your program
Making changes to your approved program plan
Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
Laddering options
Job placement and graduate outcomes
Student life

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.