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My healthcare journey began in 1998 with the Unit Clerk program at VCC. Soon after graduating, I landed a full-time, permanent Unit Clerk position at the BC Cancer Agency. It was there, while training new staff, that I discovered a passion for teaching. Witnessing my students' growth and the launch of their healthcare careers has been incredibly rewarding. This passion for sharing knowledge led me to pursue ongoing professional development within the health authority. I'm currently working towards my Provincial Instructor Diploma Program.
I love to teach and share my deep knowledge and experience with the students. Building relationships with my students and helping them reach their goals is my focus.
A Unit Clerk should be organized, efficient, quick, a team player, and confident. They must have a willingness to learn while being open to challenges. The person must be very organized and structured with the flexibility to switch gears quickly. Being a people person, they should have the ability to communicate with anyone. Also, they should be compassionate and kind natured.
The main roles and responsibilities of the Unit Clerk are to help facilitate the care of the patient in a clerical manner. The duties also include performing clerical and administrative duties, such as answering phones, filing documents, and processing physician orders. Greeting patients and visitors as well as answering their questions or wayfinding inquiries also play a big role in this job. We record and update patient information and medical records, manage patient appointments, admissions, and discharges, and provide support and coordination to the medical team and administrative staff.
This certification will be of great value to anyone who wants to be a Unit Clerk. My advice for anyone planning to take this certificate is to be kind to yourself and plan your schedule! From being a Unit Clerk to a Supervisor to an Instructor myself, I see myself as an example of great potential in this field. Reflecting on the changes in the field since I started, I have noticed that the demand for Unit Clerks has increased, particularly during the pandemic. While there is talk of technology replacing some roles, the health team will always need clerical support.
I have faced challenges in my career, such as being a single parent while working full time, which required me to be highly organized and willing to work hard. So, the advice I would give is to be open and be kind and gentle to yourself. Take the time and schedule what you need to do to help you succeed in this program. Get home and family support, so your schedule will allow this time you will need for the program research. Learn more about the Unit Clerk's role, the healthcare system, authorities, and the union.
If you're eager to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare administration, Ashton College offers a comprehensive Unit Clerk Certificate Program led by industry experts like Tina Toal. Designed to be flexible and accessible, the program is fully online, with live instructor-led sessions that are recorded for seven days. Whether you're starting a new career path or enhancing your existing skills, Ashton College provides the necessary knowledge and practical training to succeed as a Unit Clerk in various healthcare settings. Click the link here to learn more and take the next step towards your professional goals.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
