Unit Clerk Certificate Course (Live Online)

Brief Course Description 

This course is designed to provide an overview of the program, the skills required to work as a Unit Clerk and an overview of the health care system. During this course, students will be made aware of the standards of conduct and ethics required of a health care professional. 

Students will become acquainted with how a hospital is organized, the various members of the health care team and the specific role of the Unit Clerk.  

Emphasis will be placed on the need to be a good communicator, striving to prevent conflicts in the workplace and focused on concepts such as diversity, inclusivity and cultural awareness. 

Course Prerequisites 

None 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand and articulate the roles of a Unit Clerk and as a member of the health care team 

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the Canadian health care system and the organization of primary work settings of a Unit Clerk, and health information management system  

3. Demonstrate an understanding of common health care practice standards, including standards of conduct and ethics of a health care professional 

4. Effectively organize, identify and locate components of the patient’s medical records 

5. Understand the processes and complete the appropriate procedures of patient admission, transfers and discharges  

6. Understand the importance of and demonstrate a specific knowledge of how to maintain patient confidentiality 

7. Communicate effectively through verbal and written formats using appropriate organization, mechanics, and style 

8. Understand the importance and exercise the principles and ethics of cross-cultural communication 

Brief Course Description 

During this course, students will be introduced to the medical terminology necessary to allow for effective communication as a health care professional. Students will also learn the basics of anatomy, physiology, pathology as well as the body structure and functions. A variety of disease processes, treatments, surgical terms and applications will be studied.  

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC01 – Unit Clerk Overview, Communication, and Hospital Administration 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Describe the origins and purpose of medical terminology 

2. Recognize medical terminology word parts such as root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms 

3. Define and correctly utilize medical terminology describing body structures, regions, landmarks, functions, conditions, disorders and diseases.  

4. Define and correctly utilize medical abbreviations and symbols correlated by body system 

5. Define and correctly utilize medical terminology of treatments, surgical terms and applications 

6. Spell, pronounce, and use terminology accurately within written and spoken contexts 

Brief Course Description 

This course allows students to examine the basic information which Unit Clerks need to know about Pharmacology. The focus is on the classification of the most common drugs and the ability to identify them by both generic and trade names. Students will also be introduced to drug administration concepts that use the 24-hour clock. 

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC02 – Medical Terminology  

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand the medical terms, nomenclature and common acronyms used in Pharmacology 

2. Identify the classification and therapeutic uses of most common drugs based on both generic and trade names 

3. Understand and fluently articulate drug administration concepts using the 24-hour clock 

4. Understand dosage and directions for use of prescription drugs 

5. Understand and interpret prescriptions 

Brief Course Description 

During this course students are introduced to several concepts which affect a patient’s treatment and recovery including how to interpret and transcribe physician treatment orders, dietary orders, activity and intravenous orders. Additionally, students will be practicing learned concepts in sessions with charting and case examples.  

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC03 – Basic Pharmacology 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand and interpret physician treatment orders 

2. Input physician treatment orders into system 

3. Document physician treatment orders in patients’ chart 

4. Explain physician treatment orders in plain language to patient and family members 

Brief Course Description 

Students are introduced to a variety of hematology and chemistry tests in order to understand their purpose. Students get to study concepts such as microbiology, virology, pathology and blood products. The course places specific emphasis on how patients must be prepared for tests, how specimens should be handled, and how the tests and blood products are processed and analyzed. Additionally, students will be practicing learned concepts in sessions with charting and case examples. 

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC04 – Physician Treatment Orders 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand and interpret laboratory treatment orders 

2. Input laboratory treatment orders into system 

3. Document laboratory treatment orders in patients’ chart 

4. Explain laboratory treatment orders in plain language to patient and family members 

Brief Course Description 

This course reviews a wide variety of diagnostic tests done by different departments which may be required for a patient’s treatment. Students will learn to interpret diagnostic orders, how to order and prepare patients for such tests and communicate with the various departments to ensure that the tests take place. Additionally, students will be practicing learned concepts in sessions with charting and case examples. 

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC05 – Laboratory Orders 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand and interpret diagnostic orders 

2. Identify the department to conduct a specific diagnostic order 

3. Input diagnostic orders into system 

4. Document diagnostic orders in patients’ chart 

5. Explain diagnostic orders in plain language to patient and family members 

Brief Course Description 

In this course, various levels of medical, surgical and maternity orders are discussed. The role of the Unit Clerk is emphasized in pre-operation preparation, and for post-operative follow-ups. Additionally, students will be practicing learned concepts in sessions with charting and case examples. 

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of UC06 – Diagnostic Orders 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand and interpret surgical orders 

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the stages patient goes through during surgery (pre and post)  

3. Input surgical orders into system 

4. Document surgical orders in patients’ chart 

5. Explain surgical orders in plain language to patient and family members 

Brief Course Description 

In this course, various levels of medical, surgical and maternity orders are discussed. The role of the Unit Clerk is emphasized and the need for post-operative follow-ups. Students are being prepared to start practicum. 

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of all previous UC Courses 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Gain awareness of the working environment  

2. Understand the purpose of Practicum 

3. Understand the policies and requirements to complete practicum 

4. Establish communication with Practicum Supervisor 

Brief Course Description 

Students are required to apply their skills and knowledge obtained through coursework in a practical environment. The student must work on the days and times assigned by the instructor. The working hours could involve day, evening or weekend schedules. A minimum of 60 hours in the workplace is required.  

Course Prerequisites 

Completion of all previous UC Courses and Practicum Orientation 

Learning Objectives* 

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

1. Understand of the relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical application  

2. Apply knowledge to practice 

3. Develop practical skills in a real-world setting 

4. Interact and build professional working relationships with other members of the health care team 

5. Gain experience as a Unit Clerk 

Brief Course Description