PGM Code - 532C
Program Description This program prepares the student to work as a health unit coordinator/unit secretary in a nursing unit of a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The health unit coordinator/unit secretary works closely with health professionals providing communication support to nursing services and ancillary departments in the collection and dissemination of patient data.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the certification examination given by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators.
Prerequisites Proof of completion of the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 or equivalent is required to enroll in the certificate classes. Course substitutions are allowed. Students with previous health care training may be able to waive prerequisites on adviser approval. Students must see their Allied Health faculty adviser to complete this process. New students must contact Enrollment Services, 425-640-1458, for initial advising appointment.
SPECIAL NOTES
Criminal background checks are required for all Allied Health programs. Students should be aware that certain gross misdemeanors and felonies may disqualify them from participating in clinical externships and unable to complete their certificate. Future employment opportunities in the health care field may also be affected.
Students may request their background check from the Washington State Patrol (small fee required); students are encouraged to meet with an adviser if the background check reveals any activity that might disqualify them from the externship.
Summary of Occupational Exposure Students planning to enter the Health Unit Coordinator/Unit Secretary program need to know that, as a health care provider, they are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Tasks and procedures performed by the health care professional involve risks classified by the Center for Disease Control in the following ways:
• Category I – Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply
• Category II – Activities performed without blood exposure but exposure may occur in emergencies
• Category III – Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood
Common Course Numbering Please refer to www.edcc.edu/ccn for more information.
Credit/Grade Requirements This Certificate requires successful completion of a minimum of 33 credits or a minimum of 25 credits with documentation of a valid CNA license in Washington State. A minimum of one-third of the required credits must be earned from Edmonds Community College. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses.
Students must achieve a grade of 2.0 or higher in all Health Unit Coordinator/Unit Secretary courses. Required program courses may be repeated.
Students Are Advised To
- Plan their schedule several quarters in advance in order to accommodate courses that are offered only once or twice a year,
- Review the college catalog for required course prerequisites and include these in schedule planning, and
- Communicate with a faculty adviser.
Graduation Application A completed Graduation Application form must be submitted to Enrollment Services by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Forms are available online or at Enrollment Services located in Lynnwood Hall. Note applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter.
College Resources
College Website | www.edcc.edu
How to Enroll | www.edcc.edu/es
Transfer Center | www.edcc.edu/transfer
College Bookstore | www.edcc.edu/bookstore
Advising Appointments | 425.640.1458
Advisers
The advisers for this program are
Erika Ferreri | erika.ferreri@edcc.edu | 425.640.1924
Connie Lockwood | connie.lockwood@edcc.edu | 425.640.1691
Elizabeth Patterson | elizabeth.patterson@edcc.edu | 425.640.1061
Department website
Allied Health Education | www.edcc.edu/ahe
Gainful Employment
Gainful employment information is available for this program.
