Allied Health Education - Health Unit Coordinator Certificate

Certificate Prerequisites  Certificate Requirements  Certificate Outcomes

See program requirement sheet.

This program prepares the student to work as a health unit coordinator in a nursing unit of a hospital or skilled nursing facility. The health unit coordinator 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.

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.

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.

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 courses. Required program courses may be repeated.

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 program adviser to complete this process.

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 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 way:

• 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

Note: This requirement planning sheet is not a substitute for meeting with an academic adviser. Meeting the requirements to graduate with an Edmonds Community College degree or certificate is ultimately the responsibility of the student.

PGM Code – 532C
Effective summer 2011 | Rev: 02/11