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Online Health Unit Coordinator Certification Training

  • Fully Online Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) Certification Training
  • Train for hospital and healthcare administrative roles
  • Learn EMR, physician orders, medical terminology, and unit coordination
  • Understand medical records, treatments, diagnostic tests, and procedures
  • Develop communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills
  • Graduate job-ready for healthcare unit clerk and coordinator positions

Overview

What Happens After You Enroll

Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect after you register.

1 Enroll & Submit Payment

Register for your course and submit payment securely online.

Note: This course is fully online and self-paced. You will have 3 months to complete the course.
2 Confirmation Email & Next Steps

You will receive a confirmation email after registering. This email includes important information about your registration process, next steps, and any required actions.

Important: Please watch for this email (and check your spam/junk folder) because it contains details needed to get started.
3 Admin Processing & Course Access

Our admin team will process your registration. Course access is provided once your registration is processed.

After processing, you will be added to Canvas, our online learning platform, where you will complete your coursework.

4 Complete Coursework & Instructor Support

Work through the course at your own pace within your 90 day access period. An instructor monitors the course and is available for questions during business hours.

If you need help, reach out and we’ll guide you to the right place.

5 Certificate of Completion & NAHUC Exam Info

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.

This training is designed to help prepare students who wish to pursue the NAHUC national certification exam (National Association of Health Unit Coordinators).

Note: Some facilities do not require the NAHUC certification. Please check with your employer.

Learn more about NAHUC certification here: NAHUC Certification & Recertification

Exam eligibility, requirements, fees, and scheduling are determined by NAHUC and their testing partner.

Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) Course Overview

Our online Health Unit Coordinator training course introduces you to healthcare facility procedures and the core responsibilities of unit coordination. You’ll learn medical terminology, communication workflows, documentation standards, and how to process physician orders in both paper and electronic medical record (EMR) environments.

Nationwide course: This program does not require state approval. Students receive a Certificate of Completion after successfully meeting course requirements. Individual employers may have their own hiring preferences.
CAREER PATH
Ideal for entry-level healthcare administration
A strong fit for career changers or students seeking hospital unit clerk / coordinator skills.
FOCUS
Unit coordination, EMR workflows, and communication
Learn the daily processes that keep a nursing unit organized and moving efficiently.
OUTCOME
Preparation for HUC-related roles
Build practical knowledge to support unit operations and physician order processing.
Where You Can Work
  • Hospitals and acute care units
  • Clinics and outpatient care settings
  • Rehabilitation and specialty units
  • Long-term care and skilled nursing settings (role varies by employer)

Job titles may vary: Health Unit Coordinator, Unit Clerk, Ward Clerk, Floor Clerk.

Learning Experience
  • Fully online, self-paced instruction
  • Practical exercises for retention
  • Engaging learning materials
  • Support available if you have questions
Tip: Watch for your confirmation email after registration (check spam/junk). It includes important next steps.
What You’ll Learn
  • Medical terminology and basic human structure
  • Healthcare documentation standards (paper + EMR)
  • Computerized physician order entry concepts
  • Telephone and professional communication techniques
  • Customer relations and patient-facing professionalism
  • Processing physician orders for tests and procedures
  • Admissions, discharges, and unit workflow coordination
  • Ethical and legal standards (including confidentiality)
  • Problem-solving and prioritization skills
  • Office and unit coordination tasks (supplies, records, scheduling)
Enrollment Requirements
  • No CNA certification required
  • No state-specific background or eligibility requirements
  • Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
  • Required textbook (linked in the Enrollment sidebar)
Upon Completion

After successfully completing course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Employer requirements and hiring preferences may vary.

Full Course Objectives
  • Describe the role of the Health Unit Coordinator within a healthcare unit
  • Identify key unit workflows including admissions, discharges, and documentation
  • Apply professional communication techniques (phones, messaging, interdepartmental coordination)
  • Explain basic EMR and computerized order entry concepts used in modern healthcare settings
  • Demonstrate understanding of medical terminology relevant to unit coordination
  • Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities including confidentiality standards
  • Process and route physician orders for treatments, tests, and procedures
  • Use problem-solving and prioritization to manage multiple tasks efficiently
  • Identify employer-valued skills such as accuracy, attention to detail, teamwork, and service

Requirements

Course Requirements

ENROLLMENT
There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in this course. Students may register independently and complete the program fully online.
EDUCATION
Health Unit Coordinators commonly hold a high school diploma, certificate, or Associate Degree. Educational requirements vary by employer and are not required to take this course.
NAHUC CERTIFICATION
After successful course completion, students receive a certificate of completion from We Care Online. Graduates may choose to pursue voluntary national certification through NAHUC (National Association of Health Unit Coordinators) . Eligibility requirements are determined by NAHUC.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Certified Health Unit Coordinators must complete 36 NAHUC contact hours every three years to maintain certification.
EMPLOYER POLICIES
Hiring standards vary by employer. We recommend confirming specific employment qualifications with your intended employer.

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Required Textbook
Click the book image to order
Health Unit Coordinating Textbook
Health Unit Coordinating
Required for course completion
Tap to order

Career Info

Career Info – Health Unit Coordinator (HUC)

Health Unit Coordinators (HUCs) keep a nursing unit organized and moving—supporting clinical teams by coordinating communication, managing records, and handling essential administrative workflow.

What Does a Health Unit Coordinator Do?
  • Coordinate communication between nurses, providers, departments, patients, and families
  • Manage unit phones, messages, paging, and day-to-day administrative flow
  • Maintain and organize patient charts and records (paper or electronic)
  • Enter or process physician orders and related documentation (as assigned by the facility)
  • Support admissions, transfers, and discharges by preparing required paperwork
Where Health Unit Coordinators Work
  • Hospitals (med-surg, ICU, ER, maternity, surgical units)
  • Outpatient clinics and specialty practices
  • Rehabilitation and transitional care facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities
  • Other healthcare settings with centralized unit coordination needs

Work schedules vary by employer and may include evenings, weekends, or 24/7 staffing environments.

Salary – United States
Estimated average hourly pay: $21.94 per hour
Estimated average annual earnings: $45,600 per year

Wages vary by region, experience level, employer, and shift differentials.

Regional Pay Snapshot (Examples)
California $26.96/hr (≈ $56,100/yr)
Texas $18.35/hr (≈ $38,200/yr)
Kansas $19.08/hr (≈ $39,700/yr)
Examples shown are based on publicly available wage estimates and may not reflect every employer or city.
Career Advancement Path

Many students use HUC training as a stepping stone into broader healthcare administration roles:

  • HUC → Senior / Lead Unit Coordinator
  • HUC → Medical Office / Clinic Supervisor
  • HUC → Patient Access / Admissions / Scheduling Specialist
  • HUC → Health Information / Medical Records roles
  • HUC → Healthcare Administration pathways (with additional education if desired)

Optional: After completing this course, graduates may choose to pursue national certification through NAHUC. Review NAHUC’s current exam and certification requirements directly, as standards may change.

Job Outlook

Health Unit Coordinator roles overlap with medical administrative support work in hospitals and clinical settings. National projections for related administrative support occupations show stable demand with substantial annual openings driven by turnover and replacement needs.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage and outlook estimates are based on publicly available labor market data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and shift differentials. Referenced sources include Indeed – Health Unit Coordinator salaries (U.S.), Indeed – California HUC salary, ZipRecruiter – Texas HUC salary, ZipRecruiter – Kansas HUC salary, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Secretaries & Administrative Assistants outlook. NAHUC certification information referenced from NAHUC – Certification & Recertification.

Instructor

DeDe Theroux
DeDe Theroux, CMA, CHUC
Course Instructor

DeDe brings nearly 30 years of healthcare experience to the classroom, having served as a Health Unit Coordinator, Patient Care Technician, HUC Resource Educator, and Professor. Her path into healthcare was inspired by her mother’s nursing career and strengthened by firsthand experiences that deepened her respect for the dedication of hospital teams.

Over the years, DeDe has contributed both at the bedside and behind the scenes. She served on a Lean Kaizen Team at North Memorial Hospital to improve patient flow from the emergency department to inpatient units and was a Subject Matter Expert during the rollout of EPIC. She’s passionate about preparing future Health Unit Coordinators to thrive in fast-changing clinical environments.

Outside of teaching, DeDe lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and is a proud mom of four grown children—including a daughter pursuing Occupational Therapy, and three sons.

DeDe’s positivity, experience, and dedication make her a wonderful addition to the We Care Online team. Her favorite daily reminder says it best:

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor—it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.”

Faq

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about enrollment, access, completion, and career information.

1 Is WeCareOnlineClasses.com accredited to deliver HUC certification?

We Care Online is an approved private postsecondary institution in Kansas. This course provides a Certificate of Completion. Certification through NAHUC is separate.

WCO provides Health Unit Coordinator training and issues a Certificate of Completion after students successfully complete the course requirements. This course is not state-licensed and does not require state approval.

If you are seeking national certification, that credential is managed by NAHUC. NAHUC sets exam eligibility requirements and certification standards.

2 Does this HUC course offer internships/externships?

This is an online training course and does not include an internship or externship placement. Some employers may offer on-the-job training or orientation after hire.

3 Is there a grant/scholarship or Military discount available for the HUC course?

Scholarships and discounts vary and may be available through employers, workforce programs, or facility sponsorships. If your facility is sponsoring your enrollment, we can provide a facility invoice option.

For current discount availability, email dgray@wecareonlineclasses.com.

4 What is a Certified Health Unit Coordinator?

A Certified Health Unit Coordinator typically refers to someone who has met eligibility requirements and passed a certification exam through a credentialing organization such as NAHUC.

5 What is a Health Unit Coordinator in a hospital?

In a hospital, a Health Unit Coordinator (also called unit clerk, ward clerk, or floor clerk) supports the nursing unit by coordinating communication, organizing records, and helping the unit run smoothly.

6 What are the duties of a Health Unit Clerk (Health Unit Coordinator)?
  • Answer phones and route messages
  • Coordinate unit communication and workflow
  • Organize patient charts and documentation
  • Support admissions, discharges, and transfers paperwork
  • Process orders and forms as assigned by the facility
7 What is the job description of a health unit coordinator?

HUC job descriptions vary by employer, but commonly include unit communication, documentation support, record organization, customer service, and administrative coordination in a clinical environment.

8 What kind of skills will the employer of an HUC look for?
  • Professional communication (phone, written, teamwork)
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Organization and multitasking
  • Comfort with computers and documentation systems (including EMR)
  • Customer service and calm under pressure
9 How do I become a health unit coordinator?

Most students complete a training program, build core skills (medical terminology, documentation, communication), and apply to hospitals or healthcare facilities hiring for HUC / unit clerk roles. Some employers may prefer additional education or experience.

10 What does the HUC certification exam cover?

Exam topics vary by the credentialing organization. NAHUC provides the most current exam and eligibility information. We recommend reviewing NAHUC’s certification resources directly.

View NAHUC Certification Information

11 Is there any HUC free test?

Some third-party sites may offer practice questions, but we recommend verifying accuracy and alignment with current certification standards. For official certification guidance, refer to NAHUC resources.

12 Is there a health unit coordinator practice exam?

Practice exams vary by provider. If you are pursuing NAHUC certification, check NAHUC for current study guidance and exam information.

13 What skills does an employer require from an HUC?

Requirements vary by employer. Common expectations include strong communication, accuracy, professionalism, organization, and comfort with documentation and computer systems in a healthcare environment.

14 What should a health unit coordinator resume show?
  • Healthcare administrative experience (if applicable)
  • Medical terminology and documentation skills
  • Customer service and communication strengths
  • Computer proficiency (EMR familiarity is a plus)
  • Organization, multitasking, and attention to detail
15 How do I find this kind of job?

Search hospital and health system career pages for titles like Health Unit Coordinator, Unit Clerk, Ward Clerk, or Patient Services Coordinator. You can also search major job boards and filter by hospital, clinic, or inpatient unit settings.

16 What is the average salary for a Health Unit Coordinator?

Pay varies widely by location, employer, and experience. Many employers list HUC pay in an hourly range, and shift differentials may apply. For a snapshot of current ranges, see the Salary section on this page.

17 What are the employment prospects of a Health Unit Coordinator?

Demand varies by region, but hospitals and clinical settings continue to rely on strong administrative support roles to keep care teams organized. Hiring needs are often driven by staffing turnover and facility size.

18 Do Unit Clerks or Health Unit Coordinators wear scrubs?

Dress code is set by the employer. Some facilities allow or require scrubs, while others prefer business casual or a uniform. Always confirm expectations with your workplace.

19 What does the HUC Certification Training course lead to?

Successful completion results in a We Care Online Certificate of Completion. Many students use this training to prepare for HUC roles and, if desired, to pursue national certification through NAHUC.

20 What is NAHUC?

NAHUC is the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators. They provide resources for the profession and manage national certification standards for HUCs.

Visit NAHUC

21 How does the HUC Certification Training delivered by WeCareOnlineClasses lead to a professional certification?

This course is designed to build the knowledge and skills commonly used in HUC roles. If you choose to pursue NAHUC certification, you should review NAHUC’s current eligibility requirements and exam details.

22 Is the HUC certification a national certification or a state-specific certification?

NAHUC certification is a national credential. Employer requirements can still vary by facility and region.

23 Does the HUC certification training count in nursing credentials and certification?

This training is a professional development course for unit coordination and healthcare administrative workflow. If you are seeking nursing licensure or nursing credential requirements, those standards are set by nursing boards and employers.

24 Does a HUC need to recertify? How often?

Your HUC Certification is granted for three years. To maintain your certification status, you must recertify during the third year following your initial certification, and every three years thereafter. Like many certifying organizations, NAHUC is aware that your profession is always evolving, and requires that you afford yourself the benefits of continuing education in order to keep your certification privilege.

Continuing education is the only way you can keep serving your patients, your colleagues, your team and your employer to the best of your abilities. WeCareOnlineClasses.com wants to encourage you to keep your credentials valid by using all continuing education opportunities when they present themselves.

25 What does HUC recertification require?

Recertification requirements are determined by NAHUC and may include continuing education hours and renewal steps. Always confirm current requirements directly with NAHUC.

View NAHUC Certification & Recertification

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