Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Online Classes, Courses and Training for Health Unit Coordinators

Health unit coordinator courses are available online with options ranging from fully online classes to blended training programs. Courses are delivered through Interactive Television (ITV) and on the Internet. Generally, classes from accredited institutions are part of technical diploma or certificate programs.

Overview of Online Health Unit Coordinator Courses

Health unit coordinators keep medical data through patient charts, prepare legal documents and sometimes act as ward receptionists. Health unit coordinators are also known as unit secretaries or clerks and handle medical administrative and clerical duties. Online courses are mostly available as part of health unit coordinator training programs at technical or community colleges. Fully online programs are rare; most programs are presented in a hybrid format. Hybrid format courses can include proctored exams on-campus or clinical externships at medical facilities. Graduates can take the voluntary national certification exam, which may improve employment opportunities.

Course Requirements

Course delivery methods may be online or through Interactive Television. ITV delivers simultaneous broadcast of lectures and real-time communication with instructors. Access to a computer with Internet and web browser is required for online courses. Typical office software such as Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word and Excel are required. Web discussion forums and e-mail are used for communication and assignment completion. Specific teaching software, such as Blackboard, is used in some courses. Clinical externships can require students to complete background checks, provide evidence of good health and wear appropriate medical attire.

List of Courses

Medical Terminology Course

Students build their medical word vocabulary in this course by learning Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes. Medical abbreviations, pronunciations and spelling are also emphasized for body systems and procedures.

Health Care Computer Software Course

Computer software application skills are developed in this course for use in medical settings. Typically, Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office Suite are used for teaching. Technical skills needed in health careers are emphasized with topics like database file management and word processing.

Health Care Customer Service Course

Interpersonal relations with patients, families, supervisors and co-workers are covered in this course. Communication skills, professionalism and confidentiality are topics of interest. This course may involve activities or exercises to build relational skills.

Health Unit Coordinator Procedures Course

The focus of this course is the health unit coordinator's role as part of an effective health care team at hospitals and medical care facilities. Students learn how to coordinate various job duties such as patient information management and appointment setting.

No comments:

Post a Comment