Online Diploma for Health Unit Coordinators: Program Overview

Health unit coordinators, who may also be known as health unit clerks or secretaries, work in hospitals and healthcare clinics; they sometimes even work for insurance companies. Online diploma programs prepare students to obtain entry-level positions as a health unit coordinator upon completion.

Online Health Unit Coordinator Diploma Information

The job of a health unit coordinator is to relay information between nursing staff, physicians and patients. Therefore, health unit coordinator diploma programs emphasize oral and written communications skills. Students also learn basic healthcare procedures, such as physician order verification, patient chart maintenance and order transcription. In addition, they study basic anatomy, medical terminology, computer operating functions and other clerical skills.

Program Information and Requirements

For health unit coordinator training, certificate programs and diploma programs are identical--they are the same length and offer the same coursework--though they go by different titles. They are both available entirely online, except for any required clinical experiences. They can be completed in around six months and generally consist of 16 credit-hours. Some programs use a platform called MyHills. MyHills allows students and instructors to communicate directly and incorporates audio and video streams, assignments and course outlines all into one platform. In addition, students also submit assignments, post on discussion boards and take tests.
Students must have access to a computer with an adequate Internet connection and a recent version of a Web browser. It should also have basic hardware like speakers and a printer. The computer should have a current operating system and basic word processing software such as Microsoft Office Suite. Additionally, it should be able to play multimedia. Any additional enrollment requirements are listed on the school's website.

Online Health Unit Coordinator Diploma Courses

There are no general education courses or electives required to complete a health unit coordinator diploma program. They generally consist of between five and ten courses, including the examples outlined below.

Basic Medical Terminology Course

This course outlines the basic structure of medical terms, covering topics like root words and prefixes. Upon completion of the course, students are able to define, spell and pronounce a large number of basic medical terms. The course covers surgical, symptomatic, diagnostic and operative terminology.

Health Unit Procedures Course

There are often multiple levels of this course available, offering basic through advanced coverage of health unit coordinator job demands. Topics include information management, appointment setting, communication, special unit orders and medical transcription.

Customer Service Course

Students gain an understanding of proper customer service techniques when dealing with clients in a healthcare environments. The course covers written and oral communication skills, professional behavior, safety standards and confidentiality laws.

Career Information for Graduates

Those who complete a diploma program can hold the title of health unit coordinator or clerk. The position is considered entry-level and can be obtained immediately upon graduation. According to Payscale.com, the average hourly wage of a health unit coordinator was $13.12 as of September 2010. This information was based on data pulled from the state of California and doesn't necessarily reflect the national average.

Continuing Education Information

Diploma-holders who wish to work in the non-clinical healthcare field can pursue higher education by enrolling in programs like an Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration. This type of degree program is available online and can be pursued at the bachelor's and master's degree levels as well.