What's the Health Unit Coordinator Exam?

If you hold a high school diploma or GED and have either worked in the field or completed training to become a health unit coordinator, you may be eligible to take the National Health Unit Coordinator Certification Examination. Read on to learn more about what you might expect and how you can prepare for this exam. Schools offering Health Care Administration degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Overview of the Health Unit Coordinator Exam

Sometimes called unit secretaries or ward clerks, health unit coordinators perform many of the administrative duties in a hospital, clinic or nursing home. This may include preparing patients' records, maintaining medical supply inventories and scheduling appointments.

Current or aspiring health unit coordinators can sit for the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators, Inc.'s (NAHUC) National Health Unit Coordinator Certification Examination (www.nahuc.org). Candidates who pass this written exam are designated Certified Health Unit Coordinators (CHUC). In order to stay certified, you must complete 36 continuing education hours within the following three years or retake the exam.

Reasons for Taking the Exam

Taking this exam demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, according to the NAHUC. Obtaining a CHUC credential may also qualify you for positions that mandate certification as a prerequisite for employment. If you're already employed as a heath unit coordinator, this credential may help you advance your career.

Exam Topics

This exam is divided into four categories; these cover equipment and technical procedures, ordering transcriptions, health unit coordination duties and professional development. Some of the topics you might be expected to address include the following:

  • Professional communication pathways
  • Customer service
  • Processing protocols
  • Clerical functions
  • Office equipment
  • Computerized systems operations, security and troubleshooting
  • Safety and security
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Medical terminology

Exam Preparation

You can download the free certificate candidate handbook from the NAHUC, which contains a list of textbooks and reference manuals that can help you prepare for the exam. Some technical schools and community colleges offer certificate programs and continuing education classes that can also prepare you for the exam.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

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