As a Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) or a Patient Care Associate (PCA) you will work under the supervision of the nursing department in a healthcare facility or a physician in an office.
As a HUC, you will transcribe doctors’ orders, schedule diagnostic tests and treatments, assist in maintaining Electronic patient charts and managing related work-flow. Health Unit Coordinators are also referred to as Health Unit Clerks/Secretaries. Employment is found in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and physicians’ offices.
As a Patient Care Associate you will have similar responsibilities as a HUC, plus direct patient care responsibilities similar to a Nursing Assistant.
While working under the supervision of the nursing department in a hospital, healthcare facility or physician's office, coordinators manage responsibilities such as:
- Transcribing or verifying doctors' orders
- Scheduling diagnostic tests and treatments
- Managing patients' charts, electronic medical records and unit supplies
HUC's are often referred to as Unit Clerks and Health Unit Secretaries.
An option for incoming students with Certified Nurse Assisting training is the Health Unit Coordinating / Patient Care Associate program of study in which the six credit CNA (NUR158) course substitutes for five credits of HCC classes.
How to Get Started
GateWay Community College offers a Certificate of Completion in Health Unit Coordinating that will prepare you for the national certification exam administered by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC).
The PCA is a new track where you can earn your Nursing Assistant credentials and HUC certificate at the same time.
Program Locations
Job Titles
Medical Secretaries**
Program Cost
Certificate of Completion in Health Unit Coordinating/Patient Care Associate: $1,882 - $2,785*
Median Salary
Visit O*NET OnLine for median salary.
* Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on the 2016-2017 tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.
** For information about careers in your area of study, visit O*NET OnLine for detailed job descriptions, education requirements, as well as wage and employment trend information.