Within the healthcare field, there are multiple roles responsible for managing the day-to-day operations. With nurses, physicians, specialists, and technicians helping to care for patients – who is helping the care teams manage their day-to-day operations? Health unit coordinators help to facilitate the day-to-day operations and tasks of managing patient care.
Continue reading to learn more about the health unit coordinator career path and how an Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration could give you an advantage in the position.
What is a Health Unit Coordinator?
Health unit coordinators, also referred to as unit administrators, are healthcare professionals responsible for the management and operations of a clinical unit or team.
What does a Health Unit Coordinator do?
Health unit coordinators primarily focus their attention on administrative tasks. Similar to the way an administrative assistant will manage the day-to-day operations of an office, unit administrators follow the same path but for specific clinical units. By completing these tasks, clinicians can better direct their focus on providing care. Some responsibilities include:
- Scheduling
- Maintaining medical records
- Documenting and coordinating patient admission, transfer, and discharge
- Answering unit phone calls and patient calls
- Facilitating communication between other units or teams
Where do Unit Administrators work?
Unit administrators can find work throughout the healthcare continuum. While many unit administrators work in hospitals or other large healthcare organizations, they can be found in smaller and mid-size healthcare companies and facilities. Some of these locations include:
- Nursing homes
- Community health centers and clinics
- Private practice offices
- Rehabilitation and extended care facilities
- Insurance companies
How to start as a Health Unit Coordinator?
The health unit coordinator positions are considered by most metrics to be an entry-level position. As an entry-level position, minimal schooling or secondary education is required to apply for and be hired in the position. However, that does not exclude those with previous experience or educational qualifications from applying for and being hired in the role. Requirements often vary by specific position; however, it is standard for most positions to require the following:
- High school diploma / GED certificate
- Previous experience in an administrative role (optional)
- Educational certificate or degree (optional)
- Professional certificate (optional)
- Basic administrative skills (i.e. answering phones, emails, scheduling)
Unit Administrator Career Outlook
As an entry-level position, unit administrators have many opportunities for career growth and advancement within the healthcare field. The position is often a starting point for those interested in furthering their administrative responsibilities with a role in healthcare administration, or those seeking to explore clinical careers such as nursing or medical assisting. Regardless of advancement or not, health unit coordinators provide valuable support systems to clinical teams.
