As the Baby Boomer population ages into retirement and beyond, the need for specialized professionals in the healthcare industry continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a growth of 1.8 million jobs for healthcare professionals over the next decade. Qualified health unit coordinators (sometimes called health unit secretaries, healthcare coordinators, or medical secretaries) are an important part of this growing sector. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that healthcare facilities run smoothly by handling the non-clinical functions of the nursing unit. One way to stand out in this field is by obtaining the Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC) certification. Here’s what you need to know to prep for and pass the CHUC exam to obtain your certification.
A unit coordinator or healthcare coordinator ensures that administrative operations run smoothly in clinical settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics. They’re in charge of indirect patient care, including planning patient activities and addressing patient complaints. They might also be referred to by other titles such as Ward Clerk, Unit Secretary, or Hospital Unit Coordinator.
Health unit coordinators can work in diverse healthcare environments, including:
The CHUC exam, offered by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators, Inc. (NAHUC), is a certification examination that validates candidates’ technical skills and interpersonal skills. It’s often a preferred credential for candidates hoping to land a job as a health unit coordinator.
The CHUC exam, sometimes called the unit secretary certification test, consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with 20 pretest (non-scored) items and 100 scored items. The exam is comprehensive and job-related, measuring essential areas of job performance. Candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Candidates must have a high school diploma to sit for the NAHUC’s National Health Unit Coordinator Certification examination.
If a candidate passes the exam, they then must complete 36 continuing education hours within the next three years to receive their certification. If they fail to complete the 36 hours, they will have to retake the exam to be certified.
The CHUC exam is divided into five main categories with subsections:
These categories cover topics like processing orders, managing patient admissions, using communication equipment and participating in individual development. Here’s a quick overview of the four sections and their subsections.
You can see a complete overview of the topics in the NAHUC Exam Candidate Handbook.
ORDER MANAGEMENT (17%)
COORDINATION OF HEALTH UNIT (41%)
COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE (28%)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (14%)
To register for the health unit coordinator certification test, visit NAHUC’s registration page. After registration, candidates will receive an email notification with login credentials and instructions to book their exam.
The exam fee is typically $205, but MedCerts students can skip the payment since it’s included in the cost of tuition.
Candidates can sit for the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators Certification exam in three ways:
The comprehensive health unit coordinator certification program offered by MedCerts covers everything you need to know to succeed on the exam—and in your future profession. You’ll be trained on essentials such as:
To enroll in this program, prospective students must possess a High School Diploma or GED. Additionally, they should have access to a web browser with an internet connection and complete the course registration and payment process.
The materials covered in this course are comprehensive and designed to provide a holistic learning experience. This includes expert-led video-based training sessions, an eBook titled “Health Unit Coordinating,” competency assessments and the fee for the National Certification exam.
At MedCerts, we are committed to making education accessible to all. Our Tuition Advantage program reflects this commitment. Whether you pay in full, opt for breakdown payments, or utilize government grant funding, we aim to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder your pursuit of higher education.
MedCerts students don’t have to worry about the fee, as it’s covered in the cost of tuition. For everyone else, the exam fee is $205. NAHUC members are eligible for a refund discount of $55 after sitting for the exam.
The exam duration is 2.5 hours. Your time is tracked using a digital clock on the screen so that you can keep track of time easily.
Don’t worry; you can retake the exam if you fail it the first time. Candidates have to wait 60 days before retaking the exam—time that should be spent studying and preparing to give it another try.
A medical secretary (sometimes called a medical administrative assistant) performs clerical tasks that require a deep understanding of medical jargon and processes. These include insurance procedures, billing and managing medical records. They might collect preliminary details from patients before their scheduled visits.
Health unit coordinators ensure smooth administrative functions within hospitals, physician’s offices, or health clinics. They organize patient schedules, update health records and address patient concerns. A unit health coordinator salary is around $52,000 per year.
With the right training and certification, you can enjoy an in-demand career in the healthcare industry and make a difference in the lives of countless people.
Learn more about how MedCerts’ 18-week online certified health unit coordinator program can prepare you to ace the CHUC exam today.