Nursing Unit Clerk Certificate

Overview

The Nursing Unit Clerk program prepares individuals to work as certified nursing unit clerks in hospitals or care facilities. This program equips graduates with essential administrative and liaison skills that ensure the smooth functioning of a healthcare unit.

Curriculum

The program includes 12 courses that combine theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, culminating in a four-week hospital practicum.

• Courses:
  • Professionalism and Communication
  • Unit Clerk Fundamentals
  • Admissions, Transfers, Discharges, and Patient Records
  • Medical Terminology and Pharmacology I
  • Medical Terminology and Pharmacology II
  • Diagnostics
  • Laboratory Orders
  • Surgical Orders
  • Specialty Nursing Areas
  • Practicum
  • Practicum Orientation
  • Medical Imaging

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Full-time
• Delivery: Online courses at scheduled meeting times; practicum in person at an assigned work site
• Duration: 6.5 months
• Days and Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Tuition: $9,268 (+$55 course fees)
• Start Dates: January, September
• Practicum Required: Yes

Entrance Requirements

To gain acceptance into the program, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
   • A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening is required for practicum participation.
2. Immunization Record
   • Applicants must be up to date on immunizations as mandated by the BC Health Authorities for participation in the healthcare setting. Acceptable submissions include:
     • A completed and signed Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist from a doctor.
     • Immunization records evidencing compliance with the Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist requirements.

Document Submission

• Criminal Record Checks are submitted automatically.
• Immunization documentation must be emailed.

Deadlines for Document Submission

• Fall Program (September Start): October 31
• Winter Program (January Start): February 28

Practicum Details

The program includes a meaningful four-week practicum providing work-like experience and exposure to a hospital setting. To qualify for the practicum, all courses within the program must be successfully completed.

For students in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, practicum placements are arranged through UFV's partner organizations. Students residing outside these regions must secure their own practicums, following approval of their selected sites.

Employment Outcomes

Graduates are well-positioned for employment opportunities within the healthcare sector. Current job postings may be available from:

• Fraser Health
• Provincial Health Services Authority
• Government of Canada Job Bank

Additional Information

• Computer Requirements: Students must possess a reliable computer or laptop with internet access and current software.
• Supplies: Basic school supplies, scrubs, and appropriate footwear are required for the practicum.

Conclusion

The Nursing Unit Clerk Certificate offers a comprehensive education, combining essential theory with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for success in the dynamic field of healthcare.

• Launch a career in healthcare: The program equips you with the knowledge and skills to function effectively as a certified nursing unit clerk in a hospital or care facility.
• Administrative and liaison responsibilities: You'll learn to manage administrative tasks, liaise with healthcare professionals, and ensure smooth operation of the healthcare unit.
• Effective communication: The program emphasizes effective communication with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members.
• Fast-paced environment: You'll learn to prioritize tasks, manage stress, and adapt to the demands of a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Industry-standard knowledge: You'll gain in-depth knowledge of commonly used hospital drugs, process doctors' orders, and follow up accordingly.
• Hands-on experience: The program includes a practical practicum experience to prepare you for real-world scenarios.

Objectives:

• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Gain proficiency in handling administrative tasks and medical records.
• Understand the basics of medical terminology and pharmacology.
• Learn to prioritize tasks and manage stress in a fast-paced environment.
• Gain practical experience through a supervised practicum.
The Nursing Unit Clerk Certificate Program is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in this dynamic field. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry.

Outline:

Courses:

• Professionalism and Communication
• Unit Clerk Fundamentals
• Admissions, Transfers, Discharges, and Patient Records
• Medical Terminology and Pharmacology I
• Medical Terminology and Pharmacology II
• Diagnostics
• Laboratory Orders
• Surgical Orders
• Specialty Nursing Areas
• Practicum
• Practicum Orientation
• Medical Imaging (Optional)

Structure:

• Full-time program
• Online courses with scheduled meeting times
• In-person practicum experience at an assigned work site
• Duration: 6.5 months
• Days and times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:00 am-2:30 pm

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through assignments, quizzes, and exams
• Final exam for each course
• Satisfactory completion of the practicum

Teaching:

• Experienced and qualified instructors with expertise in the healthcare field
• Interactive learning environment with a focus on practical application
• Access to online learning resources and support services

Careers:

• Certified Nursing Unit Clerk
• Hospital Administrator
• Opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

Other:

• The program is eligible for financial aid.
• A keyboarding speed of 40 net words per minute (NWPM) is required by the end of the program.
• Students must complete a criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening.
• A 150-hour practicum provides real-world experience and exposure to a hospital setting.
• Completion of the practicum is a requirement for graduation.

Please note:

• Tuition fees are subject to change without notice.
• Textbooks are not included in tuition.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver