How to Prep for and Pass the CHUC (Certified Health Unit Coordinator) Exam

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.

What Is A Unit Coordinator In A Hospital?

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.

What Does a Health Unit Coordinator Do?

On a daily basis, a healthcare coordinator might be involved in a number of patient interactions or administrative tasks, including:

• Checking in new patients

• Scheduling appointments

• Communicating with patients and their families

• Addressing patient complaints

• Updating patient electronic health records

• Coordinating with healthcare staff

• Ordering medical supplies

Health unit coordinators can work in diverse healthcare environments, including:

• Hospitals

• Urgent care centers

• Geriatrics

• Maternity

• Pediatrics

• Physician's offices

• Outpatient and inpatient centers

What Is the Health Unit Coordinator Certification (CHUC) Exam?

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.

CHUC Exam Registration Requirements & Eligibility

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.

Health Unit Coordinator Certification Test Sections & Content

The CHUC exam is divided into five main categories with subsections:

• Order Management

• Health Unit Coordination

• Equipment and Technical Procedures

• Professional Development

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%)

• Processing: Interpret medical symbols, clarify orders, schedule tests, transmit medication orders and recognize order categories.

• Notification: Notify staff of new orders and consulting physicians of consult requests.

• Requests: Request services from ancillary departments, special equipment and patient information.

COORDINATION OF HEALTH UNIT (41%)

• Admission: Process patient admission, notify staff of patient movements and assist with bed allocation.

• Patient Results Processing: Notify staff of critical test results.

• Discharges/Transfers: Prepare electronic health records for transfers and discharges and follow post-mortem procedures.

• Unit Responsibilities/Clerical: Maintain supplies, patient charts and report department activities.

• Reports and Record Keeping: Maintain documentation of department activities such as admissions, patient assignments and quality assurance checks.

• Personnel Management: Orient and assist new staff, manage schedules and ensure continuity of patient care.

• Safety and Security: Maintain a safe environment, participate in emergency plans and adhere to infection control standards.

• Confidentiality and Patient Rights: Screen calls, ensure confidentiality and respect patient rights.

• Maintenance of the Health Records: Audit charts, obtain consents and adhere to information system policies.

• Communication Equipment: Manage all department communications.

• Computers and Administrative Equipment: Use basic computer software, generate reports and troubleshoot problems.

• Miscellaneous Equipment: Conduct equipment checks and report malfunctions.

COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE (28%)

• Critical Thinking: Manage team conflict, respect cultural diversity and prioritize responsibilities.

• Customer Service: Adhere to customer service initiatives, greet patients and visitors and act as a patient advocate.

• Communication: Exchange health information, modify communication based on patient needs and overcome communication barriers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (14%)

• Training: Attend training sessions and department meetings.

• Individual Development: Review facility publications, maintain certification and participate in cross-training activities.

How To Register For the Health Unit Coordinator Certification Exam

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:

• At a PSI Test Center.

• Under the supervision of an independent proctor.

• Via a webcam proctor using their computer.

Prepare For The Exam: Take An Online Certified Health Unit Coordinator Course

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:

• Roles and responsibilities within a health unit or hospital floor.

• Effective communication management between doctors, nurses and patients.

• Ensuring the smooth operation of the healthcare facility.

• Protection of patient confidentiality and rights.

• Processing admissions, discharges and transfers.

• Managing physician orders.

• And more job skills needed to be a healthcare coordinator.

Enrollment Is Easy

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.

Tuition Covers Everything

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.

MedCerts Makes Education Affordable

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.

Health Unit Coordinator Certification (CHUC) Exam FAQs

How much does the CHUC exam cost?

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.

How long does the CHUC exam take?

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.

What happens if you fail the CHUC exam?

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.

What jobs can you get with a health unit coordinator certification?

Medical Secretary - Career Salary: $32,000

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 Coordinator - Career Salary: $52,000

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.

Start Your Online Health Unit Coordinator Course Today

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.