What Does a Health Unit Coordinator Actually Do?
HUCs are the administrative backbone of the medical unit. They manage the many logistical details that keep a medical unit running smoothly, so the clinical team can focus on delivering patient care. Their daily tasks include:
- Organizing medical records
- Transcribing physician orders
- Coordinating patient admissions, transfers, and discharges
- Managing supply inventories
- Facilitating communication between departments
- Answering procedural questions from patients and families
Because they interface directly with patients and staff, HUCs must have excellent people skills and be comfortable in high-stakes environments. Basic computer literacy is important in training, where you’ll learn to work with electronic health records and develop a working familiarity with medical terminology and procedures.
Where Can You Work as an HUC?
HUCs primarily work in large healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, skilled nursing centers and rehabilitation facilities. Some healthcare systems may also hire HUCs to coordinate operations in outpatient clinics.
HUC skills are transferable across specialties. You can search for open positions in nearly any area of medicine that interests you, including but not limited to emergency care, intensive care, oncology, cardiology or surgery.
The HUC role also offers schedule flexibility, particularly in hospitals and care centers that operate 24/7. If you need or prefer non-traditional work hours, you can apply for evening, night, weekend or holiday shifts.
What Do HUCs Earn?
According to Glassdoor, the annual salary for an HUC typically ranges from $41,000 to $59,000, with a median salary of $49,000.
For recent graduates of HUC training programs, the average salary is closer to $36,000. Actual pay varies based on location, prior experience and setting.
Those who stay in the profession can work their way up to program coordinator roles. Glassdoor reports a pay range of $49,000 to $74,000 for these roles, with expected increases along with promotions. An executive program coordinator can make up to $104,000 per year.
Where Can an HUC Career Take You?
The skills you’ll develop as an HUC and in your HUC training can open many doors in the healthcare industry. You might decide to pursue specialized education in medical billing and coding or train as a medical assistant to add clinical work to your skill set. Additional education and experience can also take you further in healthcare administration, potentially leading to roles such as medical office management and health services administration.
Become an HUC in as Few as 18 Weeks
With certification-focused training from MedCerts, you can prepare for a rewarding HUC career online. Complete coursework on your own schedule and start working in months, not years. Talk to an education consultant today to get started.
