Continuing Education

Nursing Unit Clerk certificate

This certificate program is designed to prepare students to work as nursing unit clerks.

Recommended characteristics for successful Nursing Unit Clerks:

• Patience and composure under stress
• Concern for the welfare of others
• Previous hospital experience (may include volunteer work)
• Ability to work under close direction as part of a health care team
• Ability and willingness to do shift work
• Communication and people skills, diplomatic front-line people

Program learning outcomes

The goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to perform the duties required of a nursing unit clerk.

Upon successful completion of the Nursing Unit Clerk certificate, students will be able to:

• Employ effective communication strategies with patients, visitors, and other members of the health care team.
• Explain the organizational structure and the functions of the various departments of a hospital.
• Prioritize workload while applying effective strategies to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Identify and apply the correct procedure for processing orders and requests, including admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• Demonstrate clerical duties related to hospital nursing unit and patient records.
• Identify, pronounce, and accurately spell the names of commonly used medical terms and medications.
• Work collaboratively as part of the health care team while contributing to patient-centred care.
• Identify and explain protocols to comply with general hospital code of ethics and confidentiality.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation (or equivalent) or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
2. Proficient in the use of the English language as evidenced by one of the following:
   • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note), with a C or better

     Note: Students may also present English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

   • Four credits of English Language Arts 11 or English 11, with a C+ or better
   • Communications 12 with A or better
   • ENGL 081 with a C+ or better
   • ENGL 091 with a C or better
   • EAP 084 with a C+ or better
   • UFV CPT (Composition Placement Test) with a score of 41 or higher
   • Canadian Language Benchmark placement test (CLBPT) Level 8 overall with no skill less than 7.
3. A minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute (applicants may take the UFV CE keyboarding assessment) (See Note 1).
4. Successful completion of the Nursing Unit Clerk assessment (see Note 2).

Note 1: 40 wpm typing speed is required for graduation from the program and employment within Fraser Health.

Note 2: Once all other entrance requirements have been successfully submitted, the Program Coordinator will email the time and date of the assessment. Applicants must possess basic computer skills and accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Other requirements

1. Submission of a satisfactory criminal record check.
2. Submission of a health assessment signed by a health professional indicating mental and emotional wellness (form will be provided).

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.
2. Attach all required documentation and return completed registration package to the Office of the Registrar (OReg).
3. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. Full tuition is due at the time of registration.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

Please see the Continuing Education webpage for current fee information. See the Fees and Other Costs section for additional information.

Financial aid

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources. For more information, contact the Financial Aid and Awards office at either the Abbotsford or Chilliwack campus. A variety of bursary applications are also available from the Financial Aid and Awards offices.

Dates and location

This full-time program usually runs Monday to Friday (no class Wednesdays) during the daytime at UFV's Clearbrook Centre in the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters.

Program outline

Practicum regulations

Students are required to have the following to be eligible for a practicum placement:

• Completion of up-to-date immunization program and complete Tuberculosis (TB) Test to participate in hospital practicum placement (form will be provided).

Program requirements

Students will be evaluated on classroom participation and professionalism, classroom assignments, study and group projects, examination, and a practicum. Students must maintain a grade percentage of 80% (A-) in each course. Students need to successfully complete each course in order to continue into the next course. Students must successfully complete all theory components prior to practicum placement. Successful completion of both theory and practicum must be achieved to obtain the certificate.

Program continuance

Students must achieve a minimum grade of 80% in each course to progress to the next course. Students who do not achieve a minimum grade of 80% in a course may repeat the course once, and twice with permission by the Continuing Education Director. Students must successfully complete the Practicum with a Complete. The Practicum course may not be repeated.

Course repetition

See UFV's Course Repeat policy (86).

Readmission

A student may apply for readmission after withdrawal. The student must meet the admission requirements for the program, including any specific readmission criteria if they apply to return to the same program. Readmission to the same program is not guaranteed. A student who is readmitted after being required to withdraw will return on academic probation.

Residency

The entire program must be completed at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum grade of 80%.

Students must attain a typing speed of 40 wpm.

In addition, students must complete courses within three years of program start. See the Graduation section of the calendar for more information.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

For more information

Contact Continuing Education at 604-851-6324, or 604-504-7441 local 6324, or toll-free (within Canada) 1-888-504-7441 local 6324, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.