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Nursing Unit Clerk - Certificate

Does a challenging, interesting career as a support person for a hospital health care team appeal to you? Get the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work in a health care setting.
Program at a Glance
Length
8 months
Credential
Certificate
Delivery Method
Online
Campus
Online
Intake Dates
Fall
Contacts
    Overview

    This program prepares students with the knowledge, skills and experience to work in a health care setting as a nursing unit assistant, nursing unit clerk or health unit coordinator/hospital unit clerk.

    Take this program if you:

    • Enjoy working in a busy, challenging and exciting team environment
    • Have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
    • Are highly organized, detail-oriented and able to multitask
    • Can be flexible in the performance of your job duties
    • Can work independently and collaboratively within a team

    Upcoming Intake: Winter 2026

    Apply Today

    What Is a Nursing Unit Clerk?

    Nursing unit clerks provide non-clinical support to the interdisciplinary health care team, working at a nursing station of a patient care unit. They play a vital role in managing information flow in the hospital nursing unit. They have been described as the “go-to” person and the “hub” of the nursing unit, performing tasks such as answering phones, taking and relaying messages, greeting people who come to the desk, answering questions, completing paperwork and computer data entry.

    Job roles and responsibilities can include:

    • Interpreting medical terminology and abbreviations
    • Coordinating communications
    • Using excellent, professional communication skills
    • Protecting confidentiality and patient rights
    • Processing physicians’ orders for patient care
    • Processing patient admissions, transfers and discharges
    • Collaborating with health care professionals
    • Applying problem-solving and critical thinking skills
    • Using organization, time-management and stress-management skills
    • Entering and retrieving information utilizing electronic health records

    Program Information

    The program is delivered in an online format. It is not available in a classroom on campus.

    A computer is required to complete this online program—cell phones and tablets will not support all functionalities.

    Students must have computer skills to complete this program (i.e., be familiar with internet, email, word processing and file management).

    This is not a self-paced program; it is a scheduled program. Each course has a designated start and end date. Students are required to follow their program schedule and complete the courses within the allotted timeframe.

    Students need at least 25 hours of study time per week and complete the program in two semesters (one school year).

    Study time does not include time the student spends doing homework (completing assignments, studying for and writing exams, etc.).

    Program Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

    1. Contribute to a culture of safety in practice with accurate interpretation and processing of orders
    2. Apply basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics and pharmacology in an acute-care setting
    3. Engage in respectful and professional practices in accordance with codes of ethics, standards, and organizational policies to ensure confidentiality and privacy of information
    4. Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, work independently, adapt to changes and manage time under pressure
    5. Be motivated, self-reflective and engage in lifelong learning to maintain currency
    6. Collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, the health care team and the public
    7. Apply critical thinking skills and transfer knowledge effectively

    In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Nursing Unit Clerk Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:

    • English Studies 12 with a minimum of 60% or higher, or equivalent
    Additional Requirements
    • Keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute
    • Computer skills, including knowledge of internet, email, word processing and file management.
    • Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults. as part of the application process. The CRC will be available, on request, to any hospital or health facility receiving students for the practicum.
    • Selkirk College immunization form as required by practice partners and as ordered by the Medical Health Officer of British Columbia.

    Before an application file is considered complete, a Selkirk College Application Form along with proof of the above requirements must be received by the Admissions Office.

    Program seats will be offered on a first-qualified, first-served basis. Partially qualified applicants may be offered a conditional acceptance; an interim statement of grades will be used for the purposes of conditional acceptance. All program admission requirements must be met prior to starting program courses. Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created and maintained for 12 months, after which applicants who are not admitted or have deferred a seat must reapply to affirm their continued interest in the program.

    APPLICATION PROCESS

    1. Before an application file is considered complete, the following must be received by the Admissions Office:

    a) Selkirk College Application Form

    b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is still attending school)

    c) Official transcripts for any post-secondary education studies in which the applicant has enrolled

    d) Evidence of keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute

    e) Criminal Record Check (CRC) clearance letter by the Criminal Record Check from the Criminal Records Review Program, including clearance to work with vulnerable adults

    f) Selkirk College immunization form as required by practice partners and as ordered by the Medical Health Officer of British Columbia.

    2. The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt of application forms. Program seats will be offered on a first qualified, first served basis.

    3. Partially qualified applicants may be offered conditional acceptance; an interim statement of grades will be used for the purposes of conditional acceptance. All program admission requirements must be met prior to starting program courses.

    4. Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created and maintained for 12 months after which applicants who are not admitted or have deferred a seat must reapply to affirm their continued interest in the program.

    Graduation and Promotion

    To qualify for graduation, a student must meet the following requirements (see Policy 8617: Graduation):

    To progress from term to term, students must obtain a minimum grade of 80% in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

    PROMOTION

    1. To progress from semester to semester, students must obtain a minimum grade of 80% in each course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

    2. Students who fail in any course must re-register and repeat the course in its entirety before proceeding on to the next course.

    3. All courses must be completed in the time frame specified by the college timetable. Allowances may be made for the preceptorship due to the employer's ability to accommodate.

    4. Probation will be initiated if a student fails two (2) courses.

    5. Failure of a third course may be cause for dismissal from the program.

    Required Courses

    NUCL 100 Program Foundations introduces learners to the Nursing Unit Clerk Program structure and how to navigate the learning management system and other technology utilized in the program. An overview of the curriculum and teaching and learning strategies are introduced and discussed. Students are introduced to and supported by instructors in learning threshold concepts to prepare them for the course requirements.

    Prerequisites
    Admission to the Nursing Unit Clerk program
    Credits
    1.00

    MTED 100 Medical Terminology I. Learners complete an introductory study of the construction of medical terms including root words, suffixes and prefixes relating to the various body systems.

    Prerequisites
    Admission to the Nursing Unit Clerk program
    Credits
    1.00

    MTED 101 Medical Terminology II. Learners study anatomy and physiology of the main body systems. Learners will learn the word parts, abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, disease process and treatments relating to terminology specific to each body system, including disease processes and treatments. Learners will correctly pronounce medical terms relating to terminology specific to each body system.

    Prerequisites
    MTED 100 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    3.00

    NUCL 146 Hospital Orientation introduces the learner to hospital departments, staff and communications, with emphasis on the role of the Nursing Unit Clerk (NUC) as the communications coordinator for the nursing unit. Information is given about processing physicians' orders for patient care, confidentiality and ethics, hospital codes, coping skills and technology in the workplace.

    Prerequisites
    Admission to the Nursing Unit Clerk program
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 152 Patient Chart Records introduces the learner to the forms used to create patient charts in the hospital. Information is given about how to create a patient admission chart, additional forms added to a chart to individualize it for a specific patient and the Nursing Unit Clerk's responsibilities for patient charts and chart forms. Actual forms are used for practice.

    Prerequisites
    Admission to the Nursing Unit Clerk program
    Credits
    2.50

    NUCL 154 Admissions, Discharges and Transfers introduces the learner to the Nursing Unit Clerk's (NUC) role in admission, discharge and transfer procedures within the hospital. Information is given about antibiotic resistant organisms and isolation procedures, the Admitting/Registration Department and their role in admitting patients, and how the NUC interacts with this department. Using case study examples and actual forms, the learner creates an admission chart, a transfer chart and a discharge chart.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 152 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.50

    NUCL 156 Drug Nomenclature introduces the learner to the brand name, generic names and actions of some drugs commonly used in the hospital. Six general categories of drugs are covered, including drugs that affect the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, hormones and synthetic substitutes, and drugs for the treatment of infectious disease. Information is also given about pharmaceutical preparations, terminology and abbreviations. This course provides the learner with the pharmaceutical knowledge required to process physicians' medication orders.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 146 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    3.00

    NUCL 162 Medication Orders introduces the learner to physicians' medication orders and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing medication orders. Information is given about the use of abbreviations and acronyms, the components of a medication order, routes of administration and administration times. The course also introduces the learner to intravenous (IV) therapy, the components of an IV infusion order and the NUC's role in processing IV infusion orders. Actual forms with physician orders are included.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 156 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 164 Laboratory Orders I introduces the learner to five subdivisions within the Laboratory (Lab), the role of the Nursing Unit Clerk (NUC) in processing Lab test orders, and how the NUC interacts with the Lab. Information is given about the various specimens obtained for testing, abbreviations and acronyms used in Lab test orders, and requisitions used for Hematology and Chemistry subdivisions.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 154 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 166 Laboratory Orders II introduces the learner to the Microbiology, Transfusion Services and Pathology subdivisions of the Laboratory (Lab) and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing orders for these subdivisions. Information is given about the use of abbreviations and acronyms, specimens obtained and requisitions used for these subdivisions, and for specimens sent out to British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) provincial Labs. Actual requisitions and physicians' orders will be used for practice.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 164 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 168 Diagnostic Orders introduces the learner to the diagnostic departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Electrodiagnostics and Pulmonary Laboratory within the hospital and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing diagnostic orders. Information is given about abbreviations and acronyms, requisitions and preparations for diagnostic procedures. Actual requisitions and physicians' orders from the hospital will be used for practice.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 162 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 170 Medical / Surgical Orders introduces the learner to admitting, pre-operative (pre-op), discharge and post-operative (post-op) orders and is an accumulation of information learned in previous courses. Information is included about abbreviations and acronyms used for surgical procedures and the Nursing Unit Clerk's role in processing all types of orders. A sampling of actual, typical orders from medical and surgical units is included. The course will assist the learner in reviewing all program information.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 146, NUCL 152, NUCL 154, NUCL 156, NUCL 162, NUCL 164, NUCL 166, NUCL 168, MTED 100 and MTED 101 all with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    2.00

    NUCL 180 Practicum provides the learner with a consolidated clinical experience where they can apply theory from the Nursing Unit Clerk program. Students work full shifts with an experienced Nursing Unit Clerk.

    Prerequisites
    NUCL 170 with a minimum grade of 80%
    Credits
    4.00

    All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.

    Effective Term:

    Fall

    Effective Year:

    20240801

    Advanced Standing:

    1. Advance or Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Assessment
      1. A student may obtain credit for a maximum of 75% of program requirements by Transfer Credit, Advanced Placement, Prior Learning Assessment or combination thereof.
      2. Application for advance or transfer credit must be made prior to entry into the program as per Policy 8614: Advanced Standing – Course Challenge, PLA, Transfer Credit and approval obtained from the Registrar.
      3. Individual consideration will be given to students who apply for advanced standing from another Nursing Unit Clerk Program.
      4. A student who wishes to prove mastery of part or all of a course’s content must apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The School Chair in consultation with program instructors will determine whether PLA credit is assigned.


    Re-Entry Instructions:

    1. Students in good standing who must interrupt their program may apply to re-enter the program within one year of departure.
    2. Students who fail to successfully complete a course may apply to re-enter the course the next time it is offered.
    3. Priority for re-entry will be given as follows:
      1. Students who interrupted their program for illness or compassionate reasons.
      2. Students who failed to meet program requirements for promotion.
    4. Students must complete the entire program within two consecutive academic school years of initial entry. Exceptional cases will be considered individually at the discretion of the School Chair.


    Assessment:

    1. Grading in theory courses will be as per the Standard Grading Table for Nursing Unit Clerk as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.
    2. Grading in practicum courses will be as per the Competency Based Grades as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.


    Grading Table:

    Other

    Types of Assessments:

    1. Assignments: forum postings, peer review
    2. Online quizzes and examinations for theory courses
    3. Preceptorship: self-assessment and preceptor feedback documented; instructor is responsible for assigning grade of CRG or NCG
    4. Supplemental Assessment(s)
      1. If a student scores less than 80% on any assessment and is at risk of failing the course, they may request a supplemental assessment based on the criteria below:
        1. Requests for supplemental assessments must be received within 48 hours of the posting of marks and completed within 7 calendar days of approval.
        2. Supplemental assessments will be limited to one per course with a maximum of 3 total.
        3. The result of a supplemental assessment cannot exceed 80% and is used in calculation of the final grade.
        4. Under extraordinary circumstances, one supplemental final exam per student may be granted following consultation between Instructor and School Chair. In this consultation, a timeline will be set for the final exam's completion. In no case will the exam be completed more than 30 days from the end of the course.
        5. The result of the supplemental examination will replace that of the final examination in calculation of the final grade. The final grade for the course can be improved to 80%only.


    Attendance:

    1. To be successful in this program, each course has a minimum required number of hours which the student uses to practice in preparation for testing. To be successful, some students may be required to spend additional hours on a course(s).


    Professional Requirements:

    1. A 120-hour practicum is required at the end of the program and must be completed within 6 weeks from the practicum (NUCL 180) course start date. The course start and/or end dates for the practicum may be adjusted due to the employer's ability to accommodate the practicum time frame.
    2. Students are eligible for practicum after successful completion of all theory courses.
    3. Selkirk College, in consultation with the administrators of each placement facility, arranges practicum placements. Students are not to solicit potential placements; such activity could jeopardize possible placement opportunities. Final placements are at the College’s discretion. If the student declines the placement arranged, the College is not obligated to arrange an alternate placement.
    4. During the practicum, students are expected to dress in scrubs or office dress. Students are expected to meet or exceed management requirements for job performance and to maintain a good working relationship with their unit clerk supervisor and other staff.
    5. Students are subject to College and program policies as well as the policies of the facility.
    6. If the student gains employment as a unit clerk prior to completing the program, the student may apply for prior learning assessment (PLA) for the practicum.


    Other Regulations:

    1. Probation (See College Policy 8619: Student Probation)


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    Power Saw Operator: Safe Operation and Maintenance

    Category

    This course provides participants with a basic level of understanding for safe chainsaw operation, making bucking cuts on level terrain, basic limbing techniques & introductory chainsaw maintenance.

    Learners must meet the following Power Saw Operator safety requirements:

    • Be able to lift 50 lbs and walk five km.
    • Have access to transportation to attend off-campus field trips.
    • Have personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
    • Safety boots with minimum 3" ankle protection
    • Chaps meeting WorkSafeBC PPE 1 - 1997
    • Hard hat with face shield
    • Earmuffs
    • Eye protection with side shields
    • Cut-resistant gloves
    • High visibility apparel

    If you have your own chainsaw, please bring it with you.  Otherwise, one will be provided.

    Visit our registration page for course details, including location, times, and fees.

    Register Now

    R

    S

    T

    Transportation Endorsement: WorkSafeBC

    With your Transportation Endorsement, you will learn about packaging a conscious patient who requires spinal motion restrictions and who does not require spinal motion restrictions, packaging an unconscious patient and caring for a patient while in transport.  This course does NOT cover airway management and oxygen use.

    Prerequisites

    • NEW!  Fill out the Occupational First Aid Statement of Fitness. Save the completed form and follow the instructions in step 3 to upload it.
    • Valid Basic First Aid: WorkSafeBC certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or equivalent or Intermediate First Aid: WorkSafeBC.
    • Must bring and present current Basic First Aid, Intermediate First Aid or recognized equivalent certificate and photo ID to class.  We will not be able to issue a TE certificate without this certificate.
    • Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

    Three (3) year certificate. Manual included.

    Registration Process: How to Get Started

    1

    View Course Dates & Locations

    View course dates and locations by selecting the tab below, then proceed with the pre-requisite in the next Step.

    View course dates, times, locations and fees here.

    2

     

    Prerequisites

    Before registering for the Transportation Endorsement: WorkSafeBC, you must have completed the following prerequisites.

    3

     

    Complete the preliminary application

    Please fill out the preliminary application and attach your completed Occupational First Aid Statement of Fitness when prompted.  You will also need to upload a copy of your current (unexpired) Basic First Aid (OFA 1) or Intermediate First Aid certificate, or equivalent.

    Preliminary Application 

    4

    Final registration and payment

    Upon receipt of your preliminary application and statement of fitness, you will be registered into your course of choice by the college staff, who will then reach out to you with payment instructions.

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    W

    Wildfire Fighter Training Program

    Category

    "Climate change during the 21st century is expected to result in more frequent forest fires in many boreal forests, with severe environmental and economic consequences. New research aims to refine these climate change estimates of fire activity and investigate adaptation strategies and options to deal with future fire occurrence. There is a growing consensus that as wildland fire activity increases, fire agency suppression efforts will be increasingly strained." —Natural Resources Canada

    The Wildfire Fighter Training micro-credential prepares individuals for employment in the forestry industry as wildfire fighters, fire suppression workers and wildfire interface workers (fuel management).

    Participants will undergo a comprehensive training program that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to competently and safely function as entry-level workers. This includes training in first aid, workplace safety, equipment safety and operation, safety standards, and industry-standard certification.

    Prerequisites

    In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College (see Policy 8611: Admissions), the applicant must meet the following Wildfire Fighter requirements:

    • WorkSafeBC has a limit of 18 years of age to operate a chainsaw &/or do high-risk activities in a workplace.
    • Be able to lift 50 lbs and walk five km.
    • Have access to transportation to attend off-campus field trips.
    • Have personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
      • Safety boots with a minimum 8" ankle protection
      • Chaps (provided)
      • Hard hat with face shield
      • Earmuffs
      • Eye protection with side shields
      • Level 3 cut-resistant gloves appropriate for the weather conditions
      • High visibility shirt or vest

    Program Format

    The program must be completed within two years from the registration date. Students are required to complete all core courses and one specialization course to qualify for the micro-credential.

    This course qualifies for the StrongerBC future skills grant.  You could be eligible for up to $3,500 toward tuition. Find out more and apply today!

    Register Now

    Required Courses

    Workplace Hazardous Materials (WHMIS)

    Hazardous materials abound in many workplaces.  Identify Hazardous products, read and make labels, and understand where to find treatment if you or someone else is exposed.  Available online for your convenience.

    Basic First Aid (or equivalent) (Formerly OFA 1)

    Learn CPR/AED, how to deal with minor wounds, airway breathing, circulatory emergencies and more. Completion of records and reports is part of the course. Know what to do until the paramedics arrive.  Does not include airway management and oxygen use.

    Transportation Endorsement: WorkSafeBC

    With your Transportation Endorsement, you will learn about packaging a conscious patient who requires spinal motion restrictions and who does not require spinal motion restrictions, packaging an unconscious patient and caring for a patient while in transport. This course does NOT cover airway management and oxygen use.

    Combined S-100 Fire Suppression and S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance

    Day 1, S-100: Participants will learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.

    Day 2, S-185: Participants learn the fundamentals of firefighting, fire line safety, portable pumps and water delivery systems.

    SAFE Chainsaw Operation & Maintenance

    This two-day course provides participants with a basic level of understanding for safe chainsaw operation, making bucking cuts on level terrain, basic limbing techniques & introductory chainsaw maintenance.

    S212 (Fireline Communications/Radio Operator Training)

    Participants familiarize themselves with two-way radio equipment. learn correct radio procedures including caller and station ID, and the importance of etiquette.

    Specialized Courses

    Course offerings in this program depend on trainer schedules. As a result, some courses may not be offered every year.

    Bear Aware & Wilderness Safety

    Participants will learn the foundation of working and staying safe in bear country. They will also develop a better understanding of bear behaviour, which can help them prevent encounters and reduce their risk of encountering a bear. Bear safety training is a WorkSafeBC requirement.

    Y