Health Unit Coordinator
Overview
Learn to process prescribers’ orders and coordinate patient activities in hospitals as well as long-term and specialized care facilities.
| Tuition | $4,188 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Apply the knowledge and skills to act safely, ethically and responsibly as a health care team member.
- Model professional behaviours in health care settings.
- Demonstrate professional communication skills within the healthcare environment.
- Integrate knowledge of cultural sensitivity and diversity into practice in a variety of settings.
- Practice digital and information literacy skills to support safe client care.
- Apply critical thinking when coordinating within the role and responsibilities of the Health Unit Coordinator.
- Demonstrate initiative and responsibility to coordinate patient and unit activities.
- Collaborate with health care professionals to coordinate patient and unit activities.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
32 weeks of full time study. Students are required to complete all the requirements for the Health Unit Coordinator Certificate within two (2) years from their program start date.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 Graduation or equivalent.
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
- Typing speed of 25 gross words per minute with 98% accuracy on a proctored 5-minute test
Attending an information session is strongly recommended.
Upon Acceptance
Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
TB Screening
- Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
Immunization Record
- A School of Health Sciences Student Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
N95 Respiratory Mask
- N95 mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is valid for one year. A copy of the certificate must be presented during the first week of classes. Please review Respiratory Mask Fit Testing Information.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to work accurately and manage time effectively in a sensitive environment.
- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.
- A caring nature and an interest in the well-being of others.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Dependable, ethical and respectful.
- Ability to work calmly and effectively under stress.
- Good vision and finger/hand dexterity to operate office equipment.
- Comfort and familiarity with basic functions of a computer, email and internet.
- Ability to utilize a variety of computer software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite.
- 40 WPM touch typing keyboarding speed is required for successful completion of the program and gain employment.
- Flexibility to accommodate practicum schedules.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of a health unit coordinator position.
Program Availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Courses
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for the practicum courses. Students are advised of their practicum schedule approximately two weeks before the practicum courses begin.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HLUC 1005 | Information Technologies for Health Sciences | 3 |
| HLUC 1015 | Keyboarding: Speed and Accuracy | 2 |
| HLUC 1025 | Role of the HUC | 3 |
| HLUC 1035 | Communication in Healthcare | 3 |
| HLUC 1040 | Medical Foundations | 3 |
| HLUC 1045 | Pharmacology | 2.5 |
| HLUC 1050 | HUC Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HLUC 1105 | Order Processing Foundations | 3 |
| HLUC 1115 | Lab Foundations 1 | 2.5 |
| HLUC 1125 | Lab Foundations 2 | 2.5 |
| HLUC 1135 | Diagnostic Foundations | 2.5 |
| HLUC 1140 | Surgical & Specialty Foundations | 3 |
| HLUC 1145 | HUC Practicum Orientation | 2 |
| HLUC 1150 | HUC Practicum 2 | 5 |
| Credits | 20.5 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
*This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition / Term | $4,188 |
Year 1 - $673 Year 2 - $314 |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $121 | |
| Campus resource | $168 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $376 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $5,361 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Are you interested in this program?
Intakes for this program alternate each year. One year, the program is offered in the January (winter) and September (fall) terms. The next year, the program is offered only in the May (spring) term.
For more information about this program and your future career, read the Health Unit Coordinator Frequently Asked Questions.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?