A unit clerk runs the administrative side of a hospital unit. Patient records, scheduling and supplies sit with the unit clerk, and so does most of the information passing between nurses, doctors, patients and families. Training is short next to clinical roles, and at ABES College it is combined with medical office assistant training in a single program.
This guide answers the ten questions applicants ask most, from qualifications and program length through to pay, demand in Alberta, and what the first job usually looks like.
Are you considering a career as a unit clerk in a hospital setting? Being a unit clerk can be a challenging and rewarding role, but it is important to make sure that this is the right path for you. Here are answers to 10 questions you should know before pursuing a career as a unit clerk.
1. What Does A Unit Clerk Do In A Hospital?
A hospital unit clerk is responsible for managing the administrative tasks of a hospital unit. They maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and communicate with patients, families and medical staff. They also ensure that the unit is running smoothly by monitoring the inventory of supplies and equipment.
2. What Is The Difference Between A Medical Office Assistant And A Unit Clerk?
A medical office assistant (MOA) typically works in a clinic or doctor’s office, while a unit clerk works in a hospital setting. An MOA is responsible for managing patient files, scheduling appointments, and performing minor medical duties like taking vital signs. A unit clerk is responsible for managing the administrative tasks of a specific unit within a hospital.
Although these roles are distinct, there is plenty of overlap between the two positions, meaning experience in one can land you a job in the other.
3. What Qualifications Do You Need To Be A Unit Clerk/Medical Office Assistant?
To start training to become a unit clerk or medical office assistant you can complete a simple academic entrance assessment that provides grade 12 equivalence. For mature students and students who have been educated outside of Canada, it’s not necessary to provide high school transcripts for entry.
You will also need to have a clear criminal record check and be cleared to work in a medical setting. In addition, you’ll need to prove that you have good communication, organizational, and computer skills.
4. How Do You Become A Unit Clerk/Medical Office Assistant In Alberta?
To become a unit clerk or medical office assistant in Alberta, you typically need to complete a unit clerk course that covers training on clinical information systems, medical terminology, and office skills. Some colleges and vocational schools in Alberta offer programs to prepare students for these roles directly. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to gain experience in healthcare by volunteering at a hospital or clinic.
The biggest barrier to hiring for most applicants is relevant job experience. The unit clerk diploma program at ABES College includes a practicum for each student, so you will gain the work experience necessary for hiring.
5. How Long Is A Unit Clerk College Program?
The length of a college program for a unit clerk or medical office assistant can vary depending on the institution. Some programs can be completed in as little as six months, while others may take up to 2 years when studied part-time.
At ABES, we offer a Unit Clerk & Medical Office Assistant Diploma Program that can be completed in 6 months of full-time studies. This 6-month study period includes a 6-week full-time practicum. With this diploma, you’ll be qualified as both a Unit Clerk and an MOA in just 27 weeks!
6. What Is A Typical Unit Clerk Salary?
The salary for a unit clerk or medical office assistant varies widely depending on the location and type of facility they work in. According to Alis, the median salary for medical administrative assistants is around $49,700 per year. And according to Job Bank Canada, hourly wages range from $23.08 and $36.25 per hour.
In the Calgary area, unit clerks working in AHS start at approximately $25/hour, to a maximum of $30/hour with shift differential (an additional payment for non-standard working hours).
7. What Is A Typical Day Like For A Unit Clerk?
A typical day for a unit clerk can include tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and communicating with patients, families, and medical staff. They may also be responsible for managing supplies and equipment for the unit and ensuring that the unit is running smoothly. They may also coordinate with other healthcare staff to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
8. What Does The Start Of A Unit Clerk or MOA Career Look Like?
Most unit clerks are hired as casual employees to start with, and many of our students are offered casual positions from the unit in which they completed their practicum. Casual employees can work in multiple units and even in multiple hospitals, and they can accept or turn down work as suits their personal circumstances to provide them with greater flexibility.
Medical office assistants are usually hired in a full-time position, with a consistent working schedule, but without the flexibility that comes with casual work.
Still, have questions about the differences between a unit clerk and an MOA? Read this blog for some additional insights into these career options!
9. Are Unit Clerk Positions In Demand?
Unit clerk positions are certainly in demand, as they play an important role in the healthcare system. With an aging population and an increased need for healthcare services, the demand for unit clerks is expected to continue to grow in Alberta.
The positions of unit clerks and medical office assistants are currently in high demand in Alberta. Generally, the healthcare field is considered a stable industry with an ongoing need for skilled professionals, as data has shown time and time again. According to the Canadian Job Bank, the “Prospects” metric for medical administrative assistants (which includes unit clerks and medical office assistants) is given a 5-star rating of “Very Good” in Alberta.
According to the 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook report, employment turnover within the “medical administrative assistants” occupational group is expected to increase as members of the baby boomer generation retire over the coming years. The occupational group is forecasted to have an above-average annual growth of 3.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to these turnover-related job openings, 150 new positions within this occupational group are predicted to be created each year.
10. Can I Work As A Unit Clerk With An Online Program Certificate?
Yes, it’s possible to work as a unit clerk with an online program certificate. At ABES College, our online Unit Clerk and Medical Office Assistant program includes a practicum placement, so you will get valuable work experience while having the flexibility to complete the classroom portion of your education online.
Why Should You Become a Unit Clerk?
Choosing a career as a Unit Clerk puts you at the heart of healthcare, acting as a critical link between patients, medical staff, and administrative processes. With a unique blend of office skills and medical knowledge, you’ll contribute to patient care and efficient services.
This role provides a rewarding career with a dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, and the satisfaction of supporting those in need.
How quickly you can be working
Did you know that you could start a healthcare career in less than a year? For those who want to contribute their skills in the faced paced environment of a hospital or clinic, or help to run the operations of a medical office, the ABES Unit Clerk/Medical Office Assistant (UC/MOA) program is worth learning more about.
Career versatility with a dual certification
The ABES Unit Clerk and Medical Office Assistant program provides graduates with a dual certificate for both roles and opens the door to a variety of medical and healthcare roles.
Whether you see yourself working in a hospital alongside other medical professionals ensuring that patients receive top-quality care, or you want to explore your administrative and management skills in an office setting such as an optometrists office, pediatric clinic, or specialty healthcare center, UC/MOA is the best place to start.
Why choose UC/MOA over other health care careers
In Alberta, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs often have waitlists and lengthy course durations, spanning multiple years. In contrast, UC/MOA is a strategic choice for those seeking to fast-track their healthcare career.
Malaika’s UC/MOA story
Malaika was both a newcomer to Canada, and a new mother when she decided to continue her education and pursue a Unit Clerk/Medical Office Assistant certification with ABES College.
After deciding that the waitlists and program length of two years required to become an LPN didn’t align with her needs, she chose to combine her management skills with healthcare education.
After completing the 8 month UC/MOA program, she is now assisting an optometrist and managing the operations of three optometry clinics. Malaika’s success shows just one of the many amazing career paths that can be unlocked by a UC/MOA education.
As a new Canadian learning about the support systems available to her, Malaika was happy to learn about government grants and support that made her dream of a health care career a reality. Without speaking with her ABES advisor, learning about these grants and getting valuable help with the application process might not have happened.
Netty’s story
Sometimes the best resource is to hear about an individual’s personal experience with a program. Netty transitioned from a career in retail and joined the Unit Clerk program at ABES College. Her time in the program and experience gained during her practicum helped her secure a great position working at the Children’s Hospital.
Netty’s contributions at the hospital means that day to day operations run smoothly, and that every heath care professional in her unit is able to provide top notch care to young patients.
Netty is making a difference with her Unit Clerk + Medical Office assistant education; we cant wait to see what you can do with yours!
Why students choose ABES College
ABES is a small, privately owned school that provides not only traditional instruction but also places a priority on hands-on training. This means that in addition to learning in our labs, students will complete a practicum in the Calgary area. Employers look for students with hands-on skills, and our students are often hired during their Practicum experience.
Additionally, ABES has a long history of partnering with the medical community and this is of great assistance in offering employment opportunities to our graduates.
Finally, ABES offers career placement services to our students so that they may enter the workforce as soon as possible after completing the program.
The ABES College Unit Clerk and Medical Office Assistant program is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enter into a healthcare career. Why? Because with your training as a UC/MOA, you are able to fill multiple roles, including Admitting Clerk, Health Records Clerk, Chart Management Clerk, and Hospital Unit Clerk.
With your education through ABES College, we also ensure that you receive favourable placement in a relevant practicum role. Many times, these roles lead to job offers upon graduation, or inform you of what the exact role you’d like to fill in your future career might be.
Related reading
- Medical office assistant or unit clerk: which career to pursue
- Choosing a health care career in Calgary
- Getting from health care training into a job
Talk to an advisor about the unit clerk route
ABES College runs the Unit Clerk and Medical Office Assistant program in Calgary. An ABES College advisor can go through entrance requirements, upcoming intakes and funding options with you.
