VGCC schedules Health Unit Coordinator training course


Vance-Granville Community College is currently registering students for a Health Unit Coordinator course. The program is scheduled to be offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m., May 6 through Aug. 28. Classes will meet in Building 5 on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County, with Tonia Starling as the instructor.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to understand medical terminology, process medical records, take a leadership role in a health care environment, and handle basic administrative tasks. During the course, students will perform data entry and learn to maintain records, reports, and charts. Medical law and ethics will also be covered.

“Although health unit coordinating began as a clerical job as an assistant to the nurse, today it is a position that consists of many responsibilities, such as coordinating the activities of the nursing staff, the doctors, the hospital departments, patients and visitors,” said VGCC Computer Center coordinator Laura Peace. “More and more, health unit coordinating is becoming recognized as a good entry-level position to start your way up the non-clinical career ladder.”

Students taking this course should have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, prospective students should be aware that most hospitals and health care facilities require employees to pass a criminal background and/or drug screen check before being hired.

The cost of the course is $179. For one course per semester, registration fees are waived for N.C. resident seniors, ages 65 and above.

For more information and to pre-register for the course, call VGCC at (252) 738-3417.