Hospital Unit Coordinator: Organized Clerical & Care Coordination

Unit Coordinators, or Ward Clerks as they are often called, are the behind‑the‑scenes talent that keeps the show going, so to speak. Most employers require them to possess certain skills and perform assigned duties. Their work includes clerical tasks, extensive knowledge of medical terminology, receiving new patients, communicating between different departments – patients, physicians, nursing staff – creating and maintaining patient charts, scheduling diagnostic tests and appointments, transcription, ordering supplies, and entering billing codes into patient charts.

They must also be responsible, mature, extremely organized, dependable, good communicators, and able to multi‑task.

According to , the average annual salary for certified Hospital Unit Coordinators is $64,000. Entry‑level positions are closer to $25,400–$33,200 a year. Demand for this career is expected to grow as medical technology advances.

Many hospitals provide on‑the‑job training, while others prefer candidates who have graduated from formal education programs. These programs typically last six months to one year, and upon certification, every three years 36 hours of continuing education are required to stay certified. Training includes classroom and clinical instruction on clerical skills, computer operation, legal and ethical responsibilities, transcription, and medical terminology. For more information, see resources such as  and MS Health Careers for Mississippi.

Unit Coordinators typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and medical clinics. Hospital environments are faster‑paced and more stressful, while nursing homes and smaller clinics may be slower‑paced and more relaxed. Regardless of setting, the role offers a rewarding career.