Nursing Unit Clerk certificate program



Why study to become a nursing unit clerk?
Why earn my Nursing Unit Clerk certificate at UFV?
What do I need to get in?
Are there opportunities for practical experiences?
Who will be teaching me?
Can I take this program part-time?
What kind of courses will I take?
How will I be evaluated?
How much does it cost?
When should I apply?
Sounds great. What do I do next?
Can I speak with someone about my options?

*Please note: Textbooks are not included in the tuition.

The Nursing Unit Clerk certificate is recognized by Health Authorities.

Why study to become a nursing unit clerk?
A nursing unit clerk is at the hub of a busy nursing unit. This is the person who can answer questions, give directions, and provide information. It’s a busy job, set on the sometimes hectic ward, and demands the skills of a personable multi-tasker. It can be demanding, rewarding, and exciting.

Why earn my Nursing Unit Clerk certificate at UFV?
UFV’s certificate program will teach you a number of skills to allow you to work in the demanding position of nursing unit clerk successfully. You will learn how to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, and other members of the health care team. You’ll learn how to function in a fast-paced environment, process doctor’s orders and instructions, perform clerical duties that relate to the overall care of the patient, and gain a working knowledge of a hospital or health care setting’s code of ethics.

UFV has been offering high-quality lifelong education options to Fraser Valley residents since 1974. Our Continuing Studies instructors work with other UFV departments to develop certificates and short courses related to our academic specialties.

What do I need to get in?
‌As a candidate for this program, students must meet the following entrance requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• strong English written and verbal skills and a CS English Assessment
• 30 wpm verified typing speed
• willingness to undergo a criminal record check to participate in hospital practicum placement 
• willingness to obtain inoculations to participate in hospital practicum placement
• successful interview with the program instructor(s) in which personal suitability will be assessed
  • personal suitability — recommended skills and attributes
    • patience and composure under stress
    • concern for the welfare of others
    • previous hospital experience
    • ability to work under close direction as part of a health care team
    • ability and willingness to do shift work
    • communication and people skills

Get Credit for What You Know and Can Do
Please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss your potential to have your skills and knowledge gained through work and life experience receive  credit towards the Nursing Unit Clerk program. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) could be your path to program completion.

Email: heather.chapman@ufv.ca
Phone: 604.864.4626

Are there opportunities for practical experiences?
Yes, there is a practicum component which must be taken immediately following the theory modules. You must successfully complete the theory components before you can be assigned a practicum placement.



Who will be teaching me?
Who knows more about life on a busy hospital ward than those who have worked on the floor? Not only do our instructors have high academic qualifications, but they are also current, successful practitioners of the ideas they will be sharing with you. They are committed teachers who are passionate about communicating their knowledge and cultivating enthusiasm in their students.

Can I take this program part-time?
No. The full-time option runs Monday to Friday during the day and some Saturdays. The full-time program begins in fall with a Christmas break, and the practicum begins in spring.

This program can have a heavy workload and you should be prepared to participate in all the classroom activities, spend time on appropriate research, and budget six to twelve hours per week to study and prepare your assignments outside of class.

This program is held at the Clearbrook Center in Abbotsford.

What kind of courses will I take?
Here’s a brief current outline of our program: 

How will I be evaluated?
You will receive a grade mark for each module in the program on classroom participation, assignments, study projects, clinical placement and examination results. You must achieve an 80 per cent grade and attendance of 90 per cent in each module before being assigned a clinical placement.

Letter grades are awarded and official parchments are issued upon completion of the entire program.

How much does it cost?
Course fees for the nursing unit clerk program are $6,495 and are subject to change. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in that estimate and cost an additional $350-400 (approximately). 

Full-time students may be eligible for the student loan program. To find out more, visit the UFV Financial Aid and Awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of about $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students.

A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget

When should I apply?
The full-time program begins in September and your complete application should be received by March 31 of that same year. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if space is still available in the upcoming program. Please note you must submit a complete application before we can contact you for an interview.


Sounds great. What do I do next?
Follow these links to our download centre and download the application form, UFV's admission for application. No application fee is required. In order to be considered a complete application, the following required documentation must be attached to your application forms and submitted to the Continuing Studies department:

1. Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
2. CS Assessment (or acceptable alternative per UFV's English Language Proficiency Requirement Policy 340.29). 
3. A typing certificate showing a speed of at least 30 wpm. Please note this certificate must be administered by an independent agent (CS Program Typing Test Sites). We cannot accept results from an online testing site.

Typing tests are also administered through Continuing Studies, please contact 604-851-6324 to book a test date.

Applicants will be considered for the program based on their complete application status, in date order. Following receipt of your complete application, you will be contacted for an interview with the instructors. A successful interview is required for acceptance into the program. Upon acceptance into the program, registration details will be mailed to you. Fees are due at the time of registration

Can I speak with someone about my options?
Absolutely! We want to hear from you. If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Heather Chapman at the Continuing Studies department at 1-888-504-7441 local 4626 or 604-864-4626 or email heather.chapman@ufv.ca.

Nursing Unit Clerk Upgrade

If you are currently clerical staff working in a hospital setting, the Upgrade to Nursing Unit Clerk is the program for you. Please contact the Program Coordinator at 604-864-4626 to learn more about our Upgrade to Nursing Unit Clerk program.

Last updated February 2013‌