What does a Unit Clerk do?
Often referred to as a Ward Clerk, a Unit Clerk undertakes the administrative and support tasks necessary to keep a healthcare unit running smoothly. Without a Unit Clerk, the unit could quickly become disorganized and chaotic.
A Unit Clerk is responsible for maintaining patient records, handling finances, and coordinating activities. Unit Clerk job duties include everything from answering phones and directing calls to filing documents and assisting with admissions and discharge procedures.
Some Unit Clerks are employed in general medical and surgical wards, where they provide support to the nursing staff. Others work in specialized units such as intensive care, labor and delivery, emergency, or pediatrics, where they thoroughly understand the procedures and protocols specific to that unit.
Unit Clerk skills and qualifications
A successful Unit Clerk should exhibit a number of specific skills and qualifications in order to meet the requirements of your job listing. At minimum, these should include:
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Impeccable communication skills to keep every unit member up-to-date
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Excellent organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities
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Strong attention to detail to maintain accurate patient records
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The ability to work independently with little supervision
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Exceptional customer service skills in greeting patients and guests
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Competency with electronic record-keeping systems and office equipment
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A thorough understanding of medical terminology, events, and pressures
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The ability to effectively prioritize and multitask
Unit Clerk experience requirements
Unit Clerk careers are typically entry-level roles. As such, candidates won’t often apply having had much experience in the field. Employers may ask for previous experience in a clerical or administrative role, however, experienced candidates are generally more likely to hit the ground running. With experience, they may also take on additional duties such as patient education or discharge planning.
Unit Clerk education and training requirements
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a Unit Clerk; most healthcare units provide on-the-job training for their Unit Clerks. However, you may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a post-secondary medical office program to be fluent in medical terminology and have a working knowledge of common office procedures.
Unit Clerk salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average hourly rate for a Unit Clerk is $16.78 or $30,144 per year. Some companies pay beyond $30 per hour, however, as the hourly rate fluctuates depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and geographical location.
Unit Clerk salary expectations
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Common salary:
20.66 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
9.45 -36.05 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Frequently asked questions about Unit Clerks
1. What are the duties of a Unit Clerk?
The duties of a Unit Clerk typically involve maintaining patient records, handling finances, and coordinating activities. This can include everything from answering phones and filing documents to assisting with admissions and discharge procedures. Unit Clerks also play an important role in keeping the unit running smoothly by communicating with other staff members and ensuring that all equipment is properly sterilized and operational.
2. How much does a Unit Clerk make?
While the average expected hourly rate for a Unit Clerk is $16.78, this can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and geographical location. Some companies pay beyond $30 per hour.
3. What qualifications are needed to be a Unit Clerk?
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a Unit Clerk; most healthcare units provide on-the-job training. However, you may prefer to hire candidates who have completed a post-secondary medical office program so that they are fluent in medical terminology and have a working knowledge of common office procedures.
4. What are the responsibilities of a Unit Clerk?
A Unit Clerk’s responsibilities include communicating with staff and patients, maintaining accurate records, handling finances, and coordinating activities. Anything relating to administration in the unit falls under the Unit Clerk’s purview.
5. How much experience is needed to be a Unit Clerk?
Typically, a Unit Clerk position is an entry-level role. As such, employers are not usually expecting candidates to have extensive experience in the field. However, some previous experience in a clerical or administrative role is always beneficial and will likely help the clerk in their new role.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
