Top 10 Unit Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a unit coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties. Certified unit coordinators have proven their proficiency in areas such as patient care, medical records management, financial management, customer service, and communication. By having these certifications, employers can be confident that a unit coordinator is qualified to handle all of the tasks associated with managing a healthcare unit. Additionally, certifications can help a unit coordinator stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Unit Coordinators and explains how they can benefit a unit coordinator's career by providing additional knowledge and skills.

What are Unit Coordinator Certifications?

Unit Coordinator Certification is a certification program designed to provide those working in long-term care facilities with the knowledge and skills needed to coordinate care for residents. This certification provides individuals with the ability to understand the needs of residents and develop plans of care that meet their individual needs. It also helps them to understand how different services can be provided, as well as how they can effectively manage staff and resources to ensure quality service delivery. Unit coordinators are essential in providing efficient and effective coordination of resident care, which is critical in long-term care settings. Having a certified unit coordinator on staff ensures that proper protocols are followed and that all necessary services are provided in a timely manner. Unit coordinators can also help to identify areas where improvement is needed, so that corrective action can be taken quickly. Additionally, unit coordinators are able to educate staff members on best practices for providing quality resident care, helping ensure that residents receive the highest level of care possible.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a unit coordinator certification, make sure to research the specific requirements for each state or jurisdiction where you plan to work. This will ensure that you are meeting all of the necessary criteria and that your certification will be accepted in the area.

Related: What does a Unit Coordinator do?

Top 10 Unit Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Unit Coordinators today.

1. Certified Unit Coordinator (CUC)

A Certified Unit Coordinator (CUC) is an individual who has completed a specialized certification program to become a leader in the healthcare industry. The CUC program is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a unit coordinator, which involves managing and coordinating patient care activities within a healthcare facility.

The CUC program typically takes about six months to complete, depending on the institution offering the course. It consists of both classroom instruction and practical experience in the form of clinical rotations. During the program, students learn about medical terminology, patient assessment, communication skills, and other topics related to patient care.

To become certified as a CUC, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The cost of taking the exam varies depending on which organization administers it; however, it usually ranges between $100-$200. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their certification and can begin working as a unit coordinator.

2. Certified Nursing Unit Coordinator (CNUC)

Certified Nursing Unit Coordinator (CNUC) is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the management of nursing units. The CNUC credential is offered by the American Association of Nurse Unit Coordinators (AANUC). The certification requires passing an exam and demonstrating current experience in a nursing unit setting.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient care coordination, communication skills, leadership, and management principles. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as a nurse unit coordinator or equivalent position within the past five years.

The cost for taking the exam is $250 for AANUC members and $275 for non-members. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals are awarded the Certified Nursing Unit Coordinator (CNUC) credential.

3. Certified Clinical Unit Coordinator (CCUC)

Certified Clinical Unit Coordinator (CCUC) is a certification offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). It is a specialized certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who coordinate care in clinical settings. The CCUC credential is designed to validate the expertise of those who are responsible for coordinating patient care, managing resources, and providing leadership in an acute or critical care setting.

The CCUC certification process requires applicants to have at least one year of full-time experience as a Clinical Unit Coordinator within the past three years. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of clinical unit coordination, including topics such as patient safety, communication, resource management, and quality improvement.

In order to become certified as a CCUC, candidates must complete an online application and pay the applicable fee. The fee for the CCUC exam is $225 USD for AACN members and $275 USD for non-members. After submitting their application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time.

Once applicants have passed their exam, they will be awarded their CCUC credential which is valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain their certification status, certified CCUCs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

4. Certified Medical-Surgical Unit Coordinator (CMSUC)

Certified Medical-Surgical Unit Coordinator (CMSUC) is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for the role of medical-surgical unit coordinator. The program was developed by the Association of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) and includes both online and in-person components.

The CMSUC program is designed to provide an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and competencies necessary to coordinate care on a medical-surgical unit. It covers topics such as patient safety, communication, patient assessment, documentation, clinical decision making, and quality improvement.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and covers topics such as patient safety, communication, patient assessment, documentation, clinical decision making, and quality improvement. The in-person workshop is conducted over two days and provides hands-on training in the skills needed to be successful as a medical-surgical unit coordinator.

To become certified as a CMSUC you must first complete the online course and then attend the two day in-person workshop. After completing both components you will be eligible to take the certification exam which is administered by AMSN.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMSUC depends on various factors including whether or not you are already an AMSN member (which can reduce costs). Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$600 USD for nonmembers to become certified as a CMSUC after taking into account all associated fees including those for the online course, in-person workshop, and certification exam.

5. Certified Emergency Department Unit Coordinator (CEDUC)

A Certified Emergency Department Unit Coordinator (CEDUC) is a specialized certification for individuals who work in the emergency department of a hospital. This certification is designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively coordinate patient care within the emergency department.

The CEDUC certification is offered through the National Board for Certification of Emergency Department Unit Coordinators (NBCE). The certification process requires applicants to complete an online application and submit official transcripts from their educational institution. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, documentation, communication, and quality assurance.

The cost of the CEDUC certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or renewing your certification. For first-time applicants, the cost is $275 USD; for renewal applicants, it is $175 USD. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CEDUC certificate in approximately two weeks.

6. Certified Intensive Care Unit Coordinator (CICUC)

Certified Intensive Care Unit Coordinator (CICUC) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise and experience of individuals who coordinate the care of critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). The CICUC certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The CICUC certification requires applicants to have at least three years of recent experience in an ICU setting, including two years as a coordinator. Applicants must also hold a current and unrestricted RN license, complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in critical care within the past three years, and pass an exam.

The CICUC exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, clinical decision making, communication skills, resource management, leadership, quality improvement and evidence-based practice. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

It typically takes about six months for applicants to receive their results after taking the CICUC exam.

The cost for the CICUC certification program varies based on AACN membership status. Non-members pay $395 USD while members pay $295 USD.

7. Certified Pediatric Unit Coordinator (CPUC)

A Certified Pediatric Unit Coordinator (CPUC) is a professional certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to coordinate care for pediatric patients in a hospital setting. This certification program is offered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

The CPUC certification requires the completion of an online course and passing an exam. The online course consists of four modules, which cover topics such as patient assessment, communication, safety, and quality improvement. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and case studies. It typically takes about six months to complete the course and pass the exam.

The cost of the CPUC certification varies depending on your NAPNAP membership status. For non-members, it costs $395; for members, it costs $295. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($150 for non-members and $100 for members).

8. Certified Maternal-Child Health Unit Coordinator (CMCHUC)

A Certified Maternal-Child Health Unit Coordinator (CMCHUC) is a professional who has been trained to provide specialized care for pregnant women and infants. This certification is granted by the National Association of Maternal and Child Health Professionals (NAMCHP). The CMCHUC certification recognizes an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competencies in the areas of maternal-child health, including prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, lactation counseling, infant safety, breastfeeding education, family planning and parenting support.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the CMCHUC program. To become certified you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of coursework related to maternal-child health topics. You must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by NAMCHP.

The cost of the CMCHUC program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $1,000-$2,000 USD. In addition to tuition fees there may be other fees associated with the program such as application fees or exam fees.

Once you have completed all requirements for certification you will receive your official CMCHUC certificate from NAMCHP which will be valid for three years. After three years you must renew your certification by completing continuing education credits in order to maintain your credentialing status.

9. Certified Geriatric Unit Coordinator (CGUC)

A Certified Geriatric Unit Coordinator (CGUC) is a specialized certification that recognizes healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in providing care to older adults. The certification ensures that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care for geriatric patients.

The CGUC program requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working with geriatric patients, either as a nurse, medical assistant, or other healthcare professional. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of 20 hours of training in geriatric care and pass an exam administered by the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA).

The cost of the CGUC program varies depending on the provider. Generally, it costs around $300-$400 for the initial application fee, plus additional fees for any required courses or exams. It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

To become certified as a CGUC, interested individuals must complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume, proof of experience, and documentation of any required courses or exams they have taken. Once approved, applicants will be given access to an online learning platform where they can take their required courses and exams. After completing all requirements successfully, applicants will receive their CGUC certification from AMDA.

10. Certified Rehabilitation Unit Coordinator (CRUC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Unit Coordinator (CRUC) provides comprehensive case management services to individuals with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. The CRUC is responsible for developing and implementing a plan of care tailored to the individual’s needs. This plan includes coordinating services from multiple providers and agencies, monitoring progress, advocating for the individual’s rights, and providing education and support.

It typically takes two to three years of study in order to become certified as a CRUC. During this time, individuals must complete an accredited rehabilitation counseling program that includes coursework in psychology, sociology, medical terminology, human development and behavior, communication techniques, case management principles and practices, ethics and legal issues in rehabilitation counseling. In addition to completing their degree program, individuals must also pass the Certified Rehabilitation Unit Coordinator Examination administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

In order to take the exam for certification as a CRUC, applicants must submit an application along with proof of graduation from an accredited rehabilitation counseling program. The cost of taking the exam is $395 USD.

Do You Really Need a Unit Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a job in a health care setting or want to advance in the field of health care, then obtaining a Unit Coordinator Certificate may be beneficial. This certification can give you an edge over other applicants and show employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a unit coordinator role.

Having a Unit Coordinator Certificate can also demonstrate your commitment to professional development and provide evidence of your expertise. The certificate requires completion of coursework, which can help demonstrate your understanding of medical terminology, patient care procedures, communication techniques, and other topics related to working in a healthcare setting.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you need this certification. If you think it will benefit your career goals, then it might be worth pursuing. On the other hand, if you feel that it won't offer any advantages for the job positions you are interested in, then there is no need for it.

Related: Unit Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Unit Coordinator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Unit Coordinator?

Answer: Generally, Unit Coordinators must have at least a high school diploma or GED, and some college education is preferred. Some employers may also require certifications such as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

2. How long does it take to become a Unit Coordinator?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a Unit Coordinator depends on the individual's educational background and experience. It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all of the necessary training and certifications.

3. What is the salary range for a Unit Coordinator?

Answer: Salaries for Unit Coordinators vary depending on geographical location, education level, and experience. According to PayScale, the average salary for a Unit Coordinator is $37,311 per year in the United States as of May 2021.

4. Are there any special certifications required to be a Unit Coordinator?

Answer: Yes, many employers require their Unit Coordinators to hold certain certifications such as CNA or LPN in order to be eligible for employment. Additionally, some employers may also require specialized certifications related to their specific field of work such as medical coding or healthcare administration.

5. What are some common duties of a Unit Coordinator?

Answer: Common duties of a Unit Coordinator include managing patient records, coordinating patient care activities, overseeing staff schedules and assignments, providing administrative support services such as filing paperwork and scheduling appointments, maintaining medical equipment inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.