How Do I Become a Nursing Unit Secretary?

Working as a nursing unit secretary introduces you to other options in the health care career field while you earn a respectable wage in a fast-growing and stable industry, according to MassPulse.org. The position requires only a high school diploma or GED. Certification and higher education, which employers do not generally require, may give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Instructions

1. Obtain basic secretarial skills in telephone etiquette, transcription and record filing. Community colleges and technical schools offer accelerated, non-credit classes to develop these skills. Look into programs specifically for the health care industry. Find complete lists of community colleges through the American Association of Community Colleges.

2. Complete courses in medical terminology and medical coding. Nursing unit secretary duties may include the accurate interpretation of physicians' orders and maintenance of patient charts. Knowledge of billing codes will increase your marketability as health insurance procedures become more complex.

3. Increase your computer skills to at least an intermediate level. While health care facilities use specialized software systems typically taught on the job, a nursing unit secretary must offer basic keyboarding skills and familiarity with working in a Windows environment.

4. If you're still in school, apply for an internship to obtain practical experience. Other options include asking your school's career counselor to set up a job-shadowing experience for you and volunteering in a nursing unit to become familiar with the work environment.

5. Prepare a resume and cover letter highlighting your administrative, technical and communication skills. Provide examples of your ability to work with technology, maintain accurate and detailed records and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

6. Participate in a mock interview, preferably with someone familiar with the requirements of the position.

Tips & Warnings

• Become certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Although health care facilities may not require CPR training for secretaries, the training will enhance your desirability and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

References

• Central Piedmont Community College: Hospital Nursing Unit Secretary
• Forsyth Tech: Medical Unit Secretary
• The Pulse: Unit Coordinator

Resources

• American Association of Community Colleges: Community College Finder
• National Association of Health Unit Coordinators
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants