16 Credits CERT3313/CERT2318, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
Our classes emphasize the importance of effective communication skills both in person and by phone with clients/patients, visitors, health care team members and ancillary departments. Courses have been developed based on industry standards and the learner is prepared to work in a variety of health care environments. Experienced instructors offer plenty of personal attention to each learner. This program will also help prepare you for the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators certification exam.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 16 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $3,431
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $3,431 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (6 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
HUCF1101 Introduction to Health Unit Coordinating (1 credits)
This course includes the study of health care facility office and communication skills for nonclinical functions. Information about working with nursing and medical staff, other department staff, patients and visitors to contribute to the patients'/clients'/residents' care and well-being is explored. Telephone, written, electronic, and interpersonal communication is discussed, along with an emphasis in clerical support duties such as scheduling, faxing, and using various electronic devices. This course will help prepare students for the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators certification exam. (Prerequisites: None)
HUCF1201 Health Unit Coordinator Procedures (3 credits)
This course expands on the role and job duties of the Health Unit Coordinator. Students will work with medical terminology and information necessary to comprehend and process a variety of orders within a health care setting. Examples of various kinds of orders are studied and many opportunities for practicing procedures is provided. Interaction with the patient chart and the Electronic Health Record continue to be explored, and multiple types of entries are practiced by students. Also, an overview of basic anatomy as well as disease and disorders will be covered to enhance understanding of orders and other elements of working in a health care setting. This course will focus on preparing students for certification through the National Association of Health Unity Coordinators. (Prerequisite: None)
HC1000 Medical Terminology (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the language of medicine that is used in the health care profession. The student will learn to spell, pronounce, define, and interpret medical terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis, and treatment. (Prerequisites: None)
HC1525 Health Care Core Foundations (1 - 4 credits)
This variable credit course will focus on the requirements needed by healthcare professionals to effectively work in a variety of healthcare settings and explore workplace skills such as accountability and responsibility, workplace behavior, approaches to assist clients, and expectations of teams and team members. This course provides a framework for healthcare workers to interact with diverse clients and staff, including belief systems, cultural practices, and respect and sensitivity to cultural, gender, and age issues. Identifying elements of communication and how those elements can develop into effective communication within the healthcare setting is a key focus, as well as learning when and how to utilize those skills in challenging situations. Health care ethics will be addressed and target ethical decision-making and personal and professional values. Legal issues in healthcare will round out the course, concentrating on healthcare laws and social media in healthcare. Healthcare safety and standards precautions will be incorporated, as well as personal wellness for the healthcare professional. This variable credit course was designed as a part of the Minnesota Health Care Core Curriculum. (Prerequisites: None)
HC1550 Electronic Health Records (2 credits)
With the implementation of the electronic health record in today's healthcare environment, it's essential for students entering the healthcare field to understand this technology and how it relates to work in the industry. This course is designed as an introduction to the history of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and concepts behind the structure of electronic medical recording systems. Additionally, it will provide students the opportunity to use multiple functions of an educational electronic health record. (Prerequisites: None)
MA1020 Medical Office Procedures (3 credits)
This course will review administrative duties that are performed by a medical assistant. Emphasis will be on clerical functions, bookkeeping procedures, insurance claims, professional communications, medical coding, legal concepts, medical office operational functions including written and electronic. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into one of the following programs: Medical Assisting, Health Unit Coordinator, or Administrative Office Specialist - Medical)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
