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Health Unit Coordinator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Health Unit Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) position builds upon the foundational responsibilities of the Health Unit Assistant (HUA) role, serving as a key resource and mentor within the unit. The individual ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) position builds upon the foundational responsibilities of the Health Unit Assistant (HUA) role, serving as a key resource and mentor within the unit. The individual ...

Health Unit Coordinator- Full time

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

We are looking to hirea Health Unit Coordinator Asa Health Unit Coordinator atMercyOne, you will perform clerical duties that support the daily activities of nursing units. Works cooperatively with ...

Health Unit Coordinator- Full time

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

We are looking to hirea Health Unit Coordinator Asa Health Unit Coordinator atMercyOne, you will perform clerical duties that support the daily activities of nursing units. Works cooperatively with ...

... nursing unit and facilitates communication needs of the department. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... The possibility exists of exposure to communicable disease due to working in a healthcare ...

... nursing unit and facilitates communication needs of the department. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... The possibility exists of exposure to communicable disease due to working in a healthcare ...

Nursing Unit Coordinator

Anamosa, IA · On-site

$41K - $61K/yr

We are looking for a nursing unit coordinator that has Medication passing experience. This position would perform para-professional nursing duties under the direction of an LPN/RN. You would need to ...

Notifies and coordinates with security of any last-minute trip changes via e-mail or verbally ... Updates and maintains UIHC Admissions Database Appointment calendar, Health Services trip calendar ...

Additionally, the Patient Care Technician may assume the responsibilities of a Health Unit Coordinator. Essential Functions * Prioritize and deliver basic patient care, including toileting, bathing ...

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Health Unit Coordinator information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$18

$28

How much do health unit coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for health unit coordinator in Iowa is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a health unit coordinator?

Health Unit Coordinators, also known as unit secretaries or ward clerks, are administrative professionals who support the daily operations of healthcare units such as hospital wards or clinics. They are responsible for managing patient records, coordinating communication between medical staff, scheduling appointments, and handling clerical tasks. Their work helps ensure that healthcare providers can focus on patient care by keeping the unit organized and running smoothly. Health Unit Coordinators play a key role in maintaining efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

What does a health unit coordinator do?

As a health unit coordinator (HUC), your primary responsibilities are to maintain medical records, coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, and triage incoming information. You also handle input of computer data, collaborate with the nursing coordinator, assist with bed placement, and complete administrative duties. You greet patients and visitors, gather appropriate information, document data in electronic medical records, and support other staff members as needed. The health unit coordinator also reviews office inventory and orders supplies and works fax machines, the paging system, and a nurse call system if necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health unit coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Unit Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of medical terminology, typically gained through a certificate or associate's degree. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and scheduling software is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help you manage patient information and coordinate effectively with healthcare staff. These skills are essential to ensure smooth unit operations, accurate record-keeping, and efficient patient care delivery.

What are some common challenges health unit coordinators face when managing communication within a healthcare team?

Health Unit Coordinators often navigate the challenge of facilitating clear communication among nurses, physicians, patients, and administrative staff. Coordinating messages, managing multiple phone calls, and accurately relaying information in a fast-paced environment require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Miscommunication can impact patient care, so HUCs must remain calm under pressure, utilize hospital communication systems effectively, and clarify unclear instructions promptly. Building positive relationships with the healthcare team helps streamline processes and ensures patient needs are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Health Unit Coordinator vs Medical Secretary?

AspectHealth Unit CoordinatorMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; medical secretary certification optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesDoctors' offices, clinics, healthcare organizations
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging patient flow, coordinating communication, supporting healthcare staffScheduling appointments, managing correspondence, medical billing

While both roles support healthcare operations, the Health Unit Coordinator focuses on patient flow and communication within hospital units, whereas the Medical Secretary handles administrative tasks like scheduling and billing in various healthcare settings.

Do you need experience to be a health unit coordinator?

While prior experience is not always required to become a health unit coordinator, having knowledge of medical terminology, administrative skills, and familiarity with hospital systems can be beneficial. Many employers provide on-the-job training or require certification in healthcare administration or medical office procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Health Unit Coordinator jobs in Iowa?

For Health Unit Coordinator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Health Unit Coordinator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Health Unit Coordinator job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Unit Coordinator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,480 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Health Unit Coordinator

UnityPoint Health

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serves as a liaison between nursing, physicians, ancillary departments, patients, and visitors to ensure effective communication and service delivery.

  • Provides mentorship and guidance to newly hired HUAs, supporting their onboarding and professional development.

  • Performs and oversees clerical functions including patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and chart maintenance.


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Shift: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, for 80 hours per pay period.

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) position builds upon the foundational responsibilities of the Health Unit Assistant (HUA) role, serving as a key resource and mentor within the unit. The individual in this role supports operational excellence, promotes quality and safety initiatives, and fosters the development of new team members.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Demonstrates full competency in all duties outlined in the Health Unit Assistant (HUA) job description.  
  • Serves as a liaison between nursing, physicians, ancillary departments, patients and visitors to ensure effective communication and service delivery.  
  • Provides mentorship and guidance to newly hired HUAs, supporting their onboarding and professional development.  
  • Acts as a departmental resource for unit procedures, workflows, and systems.  
  • Contributes to quality improvement and patient safety efforts within the unit.  
  • Participates and may support unit-based meetings and shared governance councils.  
  • Monitors inventory and orders unit supplies, equipment, and forms to ensure availability and readiness.  
  • Performs other related duties as assigned to support unit operations and patient care.  
  • Performs and oversees clerical functions including patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and chart maintenance.  
  • Maintains and updates patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) system; ensures compliance with documentation and privacy standards.  
  • May assist in scheduling patient procedures, coordinating physician orders, or tracking patient status updates.  
  • Prioritizes and coordinates multiple requests in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy.  
  • Handles confidential information with discretion and maintains a professional demeanor at all times. 

Education: 

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required. 

Experience: 

  • One (1) year experience as a Health Unit Assistant or similar role within healthcare required. 

License(s)/Certification(s): 

  • None. 

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995