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Unit Clerk Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)/Unit Clerk

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Correctional Medical Records Clerk/CMA , you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide care to the individuals in residence. Working within a ...

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Unit Clerk information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do unit clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for unit clerk in Iowa is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Unit Clerk vs Medical Secretary?

AspectUnit ClerkMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; medical office certification optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare unitsMedical offices, clinics, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient records, scheduling, communication within unitsAdministrative tasks, appointment scheduling, correspondence
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, hospitalsMedical practices, clinics, hospitals

While both roles support healthcare operations, Unit Clerks focus on patient records and unit communication, whereas Medical Secretaries handle administrative tasks and scheduling across medical offices. The roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within healthcare settings.

How much do unit clerks make?

Unit clerks in healthcare settings typically earn an average hourly wage of around $16 to $20, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $33,000 to $41,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific healthcare facility, and the role often requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What skills do you need to be a unit clerk?

A unit clerk needs strong organizational and communication skills to manage patient records, coordinate with healthcare staff, and handle administrative tasks efficiently. Proficiency in medical terminology, computer skills, and familiarity with electronic health record systems are also important for the role.

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

To thrive as a Unit Clerk, you need strong organizational and administrative skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and office software like Microsoft Office is crucial. Excellent communication, multitasking, and customer service skills help you interact efficiently with staff, patients, and visitors. These abilities ensure smooth unit operations, accurate record-keeping, and effective support for healthcare teams.

What does a unit clerk do?

Unit clerks, also known as ward clerks or unit secretaries, are administrative professionals who work in healthcare settings such as hospitals or clinics. They manage clerical tasks including answering phones, maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and facilitating communication between medical staff and patients. Unit clerks play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a medical unit by handling paperwork, coordinating admissions and discharges, and supporting the healthcare team with organizational tasks.

What is a unit clerk?

A unit clerk, or unit coordinator, manages the clerical needs of a medical unit in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facilities. They order supplies, answer phones, and collect patient paperwork. Unit clerks may also prepare treatment plans and update patient records. The skills needed to be a unit clerk include strong organization, comfort with patients, and good written and verbal communication.

How does a unit clerk typically interact with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals?

Unit Clerks play a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination within healthcare teams. On a daily basis, they interact closely with nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals by managing patient records, processing orders, and relaying important information. They often serve as the first point of contact for inquiries and help ensure smooth workflow by scheduling appointments, arranging patient transfers, and handling administrative tasks. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential, as Unit Clerks must balance multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unit Clerk jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Unit Clerk jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Unit Clerk jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Unit Clerk jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Unit Clerk jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Unit Clerk job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Unit Clerk jobs in IA?

For Unit Clerk jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Unit Clerk job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,731 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Nursing Unit Clerk - Stead Family Children's Hospital NICU (75% - 30 hours/week)

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Nursing Unit Clerk (NUC) to perform clerical, reception, and related duties relative to nursing care and services to patients.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Communicates and interacts with patients, visitors, and other health care professionals in an effective manner and maintains positive, cooperative relationships
  • Utilizes and maintains electronic communication systems to ensure communication among the health care team members and patients/families, including text pagers, locator badges, wireless phones, and other new systems
  • Provides information and direction to health care personnel and visitors coming to the unit, answers the telephone; takes and delivers messages and assists in keeping White Boards updated at least daily as appropriate
  • Helps to answer call lights, maintain call-light system, and relay information in a timely manner to appropriate team members
  • Proficient in navigating web-based resources and using online clinical and business applications
  • Performs computer functions within scope of role as defined by the individual unit
  • Maintains accurate census information; (e.g., timely ADT entry into IDX, Premise bed board activities, correct level of accommodation charges, and census reconciliation)
  • Processes patient charges including batching charges in a timely manner, as appropriate
  • Notifies appropriate health care professionals of a patient admission and prepares the required forms with patient identification information
  • Completes and maintains hospital and nursing records
  • Uses appropriate medical terminology and symbols, i.e. verbal, written and electronic
  • Assists health care providers in scheduling patient tests and appointments
  • Practices standard precautions in infection control in accordance with institutional policy
  • Assists staff during emergencies, and other patient cares and services as directed
  • Maintains a process for ordering, obtaining, and storing supplies that is cost effective and meets unit needs
  • Participates in unit staff meetings and in-services
  • Performs other projects or tasks as assigned

Aptitudes required in order to perform responsibilities:
  • Work in an environment with conflicting demands and/or priorities and rushed and/or urgent timelines
  • Manage multiple assignments and provide quick reaction and immediate response to emergencies
  • Maintain attention to detail over extended period of time and continually be aware of variations in changing situations
  • Strong communication skills and a tolerance for an active work environment with potential for negative behavior
  • Work well with all levels and types of people

Percent of Time: 75%
Schedule: Evening and night shifts, every third weekend, one summer and one winter holiday
Location: Stead Family Children's Hospital (SFCH)
Merit Pay Plan
Benefits Highlights:
  • Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
  • For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Qualifications
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
  • Graduation from high school and any combination of clerical experience, health care experience and/or post high school education which totals one year, or
  • Any combination of clerical experience and/or health care experience which totals two years.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Preferred candidates will possess: 6 months of clerical experience, public contact/customer service experience, medical terminology knowledge, proficiency in MS Word, and proficiency in MS Excel. Excellent communication skills

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days.
Successful candidates will be required to self disclose any conviction history and subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. For questions, contact Megan Garton at megan-garton@uiowa.edu.

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