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Unit Secretary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Unit Secretary/MS Tele/Per Diem Days

Hemet, CA · On-site

$44K - $53K/yr

Specialized training in medical assisting or a closely related field preferred Experience Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Unit Secretary. Licensure/Certification BLS (AHA Only) Special ...

Unit Secretary/MS Tele/Per Diem Days

Riverside, CA · On-site

$44K - $54K/yr

Minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Unit Secretary. Licensure/Certification BLS (AHA Only) Special Requirement: Successful completion of medical terminology course or passing score of 80% on ...

Maternal Fetal Unit Secretary

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$43K - $52K/yr

Days The Unit Secretary (Health Unit Coordinator) is responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment, performing non-clinical nursing tasks, clerical and receptionist duties for a nursing unit.

$50K/yr

This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 ...

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Unit Secretary information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$47.9K

$56.3K

How much do unit secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for unit secretary in California is $47,923.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a unit secretary collaborate with clinical staff to ensure efficient patient care?

Unit Secretaries play a vital role in supporting nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals by managing communications, scheduling, and documentation. They often serve as the first point of contact for both staff and patients, relaying messages, transcribing doctors' orders, and coordinating patient admissions or discharges. Effective collaboration requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. By keeping records accurate and workflows smooth, Unit Secretaries help the clinical team focus on direct patient care.

Is it hard to be a unit secretary?

Being a unit secretary involves managing administrative tasks such as scheduling, patient records, and communication within a healthcare setting. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities efficiently, but it is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What is the difference between Unit Secretary vs Medical Secretary?

AspectUnit SecretaryMedical Secretary
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification optionalHigh school diploma; medical office certification optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesMedical offices, clinics, healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesManaging patient records, scheduling, communication with staffHandling correspondence, scheduling, billing, medical transcription

While both roles support healthcare operations, Unit Secretaries primarily work in hospital settings managing patient and administrative tasks, whereas Medical Secretaries often work in outpatient clinics focusing on documentation and billing. Both roles require strong organizational skills and familiarity with medical terminology, but their specific duties and work environments differ.

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

To thrive as a Unit Secretary, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring additional clerical or medical office training. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and standard office software like Microsoft Office is typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and customer service abilities help Unit Secretaries interact effectively with staff, patients, and families. These skills ensure efficient unit operations, accurate recordkeeping, and a supportive environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.

What does a unit secretary do?

As a unit secretary, your job is to perform clerical and supportive work in a hospital unit. This includes keeping track of patients and physicians, ensuring the nursing station is staffed at all times, providing directions to visitors, and maintaining inventory (so all supplies are available when needed). To support the primary aspects of this job, unit secretaries often help patients and visitors fill out forms, communicate with other staff members, answer telephones, and assist as needed during emergencies. You need to be familiar with medical procedures and abbreviations, able to respond to requests from staff and visitors, and capable of multitasking.

What is a unit secretary?

Unit Secretaries are administrative professionals who work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics, to support medical staff by performing clerical and organizational tasks. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, answering phones, and facilitating communication between patients, nurses, and doctors. Their work helps ensure the smooth operation of healthcare units, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care. Unit Secretaries play a crucial role in maintaining accurate documentation and efficient workflow within the unit.

Do you need a certification to be a unit secretary?

A certification is not typically required to become a unit secretary, but obtaining a medical administrative or healthcare-related certification can improve job prospects and demonstrate relevant skills. Most employers prioritize clerical experience, organizational skills, and familiarity with medical terminology and office software.
What are the most commonly searched types of Unit Secretary jobs in California? The most popular types of Unit Secretary jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Unit Secretary jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Unit Secretary jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Unit Secretary jobs? Cities in California with the most Unit Secretary job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Unit Secretary jobs in CA? For Unit Secretary jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Unit Secretary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,923 per year, or $23 per hour.

Unit Secretary - Emergency Department, Per Diem, 8PM-8:30AM Nights

Cedars Sinai

Marina Del Rey, CA

$45K - $56K/yr

Per diem, Other

Posted 29 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 1,058 rated hospitals


Job description

Make a difference every single day!

Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and its staff aim to exceed the expectations of our patients, their families and the community with a service-oriented attitude. We seek excellence, courtesy, teamwork, respect, communication and enthusiasm in our future colleagues. If you are looking for exciting career opportunities with growth potential, come and join the team at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital!

Position Summary:

The Unit Secretary provides indirect patient care in to the assigned department. They implement instructions from physicians and nursing staff. The Unit Secretary demonstrates effective communication and customer service skills with patients, family members, physicians and other Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey hospital departments. The Unit Secretary performs a variety of administrative activities or tasks specific to the unit needs. Acts as a receptionist for the unit, answering and relaying patient calls, accepting and relaying other communications. 

  • Communicates appropriately and clearly to charge nurse, coworkers, and physicians. Consults other departments, as appropriate, to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patients' needs. 
  • Collaborates with administrative assistant with ordering supplies. Assists in cost containment through appropriate ordering and conserving of supplies and equipment. 
  • Interacts professionally with patients and their families and provides explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary. Maintains age specific safety precautions. 
  • Logs all patients in the department logbook.
  • Meets the communication needs of the patient/family, departmental staff, and medical staff.

  • Implements directions from physicians and ER nursing staff.

Hours: 8 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. Night Shift

  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • BLS through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.
  • Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing required.
  • One (1) year experience in an acute care hospital preferred.
  • Medical terminology course preferred.
  • Basic computer knowledge.

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