Medical records technician jobs are varied and a bit difficult to pigeon hole. The scope of duties required really depends upon the facility that employs the technician. There are also different levels of education required to be a medical records technician. Some facilities hire people with a high school diploma or GED and do on-the-job training. The vast majority of facilities require their medical records technicians to have an associate’s degree. In fact, most prefer to hire only medical records technicians that are registered, also known as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
In general, medical records technicians keep track of all patient information, store it securely, and can retrieve the records in a timely fashion when needed. While that sounds very cut and dry, it is not. A patient’s chart can be composed of thousands of pieces of information that must be kept organized. The advent of the electronic health record (EHR) has only increased the need for medical records technicians. Some heavy lifting is required as records are moved from area to area. The work environment is pleasant office surroundings. Minimal patient contact is required. As part of the healthcare team you will be interacting with nurses and physicians as well as office coworkers.
Here is just a glimpse of some duties that may be required:
- Collect data e.g. name, age, medical condition, treatment and other pertinent information.
- Keep track of patient treatments as well as evaluate if the treatment is working as expected.
- Record and update doctor and patient interaction on a regular basis—this is done with the aid of a computer.
- Consult with medical practitioners from the reception staff, admission staff, laboratory technicians and surgical units to make sure no information is passed on without being recorded.
Education
An associate’s degree is the most reliable way to get into the profession. Prepare yourself in high school by taking plenty of science and English classes. The first year of the associate’s degree will focus on medical terminology, science and English classes. The second year will focus on more database security, coding, reimbursement and data analysis.
Internship
This can be attained through your school’s internship program. Make inquires about qualifying so you can map out this portion of the program early. This will allow you to get the internship that most closely matches your career interests and goals.
Certification
While certification is not mandatory to become a medical records technician, most employers prefer certified employees. RHIT is the certification granted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The American Academy of Coders and National Cancer Registrars Association also offer certification. There are so many different directions to go in this diverse occupation that it’s easy to see why so many people enter this profession.
Salary
The salary for a medical records technician ranges between $20,000 for those with on-the-job training to a median salary of $31,000 for those with an associate’s degree. Hospitals and federal government jobs pay better than extended care facilities. Wages on either coast are generally higher.
Job Prospects
This area of the job market is expected to see a growth rate of around 20% in the next ten years or so. Specializing and adding more certifications only increases your marketability. Getting as much computer knowledge as possible also makes job hunting and getting a higher salary easier.
Depending upon your area of specialization, there are work-at-home possibilities after several years of experience of working in a facility. Medical records technicians have an enjoyable, multi-faceted job that is in high demand.