How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More
Medical Records Technicians
Medical Records Technicians compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.
What degree do you need
High School Diploma
One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Medical Records Technicians or what courses do I need to take.
We also asked Medical Records Technicians what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.
Health Information or Medical Records Technology |
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist or Coder |
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation, although they may have an associate’s degree. Many employers also require professional certification. Postsecondary certificate and associate’s degree programs in health information technology typically include courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, healthcare statistics, and computer systems.
How hard is it
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Medical Records and Health Information Technician. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.
License and certifications
Most employers prefer to hire Medical Records and Health Information Technicians who have professional certification. A Medical Records and Health Information Technician can earn certification from several organizations. Some organizations base certification on passing an exam. Others require graduation from an accredited program. Once certified, technicians typically must renew their certification regularly and take continuing education courses. Certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), among others. Many coding certifications require coding experience in a work setting.
Skills required
We asked other Medical Records Technicians if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.
1. | Reading Comprehension what does this mean |
2. | Active Listening what does this mean |
3. | Writing what does this mean |
4. | Speaking what does this mean |
5. | Critical Thinking what does this mean |
= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for
Knowledge required
Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Medical Records Technicians are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.
1. | Clerical what does this mean |
2. | English Language what does this mean |
3. | Computers and Electronics what does this mean |
4. | Customer and Personal Service what does this mean |
5. | Administration and Management what does this mean |
Learn more about Medical Records Technicians
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Related to Medical Records and Health Information Technicians Requirements
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