Pathway: Information & Support Services
Job: Medical Records Technician

Job Description

Medical Records Technicians record their observations about how patients are medically treated. They organize and evaluate the medical records for completeness and accuracy. Technicians assign codes to different diagnosis and procedures and use computer programs to tabulate and analyze data.

Necessary Education

Associate Degree is usually required

Helpful High School Courses

Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Applications, Health

Working Conditions

• Usually work a 40-hour week though evening and night shifts may be required
• Work in a pleasant and comfortable office
• Work long periods of time at a computer
• Work requires little contact with patients

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $26,100
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $12.55

Career Ladder Information

• 2-4 years job experience and completion of hospitals in-house training may lead to advancement
• Must pass written examination offered by AHIMA to become Accredited Record Technician
• Bachelor’s Degree in health information administration can lead to a director’s position

Personal Qualities and Interest

      You:

• Are detailed oriented
• Are able to work independently
• Have interest in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
• Like to work with computers

Did you know?

• Health information technicians are projected to be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• American Health Information Management Association: http://www.ahima.org

  
  

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