Medical Records Technician

To be a successful Medical Records Technician you should…

• have ability for problem solving and analysis
• have ability to work at one station for extended periods of time
• work well under pressure and are able to observe dead lines
• have the ability to communicate in writing and verbally
• pay close attention to detail

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What will my job be like?

Medical record technicians (also known as health information technicians) review, organize, and evaluate patients’ records for completeness and accuracy. They may use patient related information to help monitor health care costs, patterns of illness, and medical research.

Where could I work?

Health information technicians usually work a 40-hour week. Some overtime may be required. In hospitals where health information departments are open 18-24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they may work day, evening, and night shifts.

Other workplace settings:

What is the average annual salary?

$45,200

What is the future of this career?

Overall employment of medical records and health information specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.

About 34,300 openings for medical records and health information specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Health information technicians entering the field usually have an associate degree from a community or junior college. Hospitals sometimes advance promising health information clerks to jobs as health information technicians, although this practice may be less common in the future. Advancement usually requires 2-4 years of job experience and completion of a hospital’s in-house training program.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
• Gateway Community College, New Haven
• Manchester Community College, Manchester
• Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted
• Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?

American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor
Chicago, IL   60601-5809
(312) 233-1100
www.ahima.org