What if I told you that not all medical profession involves relating directly to patients? One such professional is the Medical Records Technician. Medical records technology focuses on the transcription and organization of medical records.
Every time nurses or doctors treat their patients, they need to record what they have seen and done; from x-rays and exam notes to the formation of diagnoses and treatment plans.
Medical records technicians Organize and maintain health information data. Their responsibilities include ensuring that the information is accessible in both print and electronic form and that the stored data is accurate and secure.
In this article, you will be extensively informed on how to become a medical records technician.
Table of contents
- What does a Medical Records Technician do?
- How to become a Medical Records Technician?
- How much does a medical records technician earn?
- What kind of education do medical records technicians need?
- Steps to become a medical records technician
- What skills do you need to work as a medical records technician?
- What is the workplace for a medical records technician?
- How long does it take to become a medical records technician?
- Which schools offer a program for medical records technicians?
- Can I Run a Medical Records Technician Program online?
- FAQs
- References
- Editor’s Recommendations
Who is a Medical Records Technician?
Medical records technicians also known as health information technicians organize and maintain medical documents. These technicians do not provide patient care, instead, they work behind the scenes with care providers to complete the missing information, process forms and ensure that insurance companies receive the correct records.
They use coding systems to document patient information for billing and record-keeping and are responsible for the privacy of patient records.
A medical records technician is an administrative job that primarily involves administrative tasks such as record-keeping in a medical office. He is responsible for tracking all aspects of the medical history and the care received from a patient.
They have nothing to do directly with the condition, diagnosis or treatment of a patient. This person keeps patient records up to date and meets the standards of the health care coding system.
The accuracy and quality of these recorded data will be relevant for reimbursements by the insurance company for the services provided to patients by their employers. Therefore, you must have high analytical, technical, and computer skills, as well as be detail-oriented and have high integrity when entering this professional field.
Maintain and access personal information, welfare, health procedures and medical problems of the patient.
Medical records technicians play a very important role in ensuring that doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, and hospitals are organized and keep detailed records of patient visits, including symptoms, test results, and medical records.
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What does a Medical Records Technician do?
A medical records technician (MRT) occupies one of the few positions in medical care that does not require practical patient care, however, it is one of the most important jobs in the industry.
Every day, people make thousands of visits to doctors and hospitals, and each of these visits involves a person’s medical history.
Medical records technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, and hospitals remain organized and keep complete records of patient visits, including symptoms, test results and medical records.
Through the use of computer programs and filing systems, medical records technicians enter and update information for reference to doctors and insurance companies.
Some specialize in standard coding systems used to categorize conditions, treatments, and diagnoses for insurance processing, while other medical records technicians pursue further education and training to enter the field of medical information management.
Job Description of a Medical Records Technician
Every time a patient sees a doctor, there are doctor’s notes that a medical records technician should add to a patient’s record, such as:
- Existing health conditions.
- Patient’s medical history.
- Diagnostic reports
- Prescription medications or treatments.
- Treatment schedules.
- Later recovery
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How to become a Medical Records Technician?
To become a medical records technician, candidates usually have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers are beginning to require formal training or an associate’s degree that includes skills such as creating, administering, editing, and interpreting medical records.
In addition, knowledge of medical jargon and terminology would be important. Candidates with knowledge of the computer system, coding, medical classifications, standards, and training in insurance also have a higher probability of employment.
Read: How can I become a Medical Coder in 2022?
A typical medical records technician job posting
Let’s see a description of the work published by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This job advertisement is looking for a person to perform the following responsibilities:
- Performs the coding of hospitalized and / or outpatient patients in billable and/or non-billable patient care meetings and develops skills and knowledge of medical records coding and has basic knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and diseases.
- Select and assign codes of the current version of the International Classification of diseases: clinical modification, current procedure terminology, evaluation and management codes, HCPCS and assignment of modifiers.
- Assigns diagnoses or diagnoses and procedural codes based on accepted coding practices, guidelines, conventions and policies with instructions from a senior coder.
- Review the documentation of the registry to summarize all the medical, auxiliary, demographic, social and administrative data required with the guidance and instruction of the supervisor or main coder to develop knowledge of the organization and structure of an electronic patient record.
- Send questions about vendor coding and documentation to a senior coder or supervisor for resolution or guidance.
- Uses the facility’s computer system and software applications to encode, summarize, record and transmit data to the national VA database in Austin. Any identified data error is reviewed with a superior encoder or supervisor to correct it as necessary.
- Uses a variety of window-based applications in daily activities and tasks, such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and Access; develops the use of medical records applications (Vista and CPRS), as well as code selection software. It guarantees that the current versions of all software applications will load and function after any update or change.
These technicians work on a computer for extended periods. Whether they are updating the clinic records or tracking a patient’s results, accuracy is essential, so medical records technicians should pay close attention to detail.
Some work with data to analyze health care costs and identify trends in health data. Most health information technicians work full time. In health care centers that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, such as hospitals or nursing facilities, technicians may need to work at night or night shifts.
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How much does a medical records technician earn?
Salaries vary according to education, experience, and geographic location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical records technicians earn an average annual salary of $37,110; the bottom 10% earn a median of $24,190 and the top 10% earn a median of $61,400.
The highest-paid 25 percent earned $51,350 that year, while the highest-paid 25 percent earned $30,990. MRTs that have gained experience with electronic health records generally have higher salaries, as do those with strong coding skills.
Jobs with hospitals and the government generally pay better than jobs in medical offices or extended-care facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 38% of medical records technicians work in hospital settings in 2014, followed by medical offices with 21%.
Most work full time, and those who work in facilities that are open 24 hours a day may have to work night or night shifts.
What kind of education do medical records technicians need?
To become a medical records technician, you need an associate’s degree or post-secondary certificate in health information management or a similar field.
These will likely include courses such as medical terminology, anatomy, health care reimbursement methods, and classification and coding systems.
Most employers also want their medical records technicians to obtain a professional certification, such as a Registered Health Information Technician certification through the American Medical Records Technicians Program Association.
There are a number of 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges that offer programs for those interested in working with medical records. Students can obtain a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree to prepare to enter this professional field.
Associate of Science in medical records technical program
Offered as Associates of Science or Associates of Applied Sciences, these programs require 60-70 credit hours, half of which are devoted to general education classes.
Upon completing an accredited program, students can take the RHIT certification exam.
Bachelor of Science in medical records technical program
To require an average of four years of study, the bachelor’s degree programs are generally offered as degree programs for medical records technicians.
Students in these programs must complete extensive general education courses. Bachelor’s programs focus on the design, implementation, and management of health information rather than data collection.
Steps to become a medical records technician
Get a degree
Applicants for medical records technicians must enroll in a two-year associate degree program, ensuring that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).
While still in high school, students interested in this career can prepare by taking classes in health sciences such as biology and human health, while also taking computer, math and business classes.
Many vocational schools now offer programs to help young people explore the growing field of medical records technicians program.
There are also opportunities to take online courses to help the student prepare for work in this field.
Be certified
Most employers prefer to hire registered or certified medical sheet technicians. The most common certification is the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) by passing a test conducted by AHIMA.
Recognition by AHIMA opens the door to career advancement, thus improving earning potential, enabling better networking with peers in similar roles and supporting lifelong learning through continuing education.
Get other required training
For entry into medical technology for patient records, most people will receive a medical engineering (MT) certificate lasting three to six months, or a two-year associate’s degree in medical technology or a program for medical technicians (HIM).
HIM programs must be accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Training in Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM).
Graduates of an accredited associate’s degree program can then take a certification exam, which is conducted by the American Medical Records Technician Association (AHIMA), to obtain the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) mark.
Maintain your professional status or climb the ladder
To get the name RHIT, AHIMA needs 20 hours of training every two years. When medical records technician gain experience and receive additional training, there is the potential for promotions and upgrades, especially in larger medical facilities such as hospitals or large exercise groups.
MRI’s that show a lifelong learning bias and earn a bachelor’s degree in a program for medical records technicians have the best opportunity to move up to a supervisory or administrative position.
Such more responsible positions also bring higher salaries.
What skills do you need to work as a medical records technician?
Medical records technicians must be highly detail-oriented, knowledgeable about computer systems and technologies, and well-versed in general medical concepts and terminology.
Students studying medical journalist programs learn to collect, analyze and protect medical information from patients in various organizations.
Medical file technicians have different personalities. They are usually conventional people, that is, they are conscientious and conservative.
They are logical, efficient, neat and organized. Some of them are also entrepreneurial, meaning they are adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extrovert, energetic, enthusiastic, confident and optimistic.
Most schools for medical records technicians offer associate and bachelor programs as well as certificates.
Also read: 20 New Skills to Learn To Advance Your Career
What is the workplace for a medical records technician?
The medical records technician is usually a full-time job in an office environment. He or she can work in medical facilities such as hospitals, medical offices, clinics, and state or local health departments.
MRIs are used not only in hospitals but also in other areas where health information is used, eg. In insurance companies, software vendors, pharmaceutical companies, medical practices, rehabilitation centers, home health care institutions, nursing homes, and government agencies.
How long does it take to become a medical records technician?
Certified certificate programs usually require one to two years of study. These programs introduce students to the basics of medical records, including privacy concerns and quality assurance methods.
In addition to the core courses, students generally have to spend 15 hours on average for general education.
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Which schools offer a program for medical records technicians?
The choice of a school with a program for medical records technicians requires consideration of the accreditation of the program and the preparation of the students for the certification exams.
The following list includes a number of public and private schools offering medical information technology programs.
Keizer University
Tuition Fees: $17,664
Keizer is one of Florida’s largest independent universities and a valued choice for professionally motivated students. Keizer University offers degrees in sought-after areas and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni, including the program for medical journalists.
We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and promotion to a rewarding career. Keizer University is a private, nonprofit university.
Keizer University offers online degree programs to prepare students for high-demand careers. Degrees are offered through a syllabus that keeps pace with technological and demand trends in business, criminal justice, and healthcare and computer technology.
Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, Kansas
Tuition Fees: $14,458
The 66-point AAS program for medical records technicians prepares students to manage critical information and records in healthcare.
Participants participate in courses that include patient record applications, health analysis, medical terminology, and a coding lab.
After completing their studies, RHIT Online students can take the national RHIT certification exam of the American Medical Records Technician Program Association (AHIMA).
Coastal Community University, Coastline, Washington
Tuition Fees: $17,642
Students who graduate from SCC online as SCC medical record technicians will learn how to professionally collect and manage medical records. Graduates find work as health information technologists, coding specialists, health information managers, supervisors, and medical records technicians.
Work environments include hospitals, insurance companies, nursing homes, and home health agencies. The curriculum for this degree is not personal and can be completed
online.
Peirce College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $11,000
The college offers undergraduate bachelor’s degrees in business administration, information technology, law, general science, and healthcare.
Prospective students interested in one of the best online degree programs for medical journalists may seek an Associate in Medical Records Technician Program Degree from Peirce.
This program provides technical training in healthcare, business and IT to help students embark on or advance their careers in healthcare. The Flexible Associate of Science program is fully online or available as a hybrid option.
Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota
Tuition Fees: $24,337
Students attending an associate degree program for medical file technicians online may be interested in the Dakota State University Medical Records Technician Program.
This program prepares students for work as health information technicians and provides them with the skills needed to ensure the accuracy of medical records and protect patient health.
All students of the Medical records Technician program also complete a supervised internship that provides networking opportunities and hands-on training in a healthcare facility.
Collin County Community University District, McKinney, Texas
Tuition Fees: $18,404
The school has an online medical records technician program that addresses distance learning students who want to improve healthcare outcomes by effectively managing health data.
Graduates of this program have various positions in healthcare, including hospitals, government agencies, insurance companies, home care providers, and long-term care facilities.
All courses for this employee in the program for medical records technicians are available online.
Can I Run a Medical Records Technician Program online?
Online courses for medical record technicians are offered in full-online and hybrid format across several post-secondary institutions and may be more advanced than medical paper technician courses.
Certificates, Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s are available. Introductory courses in these programs provide medical coding, computer literacy, data processes, and terminology.
Research Training Groups offer topics such as the development of computer systems, the design of data networks, and security strategies that are all tailored to healthcare.
Graduates of the Medical Record Technician Program may choose to work for hospitals, medical practices, insurance companies, and more.
Students can complete the online medical record technician program through numerous certificate programs as well as employee, bachelor and master programs. Topics include medical coding, medical terminology, and database techniques.
FAQs
A Medical Records Technician is a healthcare professional responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records, coding diagnoses and treatments, and ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of patient information.
Most Medical Records Technician positions require an associate’s degree in health information technology or a related field. Certification from a professional organization, such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), may also be required or preferred by employers.
Most associate’s degree programs in health information technology take two years to complete. However, the length of the program can vary depending on the school and the student’s course load.
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer associate’s degree programs in health information technology. It’s important to choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
The cost of a health information technology program can vary depending on the school and the location. Community colleges and vocational schools tend to be more affordable than four-year universities. Financial aid and scholarships may also be available to eligible students.
Conclusions
Becoming a Medical Records Technician can be a fulfilling career choice for those interested in the healthcare industry and organizational skills. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the job outlook for Medical Records Technicians is promising, and the potential for career advancement is substantial. While the cost of education may vary, there are many accredited programs available to help you achieve your goals.
References
- CareerExplorer – What does a medical records technician do?
- Indeed.com – Medical Records Technician Jobs, Employment |
- collegegrad.com – Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Learn.org – How Can I Become a Medical Records Technician?
