Online Medical Records Degree Programs
An online medical records program teaches students about the organization and processing of patient information in medical settings. Read on to learn more about available programs, courses and career opportunities.
What Types of Online Medical Records Degree Programs Are Available to Me?
Medical records degrees are commonly offered online at the associate's degree level. Online associate's degree programs are also offered in medical billing and coding and health information technology. Despite the different titles, all of these programs teach you to file and process medical records, hospital bills and patient claims.
| Online Degree Options | Associate's degree |
| Common Courses | Claims processing, medical terminology, hospital billing, medical ethics, patient management |
| Online Requirements | Personal computer, Internet access, group work through online chat rooms; in-person internship is often required |
| Career Outlook (2019-2029) | 8% growth (for all medical records and health information technicians)* |
| Average Annual Salary (2020) | $48,270 (for all medical records and health information technicians)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Will I Need to Study?
Before beginning an associate's degree program in medical records, it is recommended that you are comfortable using a computer, as most medical records are digital. During the program, you'll learn how to manage patients' billing statements as well as develop coding skills, which involves learning the abbreviations of a number of health care procedures and medical terminologies. Typical medical records subjects that an associate's degree program might cover include:
- Health care system overview
- Patient management
- Claims processing
- Medical terminology
- Hospital billing and reimbursement
- Computer skills for the medical field
- Medical ethics
How Does the Online Program Work?
Online associate's degree programs in medical records, medical billing and coding, or health information technology typically allow you to complete all of your coursework online. Some online programs might require an in-person internship during the second portion of the degree program; this typically involves shadowing and assisting a medical records employee.
When completing coursework, online exercises allow you to access and file simulated medical records. You might work on assignments in small groups, communicating through online chat features. Lectures are often presented with videos and slideshows. You typically earn part of your grade by participating in discussion boards and answering posted questions.
To participate fully in an online program, many schools require you to have a sound card, speakers and an updated antivirus program. Some programs recommend that you have a broadband Internet connection and printer.
What Are My Job Prospects in the Medical Billing and Coding Field?
With your online associate's degree in medical billing and coding, medical records or health information technology, you can become a medical records or health information technician. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical records and health information technician jobs were projected to grow 8% from 2019-2029, which was much faster than average (www.bls.gov). The BLS also stated that medical records and health information technicians earned a yearly average of $48,270 in 2020.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides an optional certification for this field. The Registered Health Information Technician credential usually requires you to graduate from an accredited associate's degree program and pass an examination (www.ahima.org).