Combining your interest of the medical field and information technology could lead to an associate's degree in medical records technology. This article shows you what kinds of courses in records organization and disease you will find in a program, as well as opportunities in the medical field once you earn your degree.
How Do I Earn a Medical Records Technology Associate's Degree?
You can find medical records technology programs at community and technical colleges. In some cases, the program is called health information systems or health information technology, and you might find programs that offer concentration in medical records. Some programs offer online classes, and you can find programs that allow you to complete all of your requirements via the Internet. However, clinical rotations must be completed in the field.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Fields</b></td><td>Health information systems, health information technology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Classes</b></td><td>Medical terminology, anatomy, coding, health records</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Exam administered by American Health Information Management Association</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$44,090<i>(for medical records and health information technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>8% growth <i>(for medical records and health information technicians)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>In a medical records or health information technology 2-year program, you take courses that teach you to maintain well-organized records for patients. You gain an understanding of updating medical charts, notes and files with test results and medical histories. Additionally, you investigate how information systems work in the healthcare industry; you explore the current use of technologies, as well as how technology affects health systems.
</p><p>The curriculum includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy, computers, coding, classification systems and health records. Other courses educate you on diseases, as well as how to record them in medical records using standard codes. You also learn about business procedures, information technology project management and the laws pertaining to medical records management.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIGetAJob">How Do I Get a Job?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an associate's degree is usually sufficient to get you a job as a medical records technologist. However, many employers prefer you to be a Registered Health Information Technician. You can obtain this credential through the American Health Information Management Association once you've completed an accredited program and passed a written exam. Additional coding credentials can be found through the American Academy of Professional Coders, Board of Medical Specialty Coding or Professional Association of Health Care Coding Specialists.
</p><p>The BLS projects that medical records and health information technicians will see an 8% increase in employment from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The median annual wage of medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 in May 2020, stated the BLS.</p>
