Medical Records Technician Schools and Training Programs
Medical records technicians play an invaluable role in healthcare administration, maintaining patient records and coding procedures for billing. Get information about training requirements and classes along with certification options.
What You Need to Know
Medical records technicians typically work to organize medical information and data. There are a variety of ways that medical technicians can prepare for this career field, including earning a college degree or certificate and becoming certified through professional organizations. However, obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related field may provide more opportunities for employment.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Programs</b> </td><td> Associate's degree and certificate programs available; bachelor's degree program in health information management also an option</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Coursework </b> </td><td> Examples of coursework include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical procedures</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Certification may be obtained through the American Health Information Management Association, the American Academy of Professional Coders, and the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfMedicalRecordsProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Medical Records Programs Are Available?</h3><p>You can obtain medical records training through a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM ensures the curriculum qualifies you for a career in the field. You will learn to establish procedures for practices that bridge contact between patients, healthcare providers, institutions and insurance companies. Programs are available at the certificate and associate's degree level; however, programs in health information management are available at the bachelor's degree level and may provide additional employment opportunities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindProgramsForMedicalRecordTechnicians">Where Can I Find Programs for Medical Record Technicians?</h3><p>There are a few options you can choose when pursuing an education in medical records management. You can find certificate and/or associate's degree programs in electronic health records or health records management. Electronic health records can also be an area of specialization in a medical office administration program. Schools that offer these types of programs at the associate's and certificate levels include:
</p><ul><li>Fayetteville Technical Community College
</li><li>Ultimate Medical Academy
</li><li>Jackson College
</li><li>Robeson Community College
</li><li>Central New Mexico Community College
</li><li>Southwest Virginia Community College
</li><li>Technical College of the Lowcountry
</li></ul><p>You can continue your studies in a bachelor's degree program in health information management or health information administration. You can find some bachelor's degree programs offered online. Schools with these 4-year degree programs include:
</p><ul><li>University of Illinois at Chicago
</li><li>East Carolina University
</li><li>Western Governors University
</li><li>The University of Kansas
</li><li>Stevens-Henager College
</li><li>Augusta University
</li><li>Long Island University Post
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatBasicCourseworkWillBeIncluded">What Basic Coursework Will Be Included?</h3><p>To prepare for a career as a medical records technician, you will likely take foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and medical procedures as well as keyboarding. Your coursework will also teach you about data management procedures, including managing records of patient medical histories, symptoms, treatments, results and payment coverage. A course in office administration is also common.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherCoursesWillITake">What Other Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Other courses will examine reimbursement procedures and coding systems. You may learn legal and ethical aspects of medical record keeping as well as statistical analysis of medical data. As an essential component of medical records management, you may also study electronic management software, including data security measures. Specific coursework might include:
</p><ul><li>Medical coding
</li><li>Records management systems
</li><li>Medical insurance
</li><li>Medical transcription
</li><li>Healthcare ethics and legal issues
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCredentialsWillINeedForMyCareer">What Credentials Will I Need for My Career?</h3><p>Your career may require obtaining certification through a professional credentialing organization, such as the American Health Information Management Association, which issues the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification. The American Academy of Professional Coders and the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists also offer professional credentials.
</p><p>In order to obtain RHIT certification, you must complete an associate's degree program. The RHIT certification exam will cover topics in data management and coding, statistical research and analysis, organization and delivery, and information technology systems.</p>