A Complete Career Resource Guide For A Medical Records Technician
The healthcare industry is the backbone of any country.
It ensures that the people are healthy and thriving.
Currently, we have over 208,000 medical records technicians in the U.S.
The technicians ensure that all the records are in place and up-to-date.
If you want to become a medical records technician, you are in the right place.
Here is a complete resource guide for you to make a decision.
Medical Records Technician Job Information
| Official Job Title | Medical Records Technician |
| Average Salary | $40,618 |
| Stress Level | Low |
| Work/Life | High |
| Job Satisfaction | Low |
| Career Advancement | Average |
Medical Records Technician Job Description
Here is a comprehensive job description of a medical records technician to help you understand their responsibilities:
What Is A Medical Records Technician?
A medical records technician is responsible for managing medical records.
These include records of X-rays, lab procedures, and much more.
The process is no longer manual, and it saves technicians time.
Instead, a medical records technician will enter this data into the computer software.
It allows them to keep all patient records secure and organized.
What Does A Medical Records Technician Do On A Daily Basis?
The medical records technicians work in an office environment and not a clinical setting.
When they enter each day, the supervisors will give tasks and assignments to the technician.
After that, the technician will go to their desk and review their patient list, calendar, and schedule.
Checking these things will allow the technicians to prioritize tasks during the day.
Of course, each day will be different for the medical records technician.
However, they will compile patients’ health information, transcribe results, and more.
Responsibilities, Duties, & Roles Of A Medical Records Technician
The primary duties and responsibilities of a medical records technician include the following:
- Managing and organizing patient’s health data
- Filling in all paperwork
- Communicating with a healthcare professional to obtain and verify patient information
- Maintaining EHR (electronic health record) databases
- Codify patients’ medical information
- And much more
Medical Records Technician Salary
Here is a breakdown of the salary of a medical records technician:
Average Salary
The average salary of a medical records technician is over $40,618 per year.
Of course, location matters, as New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and Alaska pay the highest salaries.
Starting Salary
The initial salary of a medical records technician will be roughly around $31,000 per year.
You will probably begin with this estimate and then work your way up.
Senior Salary
The top 10% of medical records technicians make about $59,120 annually.
The figure can go higher, but that depends on the technician’s location.
How To Become A Medical Records Technician
Are you looking to become a medical records technician?
Here is what you must know:
The Entry Level: Certification, Training, & Degree
There are certain requirements you must fulfill to become a medical records technician.
You must study business or medical assisting services or healthcare administration.
The most common degree for such technicians is an Associate degree.
If you have an Associate degree, you can also opt for certifications.
The most common certification that a medical records technician must-have is a Medical Assistant Certification.
However, you can also opt for Certified Phlebotomy Technician or Registered Health Information Technician.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
A medical records technician must have a diverse skill set.
These include paying attention to detail, technological skills, organizational skills, communication, medical terminology proficiency, etc.
The technician must be familiar with technology as they will organize the EHR database.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Medical Records Technician?
How long it takes to become a medical records technician depends on what you study.
For example, many people earn a certificate in medical technology that takes three to six months.
If you want to go for an Associate degree, it will take you two years.
In both scenarios, becoming a technician will not take long.
You must put in minimum time and become a technician in less than two years.
Is It Hard To Become A Medical Records Technician?
It is not challenging to become a medical records technician.
Once you have your degree or certification, you can get a job quickly.
Of course, technical and technological knowledge is crucial as it will make your life easier.
Medical Records Technician Career Paths
Are you wondering if becoming a medical records technician is right for you?
If you are, then here is what you must know:
The Medical Records Technician Roadmap
The roadmap to becoming a medical records technician is simple.
You must opt for a certification or Associate degree in the relevant field.
After that, you can apply for a job in any medical facility.
You will get a job in no time as there is demand for medical records technicians.
You must also keep obtaining certifications to stay ahead in your career.
It will also help you stay up-to-date with the healthcare industry.
Projections For Growth In Medical Records Technician Jobs
The projected growth rate is 7%, as fast as the average.
You will advance in this field as you work and take up a senior position.
You will begin with an entry-level position, and after a few years, you will be a senior as you keep earning more certifications.
In Summary: Is Medical Records Technician A Good Career?
Being a medical records technician is a good career, but it is not for everyone.
That is because the pay and job satisfaction is low.
However, you will have a work/life balance, and the stress level will be low.
It depends on what you are willing to compromise on.
This will be a good career if you are okay with average pay and need a low-stress job with a work/life balance.
Working Conditions
Here is what you must know about the working conditions of a medical records technician:
Can A Medical Records Technician Work Remotely From Home?
The only role you can perform from home is updating medical records or transcribing documents.
You must be in the office to do the rest of the work, such as verifying patient chart information.
The technician must also be in the office to perform other routine tasks.
How Many Hours Does A Medical Records Technician Work?
Medical record technicians work forty hours a week.
They work eight hours daily, and the office pays them hourly or fixed salaries.
Can A Medical Records Technician Work Part-Time?
Yes, medical records technicians can work part-time.
However, some days they might have to stay till regular office hours to finish their work.
Regarding part-time work, the hours can go up or down.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Medical Records Technician?
Most medical records technicians will receive three weeks off from work each year.
However, it depends on the healthcare institute.
Of course, you can expect to get vacation days between two and three weeks.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Medical Records Technician
- Medical Office Administrator
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Researcher
- Forensic Science Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Dispatcher
- Grant Writer
- Office Manager
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
Medical Records Technician Resume Tips
Here are some top tips if you want an excellent resume:
- List your previous quantifiable achievements
- Highlight your relevant certifications
- Add an objective summary on the top of your resume
- Ensure it is ATS-friendly
- Sprinkle keywords from the job description in the resume
Medical Records Technician Interview Questions
Here are some top questions you must ask medical records technician candidates:
Q1: How do you create accurate and complete medical records?
Why it works: Asking the question will help you assess the candidates’ experience with medical records.
You will know if there are any weaknesses in their process after you ask the question.
Q2: How would you explain what current procedural terminology (CPT) codes are to a layman?
Why it works: CPT codes are crucial when working as a medical records technician.
They probably don’t know much about it if they can’t explain this to a layman.
Q3: What medical records management software do you find most useful and why?
Why it works: The candidate’s answer will highlight their experience with EHR, if they have any.
Jobs Related To Medical Records Technician
Here are some similar jobs if you don’t want to become a medical records technician:
- Medical transcriptionist
- Information clerk
- Health information coder
- Billing specialist
- Patient service representative
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Medical Records Technician
Here are some of the best tips for hiring an excellent medical records technician:
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Medical Records Technician
When hiring a medical records technician, looking for the right traits is crucial.
That includes:
- Ability to handle patient information
- Good communication skills
- Technological and EHR familiarity
- Coding skills
- Familiarity with medical terminology
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
You can become a medical records technician with an Associate degree or some relevant certifications.
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to opt for this job.
When you meet this requirement, you will receive a job in no time.
Reference Links
- https://www.betterteam.com/medical-records-technician-interview-questions
- https://study.com/articles/Medical_Records_Technician_Employment_Info_and_Requirements_for_a_Career_as_a_Medical_Record_Technician/
- https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/the-4-least-stressful-medical-jobs/
- https://imbc.edu/2018/06/04/what-does-a-medical-records-technician-do/
- https://imbc.edu/2020/10/27/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-medical-records-technician/
- https://www.zippia.com/medical-records-technician-jobs/
- https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/job-descriptions/medical-records-technician-job-description
- https://www.greatsampleresume.com/job-responsibilities/medical/records-technician