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CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

CAREER PROFILE

Health Records Technician

Health Records Technicians help keep patient information accurate, organized, and easy to find. They classify, code, cross-reference, and store health records, then use retrieval systems to answer requests for information. The work also includes preparing medical, social, and administrative statistics and using knowledge of medical terms, body systems, and treatments. Strong computer skills, teamwork, and good organizing skills matter, along with English, math, and basic computer studies.

EDUCATION ROUTEMultiple pathways
WORK STYLEVaries by role
CAREER FIELDScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path starts with high school courses in English, math, and basic computer studies. Many students then take a college or other postsecondary program in health information, medical office, or a related field, although some employers may hire with different combinations of training and experience. Useful early experience can come from co-op, practicum, or entry-level office or records work in a health setting. Employers often look for strong organizing skills, accuracy, teamwork, and familiarity with medical terms, body systems, and treatments. Requirements can vary by employer, province, or the specific role.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

  • Classify, code, cross-reference and store health records and related information
  • Maintain indexes for classification systems
  • Operate information retrieval systems and respond to requests for health record information
  • Prepare medical, social and administrative statistics
  • Apply knowledge of medical terminology, physiology and treatments.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career

Computer LiteracyOrganizing/retrieving informationTeam Work

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