Medical Records Technician Overview, Requirements, Salary

 

Each day, many thousands of people visit doctors and hospitals. Every one of those visits entails the use of medical records. Prior to an appointment, doctors review the patient's medical history and then adds notes to them about the current visit. Detailed in these notes are patients' symptoms, diagnoses, tests ordered and medications prescribed; all of which need to recorded and added to their medical record.

Medical Records Technicians are a vital part of the healthcare team, yet do not have direct contact with patients. A Medical Records Technician (MRT) records notes resulting from a visit on a database, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

A Medical Records Technician converts doctors' notes into patients' permanent medical history records. Ensuring this process is accurate and timely is critical to providing the correct medical care. People who pride themselves on being detail-oriented and are looking for the opportunity to share in providing quality health care without patient contact may find this career an excellent fit.

Requirements
One can be hired as an MRT with only a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. However, possessing an associate's degree with related coursework is required by many employers. This is especially true in urban environments and large hospitals. While a bachelor's degree is not necessary, it does improve one's chances of advancing to a supervisory position.

There are also a plethora of certification programs available. Most common and preferred by many employers is the Registered Health Information Technician certification. This is attained by completing an exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Other certifications, including specialties, are also offered.

Salary
Though salaries fluctuate depending on location, education and experience, the median salary for a Medical Records Technician in 2020 was $42,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries range from $21,250 to $53,450. Positions in hospitals or government agencies as well as those with specialty certification paid better.

The current pressure for doctors and hospitals to convert to electronic health records, in addition to the increasingly large aging population, put demand for Medical Records Technicians firmly above average. Positions for MRTs are predicted to increase by over 20% from 2020 to 2030.