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How do I get Medical Records Training?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are three steps required to get medical records training: find a suitable school, apply for acceptance, pay the tuition fee, and complete the course work. Medical records training is required to work as a medical records technician, health information system technician, or as a medical office administrator. This field is forecast to have better than average growth over the next five to ten years, as the need for digital medial records grows.

People who want to get medical records training have usually been working in the medical practice field for several years and are looking to advance their careers. Options may include medical office receptionist, laboratory technician, assistant medical office manager or similar role. Although this role is currently dominated by women, an increasing number of men who want to work in the health care sector are becoming medical records technicians. These jobs typically offer standard business hours and steady employment.

Medical records administrators oversee patient records systems.
Medical records administrators oversee patient records systems.

Medical records training is available from a wide range of community and career colleges. The programs are typically eight to 12 months in length, with continuous enrollment. Check the accreditation status of the school before registering. An accredited school has been evaluated by an independent third party, who is responsible for checking the quality of courses against a specific standard.

Medical receptionists may receive medical records training.
Medical receptionists may receive medical records training.

The second step toward getting medical records training is to apply for admissions to a post-secondary education program. The requirements vary, but typically include a high school diploma, typing speed of at least 65 words per minute, and courses in English and computer software. Mature students can often obtain credits for work experience, reducing the total number of courses required to get medical records training.

Medical records contain information about a patient's health and medical treatment history.
Medical records contain information about a patient's health and medical treatment history.

Tuition is typically due before classes begin. Review the invoice provided by the school and see if it includes textbooks or related materials in the course fees. If not, be prepared to purchase these materials, in addition to the tuition. Look for scholarships, grants, and bursaries to help defray the costs of the tuition.

The courses required to get medical records training include computer software skills, record keeping, medical terminology, and document management. It is important to make sure the computer software training is on the latest version. Each version has different features, and learning the most recent one will allow you to take full advantage.

Upon successful completion of the medical records training, candidates can look for employment opportunities in a medical practice, hospital, long-term care facility, or related firm. Government agencies and health insurance companies are also expanding their medical records management programs and are another source of possible employment opportunities.

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    • Medical records administrators oversee patient records systems.
      By: andreiorlov
      Medical records administrators oversee patient records systems.
    • Medical receptionists may receive medical records training.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Medical receptionists may receive medical records training.
    • Medical records contain information about a patient's health and medical treatment history.
      By: Monkey Business
      Medical records contain information about a patient's health and medical treatment history.