As the healthcare field grows in complexity, jobs available in medical records will become more plentiful. Although people tend to think of direct care when they think of healthcare jobs, it’s essential that well-trained and competent record keepers are available to keep track of patient data and other information that can aid in efficient healthcare delivery. If you’re interested in healthcare and are especially comfortable with technology, there are several kinds of medical records jobs you might consider.

Health Information Technician

Health information technicians usually hold at least an associate’s degree and may work in a doctor’s office, hospital or any other facility where patient records are kept. Medical records or health information technicians manage the data regarding a patient’s history and also do checks for quality on such information, according to Career Overview. All kinds of health information might be included in the kinds of records handled, from patient intake information to diagnosis and treatment notes or test results. Good computer skills are a must, but it’s also helpful for a health information technician to have some understanding of medical terminology.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Professional

In 2012, the government provided grants to a number of hospitals so they could convert to electronic health records (EHR). Since then, the need for technicians and consultants to help with that record keeping has grown. According to Fortune, big healthcare networks began actively looking for and training people to manage the software. Basically these technicians will take general templates and customize them for specific needs, such as building a requested patient’s history. The data may be on an even larger scale, however, such a health profiles for a certain demographic. To do such work, it helps if you have a background in medicine already, perhaps as a medical assistant or nurse. Once you have this kind of software expertise, it’s likely you can use it in a consulting capacity.

Medical Transcriptionist

Among the jobs available in medical records is the job of a medical transcriptionist. Fast, accurate typing and some familiarity with medical terminology are both helpful in this job. Some people in this field have an associate’s degree, while others complete an approximately one-year program to gain the skills they need. Transcriptionists are what they sound like: people who transcribe doctor’s notes, usually recorded, onto a computer. These notes get added to patient medical files and ensure that the doctor has accurate and legible notes to refer to when needed, which aids in a better quality of patient care. Medical transcriptionists can sometimes work from home or as independent contractors, which is an attractive feature for many job-seekers. Related Resource: MBA in Healthcare Management These are just a few of the medical record keeping jobs you can find in the current healthcare system. The list could also include such jobs as medical billing and coding. Although direct care for patients is important, quality support workers, such as medical record keepers, are also important. Care and accuracy in handling information and some familiarity with medical terminology and healthcare delivery are perhaps your biggest assets as you look into jobs available in medical records.

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