To become a health information administrator, one must complete a four-year university program, pass the RHIA test, and possess skills in data analysis, computer use, and interpersonal communication. The job involves managing patient files, designing file storage systems, and training staff. The field is growing, and careers can be found in various healthcare facilities.
A health information administrator is responsible for keeping track of patient files and documentation and keeping documents confidential and up to date. To become a health information administrator, a person must succeed in high school math and science courses and follow a four-year university program.
For someone who wants to become a health information administrator, the ability to analyze and process data, apply computer skills, and interact on a psychological and sociological level with others is essential. The potential health information administrator must also have an interest in the health professions and the medical field.
It is possible to obtain a degree in the field from an accredited university that offers a bachelor’s degree. A student can become a Registered Medical Information Administrator (RHIA) by passing the test offered by the American Health Information Management Association, which the student is eligible to take after earning the degree.
Before entering a program to become a health information administrator, a student must review background information about the college, admission requirements, and course of study. Curricula vary, and some schools place more emphasis on the medical aspects, while others focus on psychology and interacting with patients. Most health information management programs include courses in medical terminology, health law, health information systems, pathophysiology, and quality management. It is also important to look at placement rates for specific schools. Careers in healthcare are booming, and the number of people expected to become health information administrators will increase by 25% by the end of the decade.
Someone who becomes a health information administrator can also work as a health information manager. In addition to being responsible for paperwork, these people often design and manage the file storage systems in healthcare facilities, either on a computer or by a manual system. A health information administrator may train information management staff, develop systems for recording data, retaining and disclosing medical records, and compiling statistics. Healthcare jobs for health information administrators are typically found in hospitals, insurance agencies, medical facilities, clinics, government agencies, and health computing facilities.
To become a health information administrator, a person must be detail-oriented and able to keep track of large amounts of records and documents. The health information administrator must be aware of the basic principles of medical practice and the need to keep information secure. If the administrator shows potential, there are possibilities to advance into management and advisory roles in a facility’s information center.
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