Medical records attendants file and update patient records in healthcare facilities. While a high school diploma is usually required, an associate degree in health-related fields and knowledge of medical terminology can improve job prospects. Good organizational and communication skills are also important. Certification as a health information technician can lead to advancement.
A medical records attendant works to keep patient records in order in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. There are no general educational requirements for a person who wants to become a medical records clerk. Most employers require new hires to have a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diplomas. Typically, a person who wants to become a medical records clerk will not need any kind of licensing or certification to get a job in this field. He may not even need related training, as many employers provide on-the-job training for their new medical attendants. However, candidates can improve their chances of gaining employment by completing an associate degree in a health-related field.
Medical records attendants perform essential tasks to keep patient records in order and accessible at all times. The main task of a medical records clerk is to file patient records. This person may also be responsible for updating records and retrieving them when needed. While this work may seem very repetitive in nature, it can be critical to the success of a healthcare facility. A lost or misplaced medical record has the potential to cause serious problems for the patient and their doctors and nurses.
While a person who wants to become a medical record clerk may not need a minimum level of education, he or she typically needs some basic skills. For example, he will usually need good organizational skills, the ability to follow instructions and a talent for paying close attention to detail. He should normally have at least a basic understanding of archiving documents using paper filing systems as well as computerized filing mechanisms. Many employers also expect their medical records workers to be computer literate and have good communication skills. A person can become a more attractive job seeker by learning medical terminology as well.
While many employers do not require their new medical records employees to secure any related education or training, some prefer to hire candidates who have completed programs related to health information management. Sometimes a person who wants to become a medical records clerk goes to school to earn an associate’s degree in health information or medical records management, which can lead to the title of health information technician. After completing a two-year degree in this specialty, a person can take an exam to become certified. Certification as a health information technician can improve an aspiring employee’s job prospects or increase their chances of advancement. Also, gaining some experience with filing or other office tasks can increase a person’s chances of getting a job.
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