Career Profile

Medical Records Specialists

What they do:

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.

Also Called:

Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Coder, Health Information Clerk, Health Information Specialist, Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
$44,650
Starting Salary (2025)
$63,960
Median Salary (2025)
7.1%
Projected Job Growth
650
RI Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Social
Working with people
Only a subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

There is no data available.

What key skills are needed for this job?

There is no data available.

Expected Knowledge

There is no data available.

Common Activities

There is no data available.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

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