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Medical Records Specialist

💰 Earn $47K-$80K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 7.1% Job Growth

Ideal for detail-oriented individuals passionate about healthcare data management.
Ensure accurate medical records, impacting patient care and healthcare efficiency.
Unique role in transforming medical data into actionable insights for better outcomes.

What Medical Records Specialists DoCompile, 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.

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.

Medical Records Specialists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationVocational Training

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings14,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$59,700 in California

$50,250 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@livinglifewithdianaa

@iam_chrissyyy

@thebrittnicolee

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks

you value

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Coordination

Go Deeper: Medical Records Specialists Explained

Medical Records SpecialistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years

Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?