Do you want a career as a medical records technician? Follow these career-boosting tips to secure your first job in a medical record office!
Jobs in the medical record office are growing by 13% annually. This is faster than average career growth for all occupations. It’s a great time to be a medical record technician.
You may fit well in this new career if you enjoy working in a very organized medical-related field. Once you enter the field, there are many opportunities for advancement.
Continue reading to learn about advancing in the medical record technician field.
How to Become a Medical Record Technician
Medical Record Technicians MRT must complete a 1-1/2 to a 2-year education program. You are then prepared to take the certification exam.
You must demonstrate organizations and attention to detail when becoming a technician. It’s important to understand and practice, without exception, confidentiality rules. You must also be able to learn computer skills and new technology.
5 Career-Boosting Tips to Get a Medical Record Office Job
What can you do to boost your career as an MRT? In any job, step one in advancement involves performing at an “exceeds expectations level”.
According to the Holland Code framework, an MRT typically has interest areas in “Persuading” and “Organizing”. The Persuading interest indicates that you focus on influencing, motivating, and selling people. These characteristics can develop an effective manager.
The Organizing interest means that you excel in working with information and processes. You have a talent for keeping things arranged in an orderly system. This quality describes the skill needed for an MRT.
Find ways to “show” your superiors that you have these qualities and characteristics. Show them that you are a motivated and innovative employee. Demonstrate professionalism in all that you do.
1. Complete and Maintain the Certification as an MRT
Most companies prefer hiring candidates who completed MRT registration or certification. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) administers the certification exam.
Successful completion gives you the professional designation of Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
A certification on your resume opens doors for career advancement. This leads to higher salaries and better peer networking opportunities. Completing the required continuing education for recertification makes you a lifelong learner.
2. Complete Higher Degrees
Continuing in your education process and achieving higher degrees increases your marketability. Here are the academic routes you can take.
Associate’s Degree
There are several programs that a student may complete to enter the MRT role.
- Associate of Science (AS) Degree
- The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree
- Specialized Associate Degree (AST)
Bachelor’s Degree
You may choose to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Health Information Management. This degree prepares graduates to enter managerial positions supervising health information professionals.
Once you complete the BS, you are qualified for Registered Health Information Administrator positions.
Master’s Degree
The Master of Health Information Management (HIM) Degree provides many job opportunities.
HIM professionals may work in large medical and hospital systems. You may find a position in a private physician practice. Healthcare consulting companies, as well as software and service vendors, also hire HIMs.
3. Know the Tech
MRTs should be proficient in several software programs. This will increase your qualifications for positions you are interested in pursuing.
- Analytical or Scientific Software including Minitab, SAS, SPSS, or StataCorp Stata
- Database Reporting Software such as Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services or SAP Crystal Reports
- Medical Software including Epic Systems, Medical condition coding software, Medical procedure coding software, or MEDITECH software
- Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Software such as SAP Business Objects
- Microsoft Office Suite such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Microsoft Excel
If your school did not teach some of these software programs, find courses so that you can become proficient.
4. Become a Manager
Medical and Health Services Managers often require at least a Bachelor’s degree. Many employers now prefer a Master’s degree.
National average statistics show that applicants need less than 5 years of experience. The median pay for this position is $84,270.
The job outlook for this career shows a predicted 20% growth rate by 2026. This is much faster than other occupations.
Medical and health service managers may hold titles such as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators. Their job is to plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. Management scope may include an entire facility, specific clinical department, or a physician’s medical practice.
This job also entails making changes to ensure your organization meets healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.
5. Become Active in Your National Organization
Part of being a professional means being a member of your national organization. The AHIMA has worked to improve the quality of medical records for almost a century.
They have assumed leadership roles to promote effective health data and information management. They also take part in ensuring quality healthcare for the public.
AHIMA first began in 1928 and is now the leading association of HIM professionals worldwide. They provide resources for HIM education, accreditation, credentialing, policymaking, and issue advocacy. AHIMA provides a reliable, up to date resource for information to HIM professionals.
Joining your professional organization affords you many career benefits. You can attend conferences and other continuing education opportunities.
You gain a network of peers to call upon to discuss questions, policies, accreditation, and more. This network can prove invaluable when you are in the job market.
Participating on committees allows you to take part in creating policy and molding your profession. You have the opportunity to run for office at the local, regional, and national levels. This makes a great addition to your resume.
Are You Ready to Boost Your Career?
Would you like help to interview more effectively? We provide interview coaching. We also help troubleshoot your job search.
Our company has helped hundreds of people get the desired job and promotion they sought. If you found this article about boosting your medical record office career helpful, continue reading our site today. We want to help you meet your career goals.
