How to Become a Medical Records Technician
For those looking to break into the medical field, the medical records technician (MRT) is a good career option. An MRT collects, organizes, manages, codes and stores medical information so that patient records are accurate and up to date. Being an MRT entails moving data electronically and in paper form, transferring information from one source to another, and managing patient records.
Steps to Becoming an MRT
In order become an MRT, you will need the following:
- High school diploma or GED minimum
- Related postsecondary training
- Completion of credentialing exam
If you have a high school diploma or GED, you are eligible to start a job-training program and enroll in an accredited postsecondary program. There are many programs that offer a diploma in medical records technology, medical coding, or clinical documentation.
Jobs in Medical Records
To become an MRT, you must have a good understanding of medical terminology and diseases, as well as be familiar with health information privacy regulations. After you have completed an accredited program and obtained a job, you will need to take and pass a credentialing exam. This will grant you a certification as Certified Medical Records Technician (CMRT) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Having a certification as a CMRT will allow you to practice the field in almost any setting from hospitals, to insurance companies, to doctors’ offices. It is important to note that while computer-based application knowledge is desirable, basic computer knowledge, such as word processing, is not a requirement of jobs in medical records.
Impact of AI on Medical Records Technicians
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and become increasingly common, medical records technicians will be responsible for overseeing and managing the technology in their employers systems. AI will enable MRTs to work faster and more accurately as the technology is programmed to detect natural language and recognize patterns in the data. MRTs will need to be prepared to work with AI when it comes to coding and categorizing patient data, as well as interpreting findings and making decisions.
For those looking for a rewarding career in the medical field, the medical records technician is an excellent choice. With a high school diploma or GED, the right postsecondary training, and the right certifications, you will be prepared to enter one of the most in-demand fields in the healthcare industry.