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Health information technician vs recording technician

The differences between health information technicians and recording technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a health information technician and a recording technician. Additionally, a recording technician has an average salary of $34,620, which is higher than the $34,604 average annual salary of a health information technician.

The top three skills for a health information technician include patients, medical terminology and customer service. The most important skills for a recording technician are customer service, data entry, and database systems.

Health information technician vs recording technician overview

Health Information TechnicianRecording Technician
Yearly salary$34,604$34,620
Hourly rate$16.64$16.64
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs120,78625,621
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a health information technician do?

A health information technician is primarily responsible for managing and handling patient information, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. They coordinate with various health care workers to gather patient data, laboratory results, test findings, and medical histories, encoding them in clinical databases in a timely and efficient manner. They must analyze every information to detect any inconsistencies, performing corrective measures right away. Furthermore, as a health information technician, it is essential to utilize particular software and systems when processing information, all while adhering to the hospital's policies and regulations.

What does a recording technician do?

A recording technician specializes in operating audio systems and equipment for various purposes such as recordings, broadcasts, and events. It is their responsibility to prepare equipment according to project or program requirements like microphones, audio lines, speakers, and amplifiers, ensuring everything is accounted for and is functioning efficiently. Aside from setting up equipment, they must also conduct regular maintenance checks and perform repairs as necessary. Moreover, as a recording technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Health information technician vs recording technician salary

Health information technicians and recording technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Health Information TechnicianRecording Technician
Average salary$34,604$34,620
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $26,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityFairbanks, AKSanta Cruz, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyStifel FinancialNational Grid plc
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between health information technician and recording technician education

There are a few differences between a health information technician and a recording technician in terms of educational background:

Health Information TechnicianRecording Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorHealth Care AdministrationBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Health information technician vs recording technician demographics

Here are the differences between health information technicians' and recording technicians' demographics:

Health Information TechnicianRecording Technician
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 16.5% Female, 83.5%Male, 30.4% Female, 69.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.6% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.5% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between health information technician and recording technician duties and responsibilities

Health information technician example responsibilities.

  • Maximize ROI by effectively managing the microfiche process.
  • Assist patients and staff on filling out ROI's, and explain what exactly are being release or obtain.
  • Perform analysis and assembly of emergency room and surgery records and release records according to HIPAA regulations and confidentially.
  • Input data into a windows base in-house system.
  • Scan medical records in the EHR using the NEXTGEN software.
  • Attend advanced SQL coding workshops to optimize and refine database infrastructure.
  • Show more

Recording technician example responsibilities.

  • Utilize SharePoint and Accutrac to convert information, by ensuring constant communication with department records coordinator and project leads.
  • Scan transcripts and financial documents into Onbase.
  • Perform periodic GMP audits to the manufacturing area.
  • Update procedures according to CFR & ISO requirements.
  • Assist processing, digitizing, and setting base-color on production materials.
  • Implement policy and procedures for HIPPA, OSHA and daily office guidelines.
  • Show more

Health information technician vs recording technician skills

Common health information technician skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Medical Terminology, 13%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • HIPAA, 9%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Data Entry, 5%
Common recording technician skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Data Entry, 18%
  • Database Systems, 7%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
  • Background Checks, 4%
  • Computer System, 4%

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