Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a medical records administrator and how to become one
The medical records administrator, also known as HIM administrator, creates and maintains patient information data, storage, and retrieval processes. They organize and control health data in paper and electronic systems by accuracy, precision, accessibility, and security. They use a number of coding schemes to code and classify patient records for insurance, directories, and registries, as well as to preserve medical and treatment history for patients.
The duty of medical records administrators may vary depending on the employer. However, most of their work revolves around using methods that meet the standards set by the accrediting and regulatory agencies. They also process health and civil proceedings medical-legal paperwork and create reports in court and testifies, if necessary, to registration procedures. Medical records administrators compile information about births, deaths, other information for different agencies as well.
Most employers require applicants to have an associate's degree in health management or any related field. Candidates must also have a certificate as a Registered Health Information Administrator or RHIA. However, there are some employers that prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in HIM.
What general advice would you give to a medical records administrator?
Janice Garnett Ed.D.
Senior Lecturer, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Avg. Salary $80,519
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 28%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%
Asian 6.91%
Black or African American 11.81%
Hispanic or Latino 14.55%
Unknown 4.27%
White 61.74%
Genderfemale 78.80%
male 21.20%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Medical records administrator career paths
Key steps to become a medical records administrator
Explore medical records administrator education requirements
Start to develop specific medical records administrator skills
Skills Percentages Patients 27.92% Medical Terminology 11.89% HIPAA 7.30% Patient Care 7.26% Patient Charts 6.84% Complete relevant medical records administrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New medical records administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a medical records administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real medical records administrator resumes.Gain additional medical records administrator certifications
More About CertificationsMedical records administrator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific medical records administrator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for medical records administrators include Medical Assistant and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Research medical records administrator duties and responsibilities
- Manage medical records in accordance with federal and state HIPAA guidelines, maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
- Bill Medicaid and pertinent insurance companies for payment on services.
- Respond swiftly to provider questions and ensure claims are processed through MMIS system properly to meet Medicaid eligibility.
- Demonstrate knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security regulations by appropriately handling patient information.
Prepare your medical records administrator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your medical records administrator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a medical records administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable medical records administrator resume templates
Build a professional medical records administrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your medical records administrator resume.
Apply for medical records administrator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a medical records administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first medical records administrator job
Are you a medical records administrator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average medical records administrator salary
The average medical records administrator salary in the United States is $80,519 per year or $39 per hour. Medical records administrator salaries range between $59,000 and $108,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do medical records administrators rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
