Post job

Recording technician vs medical record assistant

The differences between recording technicians and medical record assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a recording technician and a medical record assistant. Additionally, a medical record assistant has an average salary of $34,870, which is higher than the $34,620 average annual salary of a recording technician.

The top three skills for a recording technician include customer service, data entry and database systems. The most important skills for a medical record assistant are patients, data entry, and HIPAA.

Recording technician vs medical record assistant overview

Recording TechnicianMedical Record Assistant
Yearly salary$34,620$34,870
Hourly rate$16.64$16.76
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs25,62191,238
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

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.

What does a medical record assistant do?

A medical record assistant is responsible for the proper documentation of the patients' information and medical records for reference to the attending physician or other medical professionals. Medical record assistants also track the patient's medical treatments and progress, as well as their health insurance details and coverage. They also respond to the patient's inquiries and concerns, including scheduling physician's appointments and updating the patients for any released medical results. A medical record assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, categorizing documents, and retrieving files for medical needs.

Recording technician vs medical record assistant salary

Recording technicians and medical record assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Recording TechnicianMedical Record Assistant
Average salary$34,620$34,870
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $45,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySanta Cruz, CANapa, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying companyNational Grid plcNelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between recording technician and medical record assistant education

There are a few differences between a recording technician and a medical record assistant in terms of educational background:

Recording TechnicianMedical Record Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Recording technician vs medical record assistant demographics

Here are the differences between recording technicians' and medical record assistants' demographics:

Recording TechnicianMedical Record Assistant
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 30.4% Female, 69.6%Male, 17.3% Female, 82.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 8.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between recording technician and medical record assistant duties and responsibilities

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

Medical record assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead special department-wide task force initiative to minimize abuse of Oxycontin prescriptions bill to Medicaid.
  • Manage and organize all paperwork concerning caregivers and patients; organize filing system; ensure operation of electronic filing systems.
  • Work with EHR, provide medical records to patients and specialty centers.
  • Guide department through transition from paper charts to EHR system scan all patient records into database.
  • Scan documents into electronic medical records system and certify HIPAA compliance
  • Implement HIPAA guidelines in keeping patient information secure and confidential.
  • Show more

Recording technician vs medical record assistant skills

Common recording technician skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Data Entry, 18%
  • Database Systems, 7%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
  • Background Checks, 4%
  • Computer System, 4%
Common medical record assistant skills
  • Patients, 37%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • HIPAA, 6%
  • Patient Care, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
  • Medical Terminology, 3%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs