HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST


A career as a health information technician (medical records technician) offers unique opportunities to combine an interest in medicine with activities in health care information processing. The health information technician possesses the technical knowledge and skills necessary to organize, analyze and technically evaluate medical records. They also compile administrative and health statistics, report health data for reimbursement and code symptoms and disease operations according to classification systems. Technicians maintain and use health record indexes and registries, transcribe medical reports and control release of health information.

Education

An associates degree from a program accredited by the American Health Information Management Association is required to become a certified ART.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

Kentucky does not require certification; however, certification as an Accredited Record Technician (ART) can be earned by successfully completing the national accreditation exam sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association.

Salary

$15,000-35,000

Employment Opportunities

Health information technicians may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, state and federal health agencies, health maintenance organizations, insurance companies, information systems vendors and colleges or universities.

Programs

** Indicates programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association's Council on Accreditation.
 
Ashland Technical College (800) 928-4256
**Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University (270) 780-2567
Central Kentucky Technical College (859) 246-2400
Draughons Junior College (270) 843-6750
**Eastern Kentucky University, Health Information Technology (859) 622-1915
Hazard Technical College (606) 435-6101
Laurel Technical College (606) 864-7311
Madisonville Health Branch Campus (270) 824-7552
**National Business College, Health Information Program (502) 447-7634
Rowan Technical College (606) 783-1538
Somerset Technical College  (606) 677-4049
West Kentucky Technical College (270) 554-4991

Professional Association

American Health Information Management Association
233 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60601-5519
(312) 233-1100
 

Last updated:  June 26, 2001