Career Trends: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Medical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.

Health information technicians held about 188,600 jobs in 2014. Most health information technicians work in hospitals or physicians’ offices.

Health information technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation, although some may need an associate’s degree. Certification is often required.

Employment of health information technicians is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages.

This occupation supported 186,300 jobs in 2012 and 188,600 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 1.2%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 22.1% in 2022 to 227,500 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 194,500, compared with an observed value of 188,600, 3.0% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 15.6% in 2024 to 217,600 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 235,700 jobs for 2024, 8.3% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.