medical records rechnician reviews patient files and reconciles accounts using technology

Guide to medical records technician associate degrees online

Table of Contents

Why earn an online medical records tech associate’s

Salary Estimate (BLS)

$50,250

Room to Grow

Flexibility

Length

What is a medical records technician?

Medical records technicians take on a key role in the healthcare workforce. They’re responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including keeping track of important patient information such as diagnoses, treatments received, upcoming appointments, insurance information and billing records. Medical records technicians need knowledge of topics like medical terminology and medical coding and skills such as organization and attention to detail.

How to become a medical records technician

An online associate degree can be a great way to start a career as a medical records technician. Often, medical records technicians earn an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) degree. This degree takes around 18 months to complete and normally has 60 credits. Medical records technicians sometimes also earn associate degrees in healthcare administration or health information technology. Any of these degree options can be earned 100% online and can open the door to a role as a medical records technician.

As is true for most healthcare positions, jobs for medical records technicians are growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an 7.1% increase in roles for these professionals over the next 10 years.

“Healthcare facilities really need people who understand this technology and who can work with electronic health records,” said Jenny Delgado, an instructor for Texas State Technical College’s Healthcare Information Technology Associate Degree Program. “They need people with this skill set.”

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What to expect in your medical records program

Medical records technicians will need technical skills and healthcare knowledge in their careers. The exact courses in a program will vary, but all programs will contain classes designed to help students gain skills and knowledge. Common coursework will cover:

Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology
Medical record keeping
Medical software
Healthcare data management
Billing and accounting
Insurance and reimbursement
Database management
ICD coding
Electronic health records management
Patient data privacy

Since you’ll be earning an associate degree, you’ll also take classes in core subjects. This commonly includes subjects such as writing, statistics, sociology, science and arts. The exact requirements will depend on your program.

“Earning a formal education gives students a lot of knowledge, and that helps them build careers. It covers skills like ICD-10 coding and electronic health records, but it also gives an understanding of medical terms and healthcare topics,” said Delgado.

The application process

Each program will have its own admission requirements. Often, schools offer rolling admissions. This means that they take applications throughout the year, and you can apply whenever you’re ready (read our “How to Apply for College” first).

Most applications ask for personal details such as your citizenship status and disclosure of any criminal background. You’ll also be asked to submit information about any previous education you’ve completed. You can typically do this online. It’s common to be asked for:

Your high school diploma or GED
Transcripts from all previous education
Scores from SATs, ACTs and any other college standardized test you’ve taken

Some schools require specific GPAs from your previous education or will look for certain test scores on SATs and other tests. However, many schools don’t have these requirements. These schools will still want to see your transcript and test scores, but they won’t base your admission on them.

Do you need a degree to work as a medical records tech?

Not all medical records technicians have an associate degree. Some professionals jump into the field right after high school graduation and learn on the job. However, earning a degree is a great way to prepare for the role. It can give you a strong knowledge base and confidence in your skills as a medical records technician. Plus, some employers prefer to hire candidates who’ve earned a degree. “Not every employer looks for a degree, but some do. Others look for certifications. In recent years, we’ve seen that more employers have been looking for that formal education. I think that’s something we’ll see more of in the future,” Delgado said.

Receiving financial aid

Online associate degrees are offered at multiple price points. Factors such as the program length and number of credits can make a difference, as can the specific costs for your school. As a rule, two-year public colleges, such as community colleges, are less expensive than two-year private schools. In the 2021-2022 school year, tuition at public two-year colleges offering associate degrees was $4,000. Tuition at for-profit two-year colleges offering associate degrees was $15,600 that same school year.

Both public and for-profit schools typically offer financial aid packages. The first step to finding out how much financial aid you might qualify for is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will let you know what federal aid, including grants, scholarships and loans, you might be eligible for.

Beyond the FAFSA, you can look into financial opportunities specific to your location or situation. Some locations offer free or reduced tuition at community colleges to residents who meet certain requirements. Some schools have scholarships for students enrolled in specific programs. People who already work in healthcare might have some tuition coverage through their employer. Taking the time to research all these options can be a great way to uncover ways to help cover the cost of your online associate degree.

Medical records technician salary

The BLS reports that medical records specialists earned a median annual salary of $50,250 in 2024. But remember, this is just a starting point. Several factors can influence your actual salary as a medical records technician, including:

Experience: As you gain experience and expertise, your earning potential increases. Technicians with several years under their belt typically command higher salaries compared to entry-level professionals.
Location: Geographic location significantly impacts salaries. Metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living generally offer higher wages compared to rural areas.
Facility type: Salaries can vary depending on the type of healthcare facility you work in. Hospitals, for example, may offer different compensation packages compared to smaller clinics or specialized treatment centers.

Degree outcomes: Medical records tech career paths

There are a few possible paths once you’ve completed an online associate degree as a medical record technician. Graduates can often find roles in physician’s offices, insurance companies, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and many other healthcare providers. Some graduates of this online associate degree might find work under other job titles. For instance, skills learned in an online associate degree program for medical records technicians could also be applied to a role as a:

Billing clerk: Billing clerks work in physicians’ offices and small healthcare facilities. They take on responsibilities such as creating invoices and processing financial data. The BLS reports that they made a median annual salary of $47,170.
Information clerk: Information clerks work in offices and reception areas of medical facilities and offices. They answer phones, greet patients, give directions, provide information to visitors and organize building information.
Insurance processors: Insurance processors work in medical officers or with insurance companies. They review medical data and work with medical billers and coders to process insurance claims.
Medical administrative assistants and secretaries: Medical secretaries manage the administrative tasks in physician’s offices and other facilities. They oversee billing, scheduling, patient communications, record keeping and more.

“Graduates can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, healthcare clinics, rehabilitation facilities, insurance companies, nursing facilities, home health companies or basically anywhere that there are health records and health information to maintain,” said Delgado.

Is medical records technician certification required?

Medical records technicians don’t need to be certified. There are no licensure or certification requirements in any state. However, there are optional certifications medical records technicians can earn. These certifications can help advance your career and can help you stand out to employers. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers multiple widely recognized certifications that medical records technicians can consider, including:

Certified Coding Associate (CCA): An associate degree in a medical records technician typically includes coursework in medical coding. Medical records technicians can earn this entry-level certification to show their skills and competency in coding.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — Technicians who do coding as part of their job can apply for this certification after one year or more of professional experience.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) — The RHIT is for people who graduated from a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIM) accredited associate-level program or higher.

The certifications from AHMIA are important. I’d encourage anyone in this field to pursue RHIT certification. It’s something employers like to see.” Delgado told us.

Succeeding in your online degree program

Enrolling in any degree program can be stressful. It’s a challenge to balance the demands of coursework with the other responsibilities of daily life. Fortunately, online associate degrees for medical records technicians are typically designed for working adults. They often have flexible scheduling so that you can study when it works best for you.

Programs might also offer supportive services for students. This can include features such as online tutoring, virtual study groups, academic advising, career placement and more. These features can be a great way to connect with the material, your professors and your classmates.

It can also help to practice some popular studying methods, such as:

Following the Pomodoro method—The Pomodoro method is a technique that suggests breaking down the amount of time you spend studying into small, manageable periods. This can make studying more manageable and can help you focus.
Eliminating distractions—It can help to study without distractions around. This includes texts, phone calls, social media alerts and the noise from televisions and speakers.
Making plans for your courses—Setting a schedule and plan for each course can be a great way to keep track of your semester. It allows you to track when your assignments are due, when your exams will be and what you need to work on during each study session.
Using flashcards—Flashcards are a common tool. Many students find them helpful for memorization.
Taking practice tests—A practice test can help you master the material. It’s a great study tool and can serve as a good study guide.

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Medical records tech resources

In any career field, staying up-to-date with the latest developments is a smart move. Professional organizations are a great way to keep current. They can also help you build connections and develop your career. Medical records technicians and students can find resources by checking out organizations such as these:

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM): AAHAM is focused on healthcare professionals who handle administrative tasks such as coding, billing and revenue management. You’ll find resources such as certifications, networking opportunities and conferences on their website.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): AHIMA is the oldest and largest association for health information professionals, including medical records technicians, in the country. They offer a wealth of resources, including career planning, certification, online courses, student information and more.
American Medical Billing Association: The American Medical Billing Association offers resources such as webinars, educational opportunities and networking.

“I’d encourage anyone to stay connected and to keep up with any developments. It’s important to stay current and to be aware of the latest technology. Getting to know other people who work in the field can also help. If you can do things [such as] networking and attending events, it may boost your career,” Delgado explained.

How to choose the right program for you

The right online associate degree program for you is one that fits your needs and your goals. It’s important to find a program with features such as cost, schedule, courses, resources and career focus that matches what you’re looking for. It can help to consider each of these features and their importance to you. If something is especially important, it can be a great way to filter schools and programs. For instance, if you know you need schools that offer a certain type of schedule flexibility and offer affordable tuition, it can narrow down the options.

The importance of medical records technician school accreditation

Another important factor for any school is accreditation. Accreditation is the best way to make sure that a program can provide the quality education you need for your career. Some medical records technician programs are accredited by the state they’re located in. Other programs are accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). You’ll need to attend a school with CAHIM accreditation if you want to earn optional certification from AMHIA. You can look for schools that have achieved AHIMA certification in their national directory.

Final thoughts

Medical records technicians need knowledge of topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and medical coding to perform their important jobs. They also need to understand technology, such as electronic medical record keeping and medical software. An online associate degree program is a great way to gain that knowledge and learn those skills. With rolling admissions, you can start a program at any time and finish in about 18 months. When you’re ready to get started, our find schools button can help you find a school to meet your needs.