Medical Secretary and Health Record Technician

from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_secretary.htm

A medical secretary has special training in understanding medical terminology and procedures. Health record technicians focus on creating and managing medical records.

The Cool Things They Do:

Medical Secretary:

Health Record Technician:

Working Conditions:

Medical secretaries and health record technicians work closely with other healthcare professionals—usually in doctors' offices, hospitals or clinics. The job requires little physical strength and much of the work is performed while seated in front of a computer. Their office duties are usually carried out during regular business hours, but some may be required to work evenings and weekends.

Most Medical Secretaries and Health Record Technicians Work In: Personal Characteristics/Skills: Education and Training Required:

High School or College Diploma

Length of Study/Training : 1-3 years post-secondary

Certification (s):

All Provinces: Health Records Technicians must be certified by the Canadian Health Record Association

Helpful High School Courses: Employment Prospects - GOOD

Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services. There is a constant demand for medical secretaries and health records technicians.

Earnings:

Average annual income for medical secretaries and health records technicians: $35,000 to $50,000 and can vary greatly depending on experience, location and place of employment.

More Information:

Canadian Health Records Association
http://www.chra.ca

Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca

Canada's Health Informatics Association
http://www.coachorg.com

The Electronic Child Health Network
http://www.echn.ca

Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

The American Health Information Management Association (US)
http://www.ahima.org

Job Futures:

Clerical Occupations, General Office Skills
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/141.shtml