Medical Records Specialists
Medical records specialists compile, process, and maintain patient records for hospitals and clinics while following medical, legal, and regulatory standards. They classify medical concepts like diagnoses and procedures into proper systems. Most work in healthcare facilities, handling both paper and electronic records.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical records specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing patient charts for completeness and accuracy, entering medical data into electronic systems, and organizing records according to classification standards. Specialists verify that diagnoses and procedures are correctly coded, respond to requests for patient information from authorized personnel, and ensure records comply with privacy and regulatory requirements.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIS. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be detail-oriented and systematic, comfortable following established procedures and regulations. You prefer investigative work that involves organizing information and solving classification problems, combined with conventional roles that require accuracy and adherence to standards.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Medical Records Administrator Specialist · Veterans Health Administration · Kansas City, Missouri · $41400–$98671
- Medical Records Technician (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist)(CDIS - Inpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Tulsa, Oklahoma · $61722–$80243
- Medical Records Administrator Specialist · Veterans Health Administration · Johnson City, Tennessee · $74678–$97087
- Medical Records Technician (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (Outpatient/Inpatient)) · Veterans Health Administration · Martinsburg, West Virginia · $70623–$91815
- Medical Records Technician (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (Out/Inpatient)) · Veterans Health Administration · Kansas City, Missouri · $62729–$81553
- MEDICAL RECORDS ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Homestead AFB, Florida · $65735–$85460
- Medical Records Technican (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist - Outpatient and Inpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Tampa, Florida · $61722–$80243
- Medical Records Technician(Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist - Outpatient and Inpatient) · Veterans Health Administration · Tampa, Florida · $61722–$80243
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $55,750 | $72,040 | $99,060 | 270 |
| Rhode Island | $51,040 | $63,960 | $70,910 | 650 |
| Hawaii | $50,670 | $63,180 | $77,970 | 400 |
| Washington | $50,250 | $62,270 | $79,680 | 5,010 |
| California | $49,000 | $61,810 | $80,630 | 18,700 |
| New York | $49,010 | $61,720 | $79,120 | 9,080 |
| Minnesota | $49,690 | $61,530 | $70,070 | 3,150 |
| Alaska | $51,050 | $61,090 | $72,800 | 1,070 |
| Connecticut | $48,750 | $60,940 | $76,160 | 1,120 |
| Massachusetts | $48,170 | $60,350 | $74,700 | 3,500 |
| Wisconsin | $49,510 | $60,280 | $66,140 | 2,870 |
| Colorado | $49,280 | $59,020 | $68,140 | 1,780 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Medical Coder (CMC) — Practice Management Institute
- Medical Coder & Biller Certification (MCBC) — American Medical Certification Association
- Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) — American Medical Certification Association
- Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) — American Medical Certification Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical records specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2072.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.