0675 - Medical Records Technician

Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers one-grade interval technical support positions that supervise, lead, or perform support work in connection with processing and maintaining medical records for compliance with regulatory requirements. It also covers positions that review, analyze, code, abstract, and compile or extract medical records data. The work requires a practical knowledge of medical record procedures and references and the organization and consistency of medical records. Positions also require a basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the MEDICAL, HOSPITAL, DENTAL, AND PUBLIC HEALTH GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 0601 - General Health Science Series
  • 0602 - Physician
  • 0603 - Physician Assistant Series
  • 0610 - Nurse Series
  • 0620 - Practical Nurse
  • 0621 - Nursing Assistant Series
  • 0622 - Medical Supply Aide and Technician Series
  • 0625 - Autopsy Assistant Series
  • 0630 - Dietitian and Nutritionist Series
  • 0631 - Occupational Therapist Series
  • 0633 - Physical Therapist Series
  • 0635 - Kinesiotherapy Series
  • 0636 - Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Series
  • 0637 - Manual Arts Therapist Series
  • 0638 - Recreation/Creative Arts Therapist Series
  • 0639 - Educational Therapist Series
  • 0640 - Health Aid and Technician Series
  • 0642 - Nuclear Medicine Technician Series
  • 0644 - Medical Technologist Series
  • 0645 - Medical Technician Series
  • 0646 - Pathology Technician Series
  • 0647 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Series
  • 0648 - Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Series
  • 0649 - Medical Instrument Technician Series
  • 0650 - Medical Technical Assistant Series
  • 0651 - Respiratory Therapist Series
  • 0660 - Pharmacist Series
  • 0661 - Pharmacy Technician Series
  • 0662 - Optometrist Series
  • 0665 - Speech Pathology and Audiology Series
  • 0667 - Orthotist and Prosthetist Series
  • 0668 - Podiatrist Series
  • 0669 - Medical Records Administration Series
  • 0670 - Health System Administration Series
  • 0671 - Health System Specialist
  • 0672 - Prosthetic Representative Series
  • 0673 - Hospital Housekeeping Management Series
  • 0679 - Medical Support Assistance
  • 0680 - Dental Officer Series
  • 0681 - Dental Assistant
  • 0682 - Dental Hygiene Series
  • 0683 - Dental Laboratory Aid and Technician Series
  • 0685 - Public Health Program Specialist Series
  • 0688 - Sanitarian Series
  • 0690 - Industrial Hygiene Series
  • 0696 - Consumer Safety Series
  • 0698 - Environmental Health Technician Series
  • 0699 - Medical and Health Student Trainee Series
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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Records Manager (CRM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), Certified Records Manager (CRM) certification requires candidates to meet both educational and work experience certification requirements. A minimum of one year of professional records and information management (RIM) work experience is required, regardless of the level of education a candidate possesses. The minimum acceptable education is graduation from high school (completion of 12 grades) or equivalent (e.g., GED credential or equivalency diploma) in conjunction with five years of professional level RIM experience. The preferred qualifications are a college degree (four-year or bachelor’s degree) and one year of professional RIM experience. CRM candidates must pass a six-part written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential demonstrates a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification. Certified individuals are skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in a hospital setting. These coding practitioners: review patients' records and assign numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure, possess expertise in the ICD-9-CM and CPT coding systems, and are knowledgeable about medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. This is an entry level certification. Applicants must meet one of several eligibility requirements to qualify to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Based (CCS-P) COOL Snapshot page.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Based (CCS-P) certification is for coding professionals who specialize in physician-based settings such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers. CCS-Ps are proficient in reviewing patient records and assigning numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure, possess in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system and familiarity with the ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II coding systems, and are experts in health information documentation, data integrity, and quality. CCS-P candidates must satisfy a credential, education, experience, or credential with experience requirement and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification denotes expertise in managing patient health information and medical records, administering computer information systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classification systems and medical terminologies. Candidates possess comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery and the privacy of protected patient information. Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in an HIM program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Click here to go to Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification denotes expertise in ensuring the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Candidates use computer systems to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs, and often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. Candidates must have at least an associate's degree in an HIM program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Click here to go to National Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The NCCT National Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS) is an intermediate to entry-level certification for professional medical coders. NCICSs provide medical billing and coding services for physician offices and medical specialty practices; their work assists health care providers with receiving payment for services provided. NCICSs prepare and submit claims to insurance companies and prepare and send statements to patients. Insurance and Coding Specialists must possess skills in the areas of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic and procedural coding, insurance claims processing, and medical billing procedures. NCICSs comply with state and federal regulations. NCCT requires that candidates meet educational and other requirements.

Click here to go to Certified Coding Associate (CCA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exhibits coding competency across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. This is an entry level certification and requires candidates to have a high school diploma. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience in a healthcare organization applying ICD-9-CM and CPT coding conventions and guidelines or should have completed an approved coding training program.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) certification validates ability to manage medical records, insurance processing, coding and billing, information processing, and fundamental office management tasks. This is an entry level administrative certification for medical administrative specialists who serve a key role in medical office, clinic and hospital settings. A medical administrative specialist is very familiar with clinical and technical concepts required to coordinate administrative office functions in the healthcare setting. Candidates must meet minimum education, experience, and/or prerequisite requirements.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Healthcare Association (NHA), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is an entry-level credential for healthcare professionals who provide customer service for patients. CMAAs review and answer practice correspondence, operate computer systems to accomplish office tasks, answer calls, schedule appointments, greet patients, maintain files, update and maintain patient and other practice-specific information, and coordinate operation reports such as time and attendance. Candidates are required to complete a NHA-approved training program.

Click here to go to Radiology Certified Coder COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Radiology Certified Coder credential assesses the level of knowledge demonstrated by radiology coders in a valid and reliable manner; encourages professional growth in the field of radiology coding; and formally recognizes individuals who meet the requirements set by the Radiology Coding Certification Board (RCCB). Candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and one year of full-time radiology coding experience within the past four years and have not been excluded from participation in, or sanctioned by, the Medicare or Medicaid programs, and have not been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, a criminal offense involving state or federal healthcare laws. Candidates must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) is an entry-level certification for allied healthcare professionals have work responsibilities that involve securing and assuring complete and accurate patient care data. CEHRSs audit patient records for compliance, abstract clinical information for reports, perform basic coding to submit reimbursement claims, process Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records, and support a variety of other health record-related activities. Applicants for the CEHRS are required to meet educational and experience-related criteria, and must also pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS) are essential to hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, dental offices, home healthcare agencies, mental health facilities, insurance companies, and consulting firms. CBCS's keep the healthcare industry moving efficiently by gathering and reviewing patient information, verifying required documentation before patients are released, preventing fraud/abuse by auditing billing, assigning codes for diagnoses and procedures, submitting claims for reimbursement, and coaching healthcare providers to achieve optimal reimbursement. CBCS applicants must successfully pass a written exam, in addition to meeting education and training or work experience eligibility requirements.

Click here to go to Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist - Level 1 (RHDS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) certification exam designed to assess competency in medical transcription by determining if a candidate has the core knowledge and skills needed to practice medical transcription effectively in today's healthcare environment. The RHDS exam targets the Level 1 medical transcriptionist who transcribes dictation by physicians and other healthcare providers in order to document patient care. Candidates should be familiar with the knowledge and skills outlined in the RHDS Exam Blue Print before attempting to take the exam. The RHDS certification exam consists of multiple choice questions and fill-in-the-blank transcription against audio.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Billing and Coding Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Medical Administrative Assistant /Office Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant /Office Specialist is an entry-level to mid-level medical assistant certification. Individuals who receive the certification are expected to perform administrative duties under the direction of a physician. Duties may also include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC) is for individuals who are efficient in front office skills as well as knowledgeable in billing, coding, administrative tasks, medical terminology, and general patient care. To earn the MAAC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) is for individuals responsible for managing and reporting health information and ensuring the quality of the information through a series of checks and balances. Billing and Coding Specialists also possess basic knowledge of medical terminology, patient care skills and general office skills. To earn the BCSC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Electronic Health Record Certification (EHRC) is for individuals with entry level knowledge in the use of software to input patient information, the management of electronic patient records, and the management of all aspects of an office through the use of electronic health records software. To earn the EHRC, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet a training program or experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding Certification (MAA/BCSC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Electronic Health Record Certification (MAA/EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Administrative Assistant with Billing and Coding and Electronic Health Records Certification (MAA/BC/EHRC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Paraoptometric Coder (CPOC) credential is an intermediate-level certification recommended for individuals with 2 years of relevant work experience and a high school diploma or the equivalent. Paraoptometric coders are responsible for ensuring that all the information about diagnoses and procedures for patients is accurate and complete. A certified paraoptometric coder can be the first line of defense against non-compliance and improper coding for the provider. Certified coders are expected to comply with state and federal laws. Candidates must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Electronic Health Record Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Coding Professional (Physician & Hospital) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist - Level 2 (CHDS) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Home Care Coding Specialist - Diagnosis (HCS-D) COOL Snapshot page.

The Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC), Home Care Coding Specialist - Diagnosis (HCS-D) certification is for professionals skilled in classifying medical data from home health patient records. HCS-D candidates must have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school or have an equivalent background. Although not required, it is recommended that candidates have at least two years of on-the-job experience in home care code for multiple case types and have completed coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, or demonstrate proficiency in these areas. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Board Certified Home Health - Coding (BCHH - C) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Home Care Coding Specialist - Hospice (HCS-H) COOL Snapshot page.

The Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC), Home Care Coding Specialist - Hospice (HCS-H) certification is for professionals skilled in classifying medical data from hospice patient records. HCS-H candidates must have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school or have an equivalent background. Although not required, it is recommended that candidates have at least two years of on-the-job experience in hospice coding for multiple case types and have completed coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, or demonstrate proficiency in these areas. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Home Care Specialist - Compliance (HCS-C) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Records Analyst (CRA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
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