Accredited Record Technician

The accredited record technician (ART), also known as a medical record technician, is responsible for maintaining the medical information system according to medical, administrative, legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements. The ART: 1) codes clinical data using appropriate systems; 2) reviews, organizes, and evaluates medical records; 3) prepares information for release to individuals and agencies; 4) works with the medical staff on research projects; and 5) supervises and trains health information management clerical staff.

Work Environment
The demand for accredited record technicians is greatest in hospitals, but work opportunities are expanding in agencies such as long-term care facilities, state and federal agencies, and ambulatory clinics.

Job Outlook
According to the federal government's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for accredited record technicians is expected to grow by 56 percent through 2005 due to rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures performed.

Length of Training/
Requirements
Training programs are generally either two-year associate degree programs in community colleges or certificate programs consisting of independent home study plus 30 semester hours of prescribed college credit.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $21,000 - $35,000.

Educational Programs
Associate Degree
Amarillo College
Angelina College
Bee County/Coastal Bend College
Blinn College
Central Texas College District
El Paso Community College
Galveston College
Houston Community College System
Howard College
Jacksonville College
Kilgore College
Lee College
Lon Morris College
McLennan Community College
Midland College
Mountain View College
North Central Texas College
Panola College
Paris Junior College
Richland College
San Antonio College
South Plains College
South Texas Community College
St. Philip's College
Tarrant County Junior College - NE Campus
Temple College
Texarkana College
Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
Texas State Technical College - Sweetwater
Trinity Valley Community College
Tyler Junior College
Vernon Regional Junior College
The Victoria College
Wharton County Junior College