Health Information Administrator
The medical record is a permanent document prepared for each patient at a health care facility. It contains the who, what, where, when, why and how of a patient’s care. Maintaining these records is very important because the information is used to evaluate patient care, diagnose and treat illness and plan health care services. Health information administrators (who are certified as Registered Record Administrators) operate medical record departments in hospitals and other facilities. They design and manage health information systems so they meet medical, legal and ethical standards. They also supervise other personnel who prepare medical records. The skills learned in accessing, storing and displaying data provide them with numerous career growth opportunities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Professional Associations Educational Programs Health information administrators work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, governmental agencies, educational institutions and private industry.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION
General college preparation is recommended: Three courses in math including algebra I, algebra II and geometry, or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite; three science courses including one biological science, one physical science and one lab course; four English units and two social studies units, including one in U.S. History; and two years of foreign language.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor's degree is required in health information management from a college or university accredited by the American Medical Association in conjunction with the American Health Information Management Association. Course work includes medical terminology, medical care organization, administration/supervision, statistics, principles of health law and computerized health information systems. Individuals who already have a college degree with prerequisite courses may earn a postgraduate certificate in health information management. Graduates from either a degree or certificate program are eligible for the national registration examination, offered by the American Health Information Management Association, to become a Registered Record Administrator (RRA).

AVERAGE STARTING SALARY
$28,000 - $90,000