Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars earn a median of $32.70/hr — about $68,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.15/hr; the top 10% earn $56.45/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
- Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds.
- Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
- Develop in-service educational materials.
- Evaluate and recommend upgrades or improvements to existing computerized healthcare systems.
- Facilitate and promote activities, such as lunches, seminars, or tours, to foster healthcare information privacy or security awareness within the organization.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
The feel of the work
You're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 7.8% of health information technologists and medical registrars are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, analytical and people-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
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Quick questions
- How much does a health information technologists and medical registrar make?
- The median pay is $32.70 per hour — roughly $68,000 a year, with the real range running from about $19.15/hr (10th percentile) to $56.45/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a health information technologists and medical registrar?
- The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
- What does a health information technologists and medical registrar actually do all day?
- Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software. Compile medical care and census data for statistical reports on diseases treated, surgery performed, or use of hospital beds. Design databases to support healthcare applications, ensuring security, performance and reliability.
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