Schools for Electronic Medical Records Specialists: How To Choose

To work as an electronic medical records specialist, you'll typically need to complete at least a certificate program, though some employers may prefer an associate or bachelor's degree.

Certificate programs and associate degrees are usually offered by community and technical colleges. These can take a few months to a couple of years to complete.

You may be able to find colleges offering certificates specifically for electronic medical records specialists.

If you're looking at earning a degree, you'll probably be looking at a major in a field like healthcare administration, health information management, or healthcare informatics.

These programs typically cover topics like medical terminology, medical records software, billing and coding, and patient visit management.

Many colleges and universities across the country offer medical records specialist certification or degrees in the health information field. How do you choose the right one?

Below, we'll break down what you need to know to find the right school and program for you.

Choose a School That's Accredited

Whatever school you choose for your electronic medical records specialist training, it needs to be accredited.

Accreditation means that a school has gone through a verification process that proves it meets academic and quality standards.

There are two types of accreditation for institutions: regional and national. Each has its benefits and downsides.

Regional Accreditation

The majority of colleges and universities in the United States are regionally accredited. This means that they've earned accreditation from the regional body in their area.

There are six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, each managing a specific area of the country. These agencies are:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Regionally accredited schools tend to be more prestigious and have a better reputation. However, they can be more expensive and be more selective in their admissions.

National Accreditation

Nationally accredited schools are typically either for-profit schools or private community or career colleges with a specific focus, like nursing or art and design.

There are multiple national accreditation agencies. These agencies accredit schools of a similar type, rather than setting all schools to the same standard.

Nationally accredited schools can be less expensive and often have more relaxed admission standards.

The downside to nationally accredited schools is that the credits don't transfer easily.

If you complete your associate degree at a nationally accredited school, you will likely not be able to transfer those credits to a regionally accredited school to earn your bachelor's.

Additionally, students at nationally accredited schools aren't always able to take advantage of the same financial aid opportunities as students at regionally accredited schools.

Choose a School with the Program Level You Want

It may seem obvious, but you'll want to choose a school that offers the level of program that you want.

Not all schools that offer degrees in health information will offer certificate programs for electronic medical records specialists, and vice-versa.

Certificate programs are excellent for students who want to get started right away. They're also great for those who already have a degree but are looking to switch careers or specialize in their career field.

Degrees aren't always necessary for electronic medical records specialists, but some employers prefer to hire candidates with degrees.

However, these programs require more of a commitment. Associate degrees usually take two years, while bachelor's degrees average four years.

Choose a School That Fits Your Budget

The cost of higher education can vary greatly among institutions. Typically, community colleges cost less than four-year colleges. Public schools are nearly always less expensive than private ones.

You may also qualify for financial aid. You can find out more by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many schools are transparent with how much a program will cost, or how much they charge per credit. You can usually find the information you need on the program website.

Choose a School with the Format That Fits Your Life

Online learning continues to become more common, and many colleges and universities offer health information programs online now.

Students who have busy lives or just aren't able to make it to campus every day may want to consider an online option.

Additionally, online learning opens up your choices for schools, allowing you to choose the right program for you, even if the school itself is located across the country.

However, some people do better learning in a traditional classroom setting. In that case, you'll need to find a school local to you that offers classes that fit your schedule.

To find the right school for your medical records specialist education, you'll want to find one that's accredited, offers the program you want, and fits your budget and your life.

Using the tips above, you can find the right medical records specialist program for you today.