Health Information and Medical Records Technology Degree

In its most basic form, the Health Information & Medical Records Technology is a field of study focused on the secure exchange of health information using computer systems. Information about a patients health and well-being is often exchanged between a number of stakeholders including the consumer, health care provider, quality monitors, health care payers, and insurance providers. Get more details below including other Virginia colleges that offer health information and medical records technology degrees.

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New River Community College (NRCC)

1813 East Main Street, Salem, VA

New River Community College, located in Dublin, Virginia, was founded in 1959 as the New River Vocational-Technical School. The school became one of the 23 schools that comprise the Virginia Community College System in 1966, and changed its name in 1969 and built its new campus in Dublin that same year.

Today the school has over 5000 students enrolled annually, and the Dublin Campus is fully equipped to provide education and training to the residents of the area, IN addition the school maintains an off campus site at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg to allow even more coverage and access for residents.

Academics

New River Community College offers a large selection of programs to choose from, allowing students to follow the academic or career path that best fits their needs. Academic programs facilitate transfer by fulfilling course requirements of the first two years of a four year education.

Once completed, the student will apply for transfer to a college or university, completing the final two years and obtaining a bachelor's degree.  Students applying to Virginia public institutions will have ease of transfer through agreements that guarantee admission if certain academic prerequisites are met.

Transfer to out of state or private schools will require the student to requirements of the individual school to be considered for admission, and as a result should consult a counselor and research his or her desired schools prior to applying.

Career training programs prepare students for long term careers in a given area of study. Students will be able to enter the work force as professional upon completion of a program, which typically includes study in theory, practice, application and methodology. A programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree and allows graduates to seek work at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Sociology
• Practical Nursing
• Welding
• History

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions to New River Community College are accomplished through submission of a completed application and payment of all fees prior to the start of classes. This is due to the school's open enrollment policy that guarantees admission for any student that meets the minimum enrollment requirements.

Student are also asked to supply previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available, the information from which may be used to substitute the required placement exam. A visit to a counselor and participation in new student orientation are also encouraged.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to construct a aid plan that is based on the student's need and aid program eligibility. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Description

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. Process, maintain, compile, and report patient information for health requirements and standards in a manner consistent with the healthcare industry's numerical coding system.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, medical records and health information technicians employment is expected to grow at a rate of 15.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Roanoke, VA
  • Total Employment: 400
  • Average Hourly Rate: $18.03
  • Average Annual Salary: $37500

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).