Health records clerk
Health records clerks keep medical records up to date.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- create, check and update patient records
- store test results and letters
- record illnesses and treatments using a system of codes known as clinical coding
- record patient admissions, transfers, discharges and deaths
- transfer details from paper records into computer systems
- collect statistics like admission numbers, discharges and waiting lists
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in an office or at a GP practice.
Career path and progression
You can study with the Institute of Health Record Information and Management (IHRIM) for a more senior role or to specialise in areas such as clinical coding.
With qualifications and experience you could become a medical secretary or a health records manager.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- administration skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.
Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business Administration
- Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
- T Level in Management and Administration
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
You could get into this job through a business administrator or a clinical coder advanced apprenticeship.
This will usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete. You'll learn in the workplace and do off-the-job training with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly for jobs in this area. Many employers will ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).
It will also help if you have previous experience of office work, including typing documents and working on spreadsheets.
Professional and industry bodies
You may get professional recognition or find training opportunities if you join an organisations such as the:
- Institute of Health Records and Information Management
- Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR)
- British Society of Medical Secretaries and Administrators (BSMSA)
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a health records clerk from Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.