Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected
to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all
occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the
population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests,
treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for
reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled
with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare
providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and
manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.
Cancer registrars are expected to continue to be in high demand. As the
population ages, there will likely be more types of special purpose
registries because many more types of illnesses are detected and treated
later in life.
Prospects will be best for those with a certification in health
information. As EHR systems continue to become more common, technicians with
computer skills will be needed to use them.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2012-13 Edition