Many community colleges, vocational schools and technical schools offer associate's degrees that qualify graduates to work as medical clerks. Prospective students should look for institutions that provide degrees in medical records management or health information technology. It's important that associate's degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Typical degree programs will include coursework in health data standards, medical terminology, database management and security, clinical classifications, coding systems and health care insurance reimbursement.
The Registered Health Information Technicians credential, which qualifies clerks in patient record coding, medical records computer entry and patient data analysis, is required for employment at some medical facilities. The certificate is offered by the American Health Information Management Association. There are two requirements to receive a certificate: completion of an associate's degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education and the successful completion of a written exam.
The American Academy of Professional Coders offers credentials as part of ongoing educational efforts. These credential courses offer advanced medical coding training including certified professional coder for physician practices, hospitals or payers, certified professional medical auditng and certified interventional radiology cardiovascular coding. Certifications also are offered for medical clerks employed in disciplines such as pediatrics, cardiology and dermatology. Medical clerks must successfully complete an exam, be a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and have at least two years of coding experience to earn coding credentials.
Students interested in degrees for medical clerks have the option of doing their educational coursework via online training. Online distance learners can take advantage of online programs offered by several two-year institutions. Online classes and lectures will be viewed using online platforms and communications tools such as email, discussion forums and live chats. Students wishing to study online will be required to have the use of a computer that meets the school's hardware and software requirements, plus a reliable connection to the internet.