The job of a health information technician is to assemble the data regarding patient records and compile everything from medical history and examination results to symptoms, treatment methods, and diagnostic tests.  These and all other health care services are part of a patient's records.  Along with compiling all of this information, a health information technician will also ensure that all the data is accurate, of a high quality, and secure yet accessible to those with the proper authority.  Close contact between doctors and other health care professionals in the organization will occur.

There are certain areas of specialization within this career.  One is called a medical coder or coding specialist.  This kind of specialty involves the assignment of a code to each procedure and diagnosis using a special kind of classification systems software.  The software determines how much a patient will be reimbursed for their treatment depending on what kind of insurance they have, such as Medicaid, Medicare or another kind of insurance program.  Cancer registry is another area that a health information technician can specialize in.  Patients' records are assigned a code based on the diagnosis and treatment of various kinds of cancers, and the cancer registrar will conduct follow-ups on a yearly basis to track patients' treatment, survival, and recovery.

The work environment of a health information technician is generally quite comfortable, with offices in the facility in which they work.  This kind of job usually never requires the worker to come in direct contact with patients, which is something that many people enjoy, especially those who want to be a part of the health care industry without being responsible for patients.  A typical 40-hour work week is usually the protocol for these employees, though overtime is sometimes required, especially in clinics or hospitals that are open 24 hours a day.  In 2008, about 14% of health information technicians worked part-time.

In order to become a health information technician, you must have your associate degree in most cases.  There are many opportunities to earn your degree in this field, even in online setting if you prefer this method.  Your coursework will include classes that go over medical terminology, health data requirements, anatomy and physiology, clinical coding systems, and data analysis.  Students will find it easier to be accepted into a postsecondary school if they took classes like chemistry, math, biology, computer science, and health while still in high school.

The job outlook for this career is incredibly strong.  In the next several years, the need for health information technicians is expect to grow by 20%, which is much faster than the national average for job growth.  Therefore, job prospects are pretty good.  The median annual wage of a health information technician was nearly $31,000 as of mid 2008.  The lowest 10% make only $20,500, but the highest earn about $50,000 per year.  These ranges depend on the location with which you find employment, the state you work in, your level of experience, and your credibility when joining the workforce.