Program Overview
As area doctors’ offices and hospitals increasingly move from paper to electronic records, there is a need for electronic health record specialists. Electronic health record specialists work with patient data, and ensure that document management policies and procedures comply with local, state, and federal regulations while maintaining patient privacy, confidentiality, and information security standards.
As an electronic health records specialist, you may audit patient records for compliance, perform basic coding to submit reimbursement claims, process Release of Information (ROI) requests for medical records, discuss patient information with physicians and insurance professionals, and more.
In the iHealth@NECC Electronic Health Record Specialist Program, you will learn medical record content and format, standard techniques for document management, the maintenance and storage of health information, and guidelines for maintaining compliance with and security under the HIPAA and HiTech Acts.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared to be an entry-level electronic health records specialist, and can work in a variety of health care settings such as; hospitals, physicians offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services and other health care facilities. 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, according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Requirements
Students who attend the Electronic Health Record Specialist Program through iHealth@NECC will complete most of their course work online and come to our Lawrence Campus once or twice a week for in-class meetings and laboratory sessions.
Program science courses must be completed within five years prior to the start date of the program to count toward completing the certificate.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses. 25 credits are required for graduation.
CORI/SORI/CHRI
Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check, and a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/SORI/CHRI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/SORI/CHRI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
Health
Students are required to complete a health evaluation, and complete specific immunization requirements required by the college and the Division of the Health Professions.
Drug Screening
Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a random drug screening analysis.
Required Courses
| BIO101 | Human Biology | 3 |
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES115 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HES201 | Healthcare Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MRT100 | Introduction to Health Information Practice & Procedure | 3 |
| MRT103 | Coding & Classification for Medical Billing | 3 |
| MRT104 | Medical Billing Administration | 3 |
| MRT291 | Electronic Health Record Specialist Externship | 1 |
Courses with Prerequisites: HES201, MRT100, MRT103, MRT104, MRT291
Select ONE of the following Computer Electives (3-4 credits):
| CIS110 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| CIS112 | Integrated Computer Applications | 4 |
| CIS113 | Data Management | 4 |
Program Notes
Recommended Course Sequence Electronic Health Record Specialist Certificate
Year 1
Fall
Spring
| HES201 | Healthcare Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MRT100 | Introduction to Health Information Practice & Procedure | 3 |
| MRT103 | Coding & Classification for Medical Billing | 3 |
| MRT104 | Medical Billing Administration | 3 |
Summer
| MRT291 | Electronic Health Record Specialist Externship | 1 |