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Health records clerk

Alternative titles for this job include Medical records clerk

Health records clerks prepare patient notes for inpatient and outpatient appointments and keep medical records up to date.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£31,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.

Courses include:

  • business administration
  • International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills (previously ECDL)
  • T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a GP practice, hospital or commercial healthcare company. Options include:

  • Retail Service, Supply and Administration Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Clinical Coder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers may ask for GCSEs, such as English and maths, at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

It will also help if you have experience in office work, including typing documents and working on spreadsheets.

Customer service skills can also be helpful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can find professional development and training opportunities if you join an organisation like the:

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a health records clerk from Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a health records clerk, you could:

  • create, check and update patient records
  • file test results and letters
  • prepare patient notes for medical staff and appointments
  • record patient admissions, transfers, discharges and deaths
  • transfer details from paper records into a digital document system
  • translate patient information into clinical codes for administrative purposes
  • collect statistics like admission numbers, discharges and waiting lists
  • respond to enquiries over the phone and online

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in an office or at a GP practice.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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 further qualifications and experience you could become a medical secretary or a health records manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Writer (Submariner) Business Administrator Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Apprentice Account Handler

  • Wage: £14,560 a year Annually
  • Location: Hereford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TRAINING GROUP LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: WORKSOP

Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: STARTING OFF LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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