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