If you've got a sharp eye for detail, you understand medical terminology and you enjoy working with technology, a career as an electronic medical records (EMR) specialist could suit you well. These professionals play a critical role in healthcare, making sure patient records are accurate, secure and accessible to the people who need them.
Healthcare is becoming more digital every day. That means demand for skilled professionals who can manage electronic health records continues to grow. Let's break down what the EMR specialist role involves, what it pays and the skills employers are looking for.
What skills are healthcare employers looking for?
Healthcare employers are looking for EMR specialists who combine interpersonal skills with technical know-how. Here’s what will set you apart:
Medical terminology and healthcare knowledge
You need to understand the language of healthcare to do this job well. Knowing common medical terms, procedures and diagnoses helps you identify what information matters most in a patient record.
Attention to detail
This can't be overstated! When you're working with patient health information, even small errors can have serious consequences. Healthcare employers put a premium on EMR specialists who catch one-off mistakes before they become long-term problems.
EMR software proficiency
Experience with popular healthcare software is highly valued. Systems like Epic, Oracle Health and Meditech are common in the industry. You should also be comfortable with Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) and be able to work efficiently with dual monitors and multiple databases.
Communication skills
You'll interact with doctors, nurses, administrative staff and sometimes patients directly. Strong written and verbal communication helps EMR specialists get clarification when records are incomplete and keeps everyone on the same page.
Analytical thinking
Spotting patterns, identifying discrepancies and solving problems are all part of the job. Healthcare organizations rely on EMR specialists to keep data clean and consistent.
