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    Become an Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Manage patient data, digital records, and clinical workflows using modern EHR systems.

    Duration
    4–9 months
    Certifications
    CEHRS
    Key Skills
    EHR navigation; Medical terminology; Data accuracy; HIPAA compliance; Documentation
    Work Settings
    Hospitals; Physician offices; Outpatient clinics; Insurance companies; Health IT teams
    Job Outlook
    +8% (Faster than average)
    Salary Range
    $60K–$95K+

    What Is Electronic Health Records Specialist?

    Electronic Health Records Specialists manage and maintain digital patient records used across healthcare systems.

    They work behind the scenes to ensure patient information is accurate, secure, and accessible to providers while supporting clinical workflows.

    What You'll Learn in Electronic Health Records Specialist Training

    Core Skills

    • EHR system navigation
    • Medical terminology
    • Patient data entry
    • Chart audits
    • Workflow coordination

    Safety & Compliance

    • HIPAA compliance
    • Data security
    • Confidentiality standards

    Tools & Technology

    • EHR platforms (Epic, Cerner)
    • Health information systems
    • Documentation tools

    Admissions Requirements for Electronic Health Records Specialist Training

    Most Electronic Health Records Specialist programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    High school diploma or GED
    Computer proficiency
    Attention to detail

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Electronic Health Records Specialist

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

    National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

    Exam Focus: EHR systems, compliance, and documentation

    CPR/BLS Certification

    American Heart Association

    Exam Focus: Basic life support

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Electronic Health Records Specialist Salary & Job Outlook

    $60K–$95K+
    National Salary Range
    ~$78,000
    Median Salary
    +8% (Faster than average)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Growing demand driven by widespread digital health adoption and healthcare regulatory requirements

    Career Outlook for Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Work Settings

    Hospitals; Clinics; Medical offices; Health IT departments

    Advancement Path

    Advance to Health Information Technician or HIM roles

    What Is the Difference Between Electronic Health Records Specialist and Health Information Management?

    TL;DR: EHR Specialists focus on maintaining and supporting digital patient records, while Health Information Management oversees data governance, coding, compliance, and information strategy.

    The Electronic Health Records Specialist role is centered on the day-to-day accuracy, organization, and usability of digital patient records within EHR systems. These professionals often support chart maintenance, data entry standards, user workflows, and basic reporting, working closely with clinical and administrative staff to ensure records are complete and accessible. Health Information Management (HIM) programs take a broader and more advanced view of health data, emphasizing coding systems (ICD-10/CPT), regulatory compliance, privacy, audits, data quality, and healthcare information governance. HIM roles are typically less operational and more analytical or supervisory. Choose Electronic Health Records Specialist if you want hands-on work with EHR systems and record maintenance; choose Health Information Management if you are interested in data oversight, compliance, coding, and healthcare information leadership.

    Comparing Programs
    Electronic Health Records Specialist
    Health Information Management
    Primary Focus
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Maintaining and supporting the accuracy and usability of electronic patient records

    Health Information Management

    Overseeing health data governance, coding, compliance, and information strategy

    Typical Training Length
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Certificate to associate-level programs focused on EHR operations

    Health Information Management

    Associate to bachelor-level pathways with broader HIM scope

    Core Skills
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Chart maintenance, data entry standards, workflow support, basic reporting

    Health Information Management

    Medical coding, audits, privacy and compliance, data quality, information governance

    Certifications
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    EHR or health information technology certificates depending on program

    Health Information Management

    Health information management or medical coding credentials depending on program

    Work Settings
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Hospitals, clinics, provider offices, health system administrative teams

    Health Information Management

    Health information departments, compliance teams, hospitals, insurance and health systems

    Patient Interaction
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Limited patient interaction; primarily supports clinical and administrative staff

    Health Information Management

    Limited patient interaction; primarily works with data, records, and compliance processes

    Technology Used
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    EHR platforms, charting systems, data entry and reporting tools

    Health Information Management

    Coding software, EHR systems, audit tools, compliance and analytics platforms

    Career Progression
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    EHR specialist, records coordinator, or health data support roles

    Health Information Management

    HIM supervisor, coding manager, compliance analyst, health information leadership roles

    Best For
    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Students who want hands-on EHR work and day-to-day record accuracy responsibilities

    Health Information Management

    Students interested in coding, compliance, data oversight, and health information leadership

    Electronic Health Records Specialist

    Choose Electronic Health Records Specialist if you want hands-on work with EHR systems and record maintenance.

    Health Information Management

    Choose Health Information Management if you are interested in data oversight, compliance, coding, and healthcare information leadership.

    Benefits of Electronic Health Records Specialist Training

    Enter healthcare through technology
    Learn industry-standard EHR systems
    Support clinical teams with accurate data
    Prepare for CEHRS certification
    Build a stable administrative healthcare career

    Electronic Health Records Specialist Student Reviews

    "I learned how to navigate real EHR systems with confidence."

    Alyssa B.
    EHR Support Specialist

    "The training made HIPAA and workflows easy to understand."

    Terence M.
    Medical Records Assistant

    "I enjoy keeping clinics organized and compliant."

    Melodie R.
    Health Information Clerk

    Electronic Health Records Specialist FAQs

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