Programs Health & Social Services Health Records and Registration Clerk

Health Records and Registration Clerk

Train for a Career in Health Information and Patient Registration

Semesters: Spring | Fall | Summer | Winter

Program Overview

Health Records and Registration Clerks play a vital role in ensuring the seamless operation of hospitals and outpatient facilities. These professionals provide critical nonclinical support by managing patient documentation, including the preparation, maintenance, and storage of records in both paper and electronic formats. As integral members of the healthcare team, they assist with administrative tasks such as supporting managers and physicians, conducting quantitative analysis, gathering and updating patient information, scheduling and coordinating appointments, guiding patients to their destinations, answering inquiries, and transferring data between hospital departments.

This program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this role. Training includes keyboarding and computer fundamentals, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and a thorough understanding of medical terminology. Students also develop effective communication and critical thinking skills tailored to healthcare settings, alongside essential training in privacy, professionalism, ethics, and professional development. This comprehensive program prepares graduates to succeed in a dynamic and essential healthcare support role.

Course Highlights

Hours of instruction: 111

Delivery Method: In-Class/Distance Education/Combined In-Class and Distance Education

Duration: 5.5 weeks full-time, 12 weeks part-time; 111 hours

Graduation Requirements: To meet the graduation requirement for the Health Records and Registration Clerk program, the student must have achieved a grade of B (75% or higher).

Health Records and Registration Clerk was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

This program is not eligible for PGWP.

Career Opportunities

This program is intended to prepare a student for the following occupations:

  • Hospital Health Records Clerks
  • Hospital Admitting Clerks/Switchboard Operators
  • Hospital Outpatient Department Clerks
  • Combined HIM Clerks
  • Health Records Technician

Salary Range

Health Records Clerk

Anticipated Salary Range

$36,000
AVERAGE ESTIMATED STARTING WAGE PER YEAR
$50,000
AVERAGE ESTIMATED EXPERIENCED WAGE PER YEAR

*This estimate is based on available employment data at the time. Actual salary will be based on numerous factors.

Source: Glassdoor

Get Your Information Kit

Course Curriculum

Introduction

Introduction  — 3 hrs

This introductory course provides an overview of the program’s objectives and expected learning outcomes. Students will gain foundational knowledge about the role of a health records and registration specialist, explore career prospects, and understand the motivations behind choosing this rewarding career path.

Computer Fundamentals

Computer Fundamentals  — 10 hrs

This course introduces students to essential computer skills, including the operation of hardware, software, peripherals, and wireless technology. Students will learn to use the Internet as a resource and explore various methods for data storage and networking. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and understand key components of computer systems and effectively utilize related equipment.

Keyboarding Techniques

Keyboarding Techniques — 15 hrs

This course focuses on developing proper ergonomic keyboarding techniques and effective hand placement. Through targeted exercises, students will enhance their typing speed and accuracy to 55 NWPM, practice proofreading and editing skills, and learn to accurately transcribe audio to text documents.

Microsoft Outlook 365

Microsoft Outlook 365 — 3 hrs

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Outlook, focusing on utilizing the ribbons, quick access toolbar, and navigation pane. Students will learn to compose, format, read, reply to, and forward emails effectively. Upon completion, students will be proficient in leveraging key features of their email program for professional communication.

Microsoft Word 365

Microsoft Word 365 — 2.5 hrs

This course introduces students to the fundamental features of Microsoft Word, including copy and paste, find and replace, zoom settings, and basic document formatting. Students will learn to identify key Word features and apply simple formatting techniques to create polished documents.

Microsoft Excel 365

Microsoft Excel 365 — 2.5 hrs

This course introduces Microsoft Excel, focusing on its use as an electronic spreadsheet. Students will learn basic terminology, explore the program’s features, and identify its key elements. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate foundational skills for effectively using Microsoft Excel.

Fundamentals of Medical Terminology

Fundamentals of Medical Terminology  — 25 hrs

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand the importance of medical terminology and its proper use for interacting with professionals and performing medical tasks. They will analyze and synthesize medical language by identifying and understanding the meanings of basic medical word parts, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students will recognize and apply medical terms related to each body system, including common disorders, symptoms, and treatments. They will also correlate medical word parts with their usage in anatomy, pathology, procedures, treatments, and specialties, and interpret common medical abbreviations and acronyms. Additionally, students will build composite medical terms, define terms related to diseases and pharmacology, and name laboratory and diagnostic terms.

Privacy, Professionalism and Ethics

Privacy, Professionalism and Ethics — 15 hrs

Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand the principles of risk management and the medicolegal responsibilities of a health records and registration specialist. They will become familiar with the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), BC legislation, and the role of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Students will learn the concepts and terminology related to personal health information access, consent and authorization management, and the policies and practices for managing privacy, releasing information, and tracking requests. Additionally, they will understand their personal responsibility for maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of health information.

Understanding the Health Records and Registration Clerk Field

Understanding the Health Records and Registration Clerk Field  — 12 hrs

This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of health records and registration clerks. Students will analyze the basic administrative team structure, patient registration processes, and general bookkeeping for the cashier role. Topics covered include terminal digit order filing, chart numbers, hospital account types, and the legal and ethical standards related to document management and confidentiality. Students will also explore the importance of maintaining competence in health records and administrative processes to ensure continued professional awareness. No additional materials are required for this course.

Communication and Critical Thinking in the Healthcare Environment

Communication and Critical Thinking in the Healthcare Environment  — 15 hrs

This course introduces students to effective communication strategies in a healthcare environment, focusing on interactions with colleagues and patients within a hospital setting. Students will learn various communication methods and techniques, developing the ability to choose the most appropriate style for different situations. The course also covers virtual communication platforms for direct communication and meetings. In addition, students will explore critical thinking skills, understanding their importance in fast-paced environments. They will apply core critical thinking skills, differentiate between deductive and inductive reasoning, identify barriers to critical thinking, and learn to evaluate situations to make logical conclusions.

Professional Development

Professional Development — 5 hrs

This course teaches students how to design and prepare an effective cover letter and resume while identifying key job-searching skills. Students will also learn the various aspects of the interview process, including preparation, communication, and follow-up. Upon successful completion, students will demonstrate their ability to conduct a professional telephone interview with an instructor.

Final Examination

Final Examination — 3 hrs

This exam serves as an assessment of the student’s learning outcomes at the final stage of the program. Upon completion, students will receive a skill-level evaluation based on the knowledge and competencies acquired from all completed courses to date, providing a comprehensive overview of their progress and achievement throughout the program.

Admission Requirements

Academic Eligibility
  • BC Secondary school graduation or equivalent, or minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes

  • There are no course prerequisites to be admitted to the program.

  • Distance Learning students must have a PC (Mac or Windows-based) with minimum computer requirements and Internet access (high speed is recommended) as highlighted under Computer Requirements section.

  • A typing test confirming that they meet our minimum typing speed of 40 nwpm (net words per minute).

English‑Language Proficiency

One of the English language proficiency options listed below need to be fulfilled.

Option 1: Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10,11 or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion (high school transcripts, completion of BC Adult Graduation Program or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES or IQAS)

Option 2: 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS).
*Language development courses (e.g. ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

Option 3: Where English is the program’s language of instruction, evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test/assessment* at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (academic) or higher.

All accepted language tests/assessments must be listed with a minimum score/level specified for each. ‘Or equivalent’ will not be accepted.  

Language tests must include assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Assessment Options: Verified results must be provided for one of the Standardized English language proficiency tests listed below:

  • International English Testing (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.0.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 70 (TOEFL Home test is not accepted)
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 50
  • Canadian English Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 7, and Writing 7
  • Duolingo English Test Minimum overall score of 110
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 52
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 level Minimum of 169
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum B2 level or average score of 55
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum score of 39
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Option 4: Evidence that a language standard defined and accepted by third-party regulator has been met. 

  • This may include minimum language standards or testing options set by a third-party regulator (e.g., Health Colleges, Public Registries, Transport Canada, etc.). 

Option 5: Accuplacer

   This option can only be applied when:

  • English is the program’s language of instruction, and
  • The applicant is a mature domestic student facing barrier, and
  • The applicant cannot access their educational records or cannot provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined in this policy

Requirements:

  • Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
  • Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction is a country where English is one of the principal languages, and
  • Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
  • Reading: 230, and
  • Writing: 230, and
  • WritePlacer: 4
Equipment Required

A computer is required for the entire program. Computer requirements are as follows:

  • Access to high-speed Internet
    • minimum download speed of 15 mbps
    • minimum upload speed of 10 mbps
  • A minimum of 8 gigabytes of RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • For Windows Operating Systems:
    • Windows 10 or newer
    • Google Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
  • For Mac:
    • Mac OS X Yosemite or newer

Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari

Tuition Fees

Domestic/International Students (Synchronous)
  • Tuition Fee: $3,895
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Administration Fee: $100
  • Materials Fee: $752
  • Archive Fee: $30
  • Total Fees: $5,027*

*Domestic students may qualify for financial aid or Focus College scholarships. Complete the application form or visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more.

*Assessment Fee: 250
(Re-evaluation of academic and comprehension competency (on need basis only))

Self-Paced (Asynchronous Students)
  • Tuition Fee: $1,820
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Administration Fee: $100
  • Materials Fee: $752
  • Archive Fee: $30
  • Total Fees: $2,952

*Assessment Fee: 250
(Re-evaluation of academic and comprehension competency (on need basis only))

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