Skip to main content

How to become a medical records administrator

Organise and maintain patients’ medical records and reports.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete an accredited certificate in health administration, like a certificate III or certificate IV.

  2. Expand your potential by studying an undergraduate degree in health science, majoring in health information management. Further education is an opportunity to upskill and improve your employment outcomes.

  3. Pass Working with Children and National Police checks and be up to date with current immunisations for work placements.

What does a medical records administrator do?

Medical records administrators maintain databases of patient information and control access to those databases. They are expert users of electronic medical records systems, making sure patients’ test results, treatment plans, and medical histories are filed accurately and securely.

Duties and tasks

  • Accepting and preserving records for medical purposes.

  • Controlling access to databases and records to appropriate individuals.

  • Developing and coordinating larger records-keeping systems.

  • Developing coding and classification systems.

  • Maintaining the security of computerized files and records systems.

  • Ordering records in a logical and meaningful fashion.

  • Revising medical records forms as needed.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related degrees

La Trobe University

Make a vital, behind-the-scenes contribution to healthcare

Combine health, business, and IT skills to unlock careers in the healthcare industry. You’ll learn how to create, use, and protect digital and traditional information about patients’ health. Explore the role of data in healthcare planning and research.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Work towards advanced airway and ventilation support knowledge

Start specialising your health knowledge for acute or complex trauma emergencies. Beyond practical know-how, you will develop clinical reasoning and decision-making. Apply thinking that involves advanced pharmacology, ethics and more.

Study method
100% online
University of Tasmania

Become a leader of digital transformation in the health system

Steer your healthcare career towards leadership with advanced skills in data and technology. Learn how to mine health information for deep insight and complex problem solving. Work on your approach to critical thinking and build research skills.

Study method
100% online
University of Tasmania

Join the digital transformation of the health system

Optimise your career in healthcare with advanced skills in data and technology. You’ll learn how to securely manage health information and analyse it for deep insights. Explore health informatics. Cover standards, privacy, and ethics.

Study method
100% online
Explore health information courses

Discover related subjects

Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Curtin University

Human Structure and Function

UndergraduateCUR-HUMB1000

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
La Trobe University

Ethics and Law of Health Information

UndergraduateLTU-HIM3EHI

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026
La Trobe University

Health Information Governance

UndergraduateLTU-HIM2002

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.