Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Health Information Technologist
What health information technologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a health information technologist?
Review incomplete charts. From there, the day usually includes review health records for accuracy, manage electronic health record systems, and analyze health data. Most work full-time; many roles allow remote or hybrid work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a health information technologist working full time.
- Review incomplete charts.
- Process a legal records request.
- Abstract cancer cases for the registry.
- Run a quality report.
- Train staff on documentation.
- Audit access logs for privacy.
- Fix data errors in the EHR.
Where health information technologists work
Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, health systems and some remotely.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; many roles allow remote or hybrid work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Review health records for accuracy
- Manage electronic health record systems
- Analyze health data
- Protect patient privacy
- Release information legally
- Abstract registry data
- Support quality reporting
Tools you’ll use every day
- Electronic health records
- Encoder software
- Registry software
- Spreadsheets
- Data analytics tools
- Release-of-information systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Remote work options
- Healthcare without patient care
- Two-year path
What’s hard
- Detail-heavy work
- Screen time
- Strict privacy rules
- Repetitive tasks
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like healthcare without patient care
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like data and computers
- I want remote options
- I value privacy
- I want a two-year degree
Not sure? Take the free Health Information Technologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect patient privacy
- Use secure systems
- Report breaches promptly
- Follow retention rules