How Do I Become a Records Coordinator?

There are no special training requirements to become a records coordinator, and some people may learn on the job. Those interested in careers in this field can take some steps to make themselves more competitive. Some classes at a college or technical school can often help a student become a records coordinator faster, spending less time in training and more time working directly with records. The best option can depend on where someone wants to work, and current economic conditions.

Records coordinators oversee the records kept by an organization like a medical office or university. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining a filing system, keeping records organized, purging old data, and making records available on request. The work may involve interacting with other personnel in a records office, including people who provide assistance and generate new records for the system.

At a minimum, it’s usually necessary to have a high school diploma to become a records coordinator. Some positions prefer applicants with filing experience and some knowledge of an industry. Medical offices, for instance, look for people who are familiar with medical terminology and understand the ethics and laws that surround privacy of medical records. It can also help to have computer skills, particularly databasing abilities, as electronic record keeping is increasingly common in many industries.

Someone with a diploma and no experience may apply to become a records coordinator at a company with no specific job requirements. A senior staff member will typically provide training to get the staff member familiar with the work. Another option is to work more generally in filing positions at a facility to develop experience. Once someone is familiar with a system, it’s possible to apply to become a records coordinator when a position opens up. It can help to have a connection with a supervisor who can write a letter of recommendation to support the application, documenting the employee’s experience and level of knowledge for human resources personnel.

Another way to become a records coordinator is to take classes at a technical school or college. Some educational institutions offer a series of classes that culminate in a business, filing, or records certificate. These courses cover different filing methods, computer programs, and legal issues surrounding records. People with certificates can be more competitive on job applications, because their training means they can start coordinating records right away, and may be able to offer advice on streamlining and improving the organization’s record keeping.