How Do I Become a Registration Specialist?

A registration specialist performs a number of tasks involved in the registration, processing, transfer, and discharge of client or patient information. You will usually need at least a high school diploma to become a registration specialist, though a certificate or degree in a business or administrative major may prove helpful in a competitive job market. In most cases, you will also need customer service skills as well as a number of office-work related skills to land this job. For instance, an employer may expect you to be able to work with databases and spreadsheets as well as to be a fast typist and a people person.

You won't typically need a college degree to become a registration specialist. Most employers require a high school education for this job or a General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma. Earning a bachelor's degree, however, may make you a more competitive job candidate. Completing a certificate program in a business-related major may prove helpful as well. Additionally, some employers might want you to have related training to prepare for this job, such as training in medical terminology from an accredited school.

The amount of related experience you have may prove very important when you want to become a registration specialist. Many employers will expect you to have three or more years of experience working in customer service, for instance. You may also need experience with data entry and other general types of office work. Experience handling medical billing tasks and using or interpreting various types of medical terminology could prove important as well.

The skills you will need to become a registration specialist are usually those that relate to office work and meeting customer or client needs. For example, you will likely need computer experience as well as the ability to work with a range of common office programs, including database and spreadsheet applications. Employers might also require the ability to type quickly without making many errors, and organizational and multitasking skills are usually required for this job as well. Good customer service skills and the ability to get along well with others can also help you land this job. Additionally, you may need basic math skills and an understanding of commonly used insurance forms when you want to become a registration specialist.

Once you feel that you are ready to become a registration specialist, there are many places you can turn to look for employment opportunities. For example, you can apply for jobs with hospitals and outpatient medical facilities, including urgent care centers and clinics. Some diagnostic medicine facilities have a need for this type of professional as well. Additionally, you might find related job listings in newspapers as well as on websites that advertise jobs in the medical field.