15 Pros and Cons of Being an RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)

The main job of a RHIT is to ensure that medical records are being accurately entered into various computer systems.

They also utilize different applications to examine patient data.

This information can then be used to enhance patient care.

If you’re considering a job as a RHIT, it’s essential that you are aware of both the pros and cons.

This job presents plenty of opportunities to work in different settings.

But, you may also find that there’s a huge possibility for burnout.

So before you jump the gun, use this guide to determine whether this is the best career choice for you.

Pros of Being an RHIT

Here are some pros of being a RHIT, or Registered Health Information Technician.

1. Job Security/Ideal Salary

The average salary for registered health information technicians in 2021 was $51,840.

However, those listed in the top ten percent earn more than $100,000 per year.

Between 2020 and 2030, this career is expected to increase 11%.

This is considered above average compared to other careers.

If you are considering a job in the healthcare industry with decent pay, this could be a great career for you.

2. Plenty of Opportunities for Growth

If you’re a computer whiz, you are going to find it extremely easy to move up the ladder working as a RHIT.

There are many opportunities for advancement within this career if you are comfortable learning new skills.

You can consider transitioning to a manager, or supervisor, or become a specialist in data analytics or coding.

The choice is totally up to you.

3. Opportunity to Work in Different Healthcare Environments

As a registered health information technician, you will get to choose from various healthcare environments to work in such as doctor offices, clinics, hospitals, and even nursing homes.

There’s also a wide range of work you can take on including data management projects and consultations.

Also, you can easily transfer your skills once you are comfortable working with a certain system or software.

This career will open up many doors for you.

4. Various Options for Training

Many health information technicians enroll in apprenticeship programs within their first working year.

This is a great way to gain a lot of pertinent experience related to computers and various software programs/systems.

Additionally, it’s a great way for technicians to learn new skills that they can utilize in other careers in the healthcare field related to technical support and data processing.

5. Utilize Knowledge in Different Areas

Registered health information technicians are able to utilize their skills and knowledge for a variety of purposes.

For example, working as a RHIT enables you to help patients gain a better understanding of their medical records.

This can help patients make educated decisions regarding their treatment.

Your knowledge can also help hospital clinicians implement new technologies into their operations.

All in all, these things can result in better care for patients.

6. Get to be A part of Constantly Changing Technology

 Another huge benefit of working as a registered health information technician is that you will get to be a part of the constant changes in technology.

There are always breakthroughs occurring in the medical industry, which means you will forever learn new things.

The more technology advances, the better off it will be for your job.

It will positively impact the way that medical information is accessed and stored.

These things will only make your job more intriguing.

7. Certification isn’t Required

No certification is necessary to become a RHIT.

However, if you do decide to go the extra mile and earn certification, you could potentially earn a higher salary.

Certification is totally voluntary, but it also shows that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform your job.

For those who are interested in obtaining certification, you can go through various organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association or the American Health Information Management Association.

Cons of Being an RHIT

Here are some cons of working as a registered health information technician.

1. Working Hours are Long

One of the biggest disadvantages of being a RHIT is that you will spend a lot of time working long hours.

This also includes working nights, weekends, and possibly holidays, depending on the setting you work in.

If you have other commitments, this could pose a challenge for you.

Additionally, this is a job that can be emotionally and physically draining.

You will face people who test your patience frequently.

2. Can be a Stressful Job

Besides working long hours, the type of work you do can be stressful.

This is because you are in charge of making sure that you keep all medical records current and accurate.

You will be handling private information and may be faced with making tough decisions.

Furthermore, your work as a RHIT can be boring at times.

This is mainly due to the large amount of work that must be entered into various computer systems.

It can be extremely time-consuming.

3. Deal With Aggressive Patients

Another con of being a RHIT is that you may encounter many sick and aggressive patients on a frequent basis.

This can also be emotionally challenging for you as you deal with patients who are suffering from serious health conditions.

Patients or their loved ones can become aggressive, making your job more stressful.

They may become frustrated with certain healthcare practices and voice their concerns to you.

4. High Probability of Burnout

Working in an environment that is emotionally and physically draining, such as many healthcare jobs, can put you at risk of job burnout.

If you don’t practice self-care, you will end up struggling to try and stay afloat with your career.

If you can, you should remember to take some time to yourself outside of work so that you can continue being productive while at work.

5. May Feel Unappreciated

Another huge disadvantage of working as a registered health information technician is that your work often goes unrecognized.

Families and patients seldom appreciate all the work that you perform on a daily basis.

RHITs work hard to make sure that patients’ medical records are properly maintained and accurate.

It’s easy for others to overlook the importance of your job, which could make you feel unappreciated.

6. May Come in Contact with Bodily Fluids

A job as a RHIT can also be pretty messy as you will have to work around bodily fluids and blood.

If you aren’t used to dealing with and seeing bodily fluids, this can be extremely hard.

Another con of being an RHIT is that you are exposed to hazardous pathogens and chemicals.

If you have a weak stomach, you may want to reconsider this profession.

7. Large Amount of Paperwork

Paperwork can be a real headache as a RHIT.

But, unfortunately, this is a part of your job.

You will deal with large amounts of paperwork on a day-to-day basis.

This can cause a lot of frustration as you work to stay on top of medical records and various forms.

It’s important that you stay organized to prevent mistakes from occurring.

8. Must-Have Knowledge of Medical Terminology

This may not seem like a huge deal for some people, but it could pose a challenge for others.

Being a registered health information technician means that you must understand medical terminology.

You may also be in charge of submitting claims to insurance companies and coding medical conditions/procedures.

The good news is that there are ample opportunities and resources available to help you learn medical terminology.

However, even still, you must continue to adapt to the constant changes in technology.

Should You Become a Registered Health Information Technician?

RHITs will have to work long hours and also deal with an extensive amount of paperwork.

Ensuring that medical records are entered correctly can also put a lot of unwanted pressure on your job.

But, despite the challenges mentioned above, you can still enjoy a very satisfying career as a registered health information technician.

While RHITs work long hours, there’s plenty of time to take breaks throughout the day, so they can recoup.

With proper self-care techniques and time management skills, you can successfully balance a career as a registered health information technician all while tending to your personal life.

Overall, this can be a fulfilling career choice for those interested in the healthcare field.

Pros and Cons of Being an RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) Summary Table