The Work

Medical records clerks provide administrative and clerical support for patient care in hospitals. They take and record patients' details. Most records clerks use a computer to keep, find and update the records.  
 
They are responsible for a lot more than this; in fact, they play a vital role in the smooth running of hospitals and clinics. For example, they admit patients and arrange further appointments or ambulance transport if needed. They also write and receive letters, answer telephone calls and direct patients to the right department or clinic.  
 
All hospitals keep detailed records of in-patient and outpatient details. Clerks update the records every time a patient is seen or receives treatment, and when personal details change.  
 
Clerks may also allocate diagnostic or therapeutic codes. Each illness or disease has its own code. Using doctors' notes for guidance, clerks select the correct code from lists kept in the medical record department. Clerks also keep records of waiting lists, the number of beds available and how quickly patients are treated.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
• Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
• Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
• Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
• Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.
• Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyse information.
• Post medical insurance billings.
• Process and prepare business or government forms.
• Process patient admission or discharge documents.
• Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Much of the training is on-the-job and is likely to cover introduction to the hospital, administrative systems and the computer system.  The Health Management Institute run some relevant courses and SOLAS run general courses in Office Skills, which may be of use.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business Admin, Customer service, Medical & Office Admin in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Business Admin,  Customer service, Medical/ Legal & Office Admin at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Insurance NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Business administration Finance NFQ Level 7 Search our CAO coursefinder

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management, Finance NFQ level 9

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €50k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / CPL/ HSE/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

After declining annually since 2019, employment grew in both 2023 and 2024, almost returning to 2019 levels. Almost all employed were female and only 53% worked in full time positions.

Employment was mainly in the health, education and professional activities sectors. Over a third were aged 55 years or older and although not all who retire will be replaced (with the digitalisation of tasks reducing the demand for these roles), some job opportunities are likely to continue.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Management Institute of Ireland

  • Heather House, Heather Road, Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18
  • (01) 297 4070
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here