How to Become a Health Records Officer in Jamaica (2025): Salary, Requirements & Career Path

What Does a Health Records Officer Do?

In Jamaica, Health Records Officers are responsible for the accurate collection, organisation, storage, and retrieval of patient medical information across public health facilities managed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. They ensure that health data complies with the National Health Services Act and supports clinical decision-making, hospital administration, and national health statistics compiled by bodies such as the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). Their role is critical to the smooth operation of Regional Health Authorities — including SERHA, NERHA, SRHA, and WRHA — which together oversee hundreds of hospitals, health centres, and community clinics island-wide.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: A minimum of five (5) CXC/CSEC passes including English Language and a science subject; an Associate Degree or Certificate in Health Information Management or Medical Records Administration from an institution such as the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech) or the Caribbean School of Data Science is strongly preferred.
• Professional Certification: Registration with the Health Information Management Association of Jamaica (HIMAJ) is recognised by employers and significantly improves employment prospects.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in medical coding systems (ICD-10), electronic health record (EHR) platforms, and standard office productivity software.
• Experience: Entry-level posts typically require 0–2 years of relevant experience; senior and supervisory grades require 3–5 years working within a Jamaican public or private health facility.
• Other Requirements: A clean police record, satisfactory references, and the ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality in line with Jamaica’s Data Protection Act 2020.

Salary in Jamaica

Health Records Officers employed within the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) public sector earn between approximately J$1.5 million and J$3 million per year, depending on grade, years of experience, and qualifications. Entry-level officers placed at Band 4–5 on the GOJ pay scale typically start near J$1.5M annually, while senior officers and those in supervisory or specialist roles can earn up to J$3M or more. Positions within the Regional Health Authorities, the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and the Cornwall Regional Hospital may also offer allowances and benefits — such as uniform and transport allowances — that supplement base pay. Private hospitals and health maintenance organisations in Jamaica generally offer competitive salaries that can match or exceed GOJ rates for experienced candidates.

How to Become a Health Records Officer in Jamaica

1. Complete your foundational education. Ensure you have at least five CXC/CSEC passes including English Language, Mathematics, and a science subject. This is the baseline requirement for entry into any accredited health information programme in Jamaica.
2. Pursue a recognised health information qualification. Enrol in the Certificate or Associate Degree in Health Information Management offered by UTech Jamaica, the Caribbean School of Data Science, or an equivalent institution. These programmes typically cover medical terminology, ICD-10 coding, health statistics, and records management law.
3. Register with HIMAJ and gain practical experience. Become a member of the Health Information Management Association of Jamaica and complete any required internship or practicum at a local health facility. Many Regional Health Authority facilities accept student placements, giving you hands-on experience with Jamaican health record systems.
4. Apply for government or private sector vacancies. Monitor the Ministry of Health and Wellness career portal, the Services Commission Department (SCD) website, and job boards for Health Records Officer postings. Tailor your application to highlight your certification, coding competency, and familiarity with Jamaica’s public health structure.

Top Employers in Jamaica

The largest employers of Health Records Officers in Jamaica are institutions and agencies within the public health sector. The four Regional Health Authorities — SERHA (South East), NERHA (North East), SRHA (South), and WRHA (Western) — collectively manage the majority of public hospitals and health centres across the island and regularly recruit Health Records Officers. Other key employers include the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), the Ministry of Health and Wellness central administration, and major public hospitals such as the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Cornwall Regional Hospital, and Mandeville Regional Hospital. Beyond the health sector, health information skills are also valued at the National Health Fund (NHF), private health insurers, and occupational health departments within large statutory bodies such as the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Jamaica Social Security (NIS) administration.

Find Health Records Officer Jobs in Jamaica

Ready to take the next step in your healthcare administration career? Search current vacancies and set up job alerts on Jamaica Homes Jobs, Jamaica’s dedicated careers platform, to be the first to know when Health Records Officer roles are posted across government ministries, Regional Health Authorities, and private healthcare providers island-wide.