How To Become a Trauma Registrar: Step-by-Step Guide

Trauma registrars are responsible for maintaining accurate records of patient data for trauma centers. This data is used to improve patient care and outcomes, as well as for research purposes. To become a trauma registrar, you will need to have a strong background in medical coding and knowledge of medical terminology. In this article, we discuss the steps you need to take to become a trauma registrar.

What Does a Trauma Registrar Do?

A trauma registrar is a medical professional who collects and maintains data related to patients who have been treated for traumatic injuries. This data is used to improve patient care and outcomes, as well as to support research initiatives. Trauma registrars typically work in hospital settings and their duties may include:

• Collecting patient information from medical records and other sources
• Entering data into a computer database
• Generating reports based on the collected data
• Identifying trends and patterns in the data
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives
• Providing training to other hospital staff members on the use of the trauma registry
• Maintaining the confidentiality of patient information
• Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in trauma registry software

Trauma Registrar Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a trauma registrar is $54,075 per year. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and geographical location.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for trauma registrars will be much faster than average over the next decade. This is due to an increase in the number of traumas being reported as well as the need for better data collection and analysis in order to improve patient outcomes.

How to Become a Trauma Registrar

Here are several steps you should take to become a trauma registrar.

1. Earn an associate’s degree in medical records or health information technology

The first step to becoming a trauma registrar is to earn an associate’s degree in medical records or health information technology. These programs teach you the basics of how hospitals and healthcare facilities operate, as well as skills like data management and patient care. You may also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical records or health information technology, which will allow you to work at a higher level position.

2. Become a certified trauma registrar through the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons offers a certification program for trauma registrars. To earn this credential, you must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The course covers topics such as the history of trauma care, principles of triage and data collection.

Once you have earned your certification, consider pursuing additional credentials in trauma or emergency medicine through organizations like the National Association of Medical Examiners or the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. These can help you advance your career opportunities.

3. Gain experience working in a hospital setting

To become a trauma registrar, you need to gain experience in a hospital setting. You can do this by working as an emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic or registered nurse (RN). Working as an EMT or paramedic provides direct patient care and allows you to learn about different types of trauma situations. Working as an RN gives you the opportunity to work with patients who have experienced trauma and observe how the trauma team works.

4. Develop strong computer skills

Trauma registrars use a variety of computer programs to complete their work. You may need to learn how to use software such as Microsoft Office, which includes applications like Word and Excel, or specialized trauma registry software. Familiarizing yourself with these programs can help you quickly enter data into the system and find information when needed.

It’s also important to develop skills for working in a fast-paced environment. Trauma centers often have multiple patients who require immediate attention, so it’s important that you are able to multitask and prioritize your tasks accordingly.

5. Understand medical terminology

Trauma registrars must be familiar with medical terminology and able to understand complex medical documents. To become a trauma registrar, you should take courses in anatomy and physiology or other pre-med programs. You can also study medical terminology on your own by reading textbooks and journals.

You may also want to consider taking an online course in medical coding and billing through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association. This will help you learn how to use ICD-10 codes, which are used for trauma patients.

6. Stay up to date on changes in the field

The trauma registrar field is constantly evolving as new research and technology are developed. It’s important for trauma registrars to stay up to date on the latest developments in their field so they can provide the best possible care to patients.

For example, the American College of Surgeons recently updated its standards for trauma centers. The organization also released a new set of guidelines for treating victims of mass casualty events. Trauma registrars who keep up with these changes know how to apply them in their work.

7. Join professional organizations such as the National Trauma Registry Association

The National Trauma Registry Association is a professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for trauma registrars. Membership in the association can help you stay up to date on changes in the field, such as new protocols or software updates. You may also find job listings through the association’s network of professionals.

The American College of Surgeons is another professional organization that offers certification exams for trauma registrars. The college also hosts conferences where you can learn about advances in trauma care.