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Clinical Terminology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Key Responsibilities Terminology Leadership and Strategy * Provide authoritative guidance for the assessment, selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of clinical terminologies in ...

Key Responsibilities Terminology Leadership and Strategy * Provide authoritative guidance for the assessment, selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of clinical terminologies in ...

This role is ideal for nurses who are familiar with clinical terminology, medical coding, or healthcare data. Key responsibilities include chart review, data extraction & quality assurance. This ...

This role is ideal for nurses who are familiar with clinical terminology, medical coding, or healthcare data. Key responsibilities include chart review, data extraction & quality assurance. This ...

Deep understanding of ONC and CMS regulations regarding clinical terminology. Education: Master's Degree in Nursing or equivalent clinical specialty. Experience: 10 years in terminology development ...

Deep understanding of ONC and CMS regulations regarding clinical terminology. Education: Master's Degree in Nursing or equivalent clinical specialty. Experience: 10 years in terminology development ...

Knowledge of basic anatomy, clinical terminology, and general surgical techniques. * Knowledge of fundamentals of robotics or electromechanical systems. * Experience in the regulated medical device ...

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Clinical Terminology information

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How much do clinical terminology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical terminology in the United States is $37.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is clinical terminology?

Clinical terminology refers to the standardized language and vocabulary used by healthcare professionals to accurately describe diagnoses, procedures, medical conditions, and treatments. This specialized language ensures clear communication among clinicians, aids in proper documentation, and supports effective data exchange across healthcare systems. Examples include standardized codes and terms such as ICD-10, SNOMED CT, and CPT. Using consistent clinical terminology helps prevent misunderstandings, improves patient safety, and enables efficient billing and reporting processes.

What does a clinical terminologist do?

A clinical terminologist is responsible for developing, managing, and standardizing medical terminology and coding systems used in healthcare. They ensure accurate documentation, support electronic health records, and often work with classification systems like SNOMED CT or ICD to improve data consistency and interoperability.

What professionals use medical terminology?

Medical professionals such as physicians, nurses, medical coders, and clinical researchers use medical terminology to accurately communicate patient information, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Familiarity with medical terminology is essential for documentation, billing, and effective collaboration within healthcare settings.

What careers use medical terminology?

Careers that use medical terminology include healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists, as well as medical coders, billers, and health information technicians. Proficiency in medical terminology is essential for accurate communication, documentation, and understanding of medical records and procedures.

How to become a clinical terminologist?

To become a clinical terminologist, individuals typically need a background in healthcare, such as a degree in health information management, medical coding, or a related field. Certification from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) can enhance job prospects, and proficiency in medical terminology, coding systems, and health data standards is essential.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in clinical terminology roles?

Professionals in clinical terminology often encounter challenges related to ensuring standardized language across diverse healthcare systems and electronic health records. Staying current with frequent updates to medical codes and terminologies, such as SNOMED CT or ICD-10, requires ongoing education and attention to detail. Additionally, collaborating with clinicians, IT teams, and administrative staff to implement terminology changes can be complex, as it involves balancing accuracy, usability, and regulatory compliance. Effective communication and a solid understanding of both clinical concepts and informatics are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Clinical Terminology vs Medical Coding Specialist?

AspectClinical TerminologyMedical Coding Specialist
Required CredentialsCertification in medical terminology, often through courses or certificationsCertification in coding systems like CPC, CCS, or CCS-P
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, often involved in documentation and clinical recordsMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare facilities focusing on coding and billing
Industry UsageUsed by clinicians, health informaticians, and documentation specialistsUsed by billing departments, insurance companies, and healthcare administrators
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for understanding clinical documentation and coding rolesFocuses on coding accuracy and reimbursement processes

Clinical Terminology involves understanding and applying medical language used in patient documentation, while Medical Coding Specialists translate clinical information into standardized codes for billing and record-keeping. Both roles are essential in healthcare but focus on different aspects of clinical data management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Terminologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Terminologist, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare coding systems, and clinical documentation, typically supported by a background in health information management or a related field. Familiarity with coding standards such as ICD-10, SNOMED CT, LOINC, and experience using health information systems or terminology management tools are essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure accuracy and consistency across clinical data. These competencies are vital for maintaining data integrity, supporting interoperability, and improving patient care quality in healthcare settings.
More about Clinical Terminology jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Terminology jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Terminology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Terminology jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Terminology jobs are:
Infographic showing various Clinical Terminology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,347 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Lead Terminologist

Lead Terminologist

Gritter Francona

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

VHA supports and provides medical care for VA's eligible beneficiaries through the VA health program, which includes VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and contracted health care networks. The Office of Clinical Informatics within the Office of Health Informatics (OHI), Digital Health Office (DHO) advances the enterprise standard of care and patient experience using improved data, tools, and informatics processes organized around continuously delivering value to its customers. This is achieved through Lean-Agile delivery of clinical practice solutions that support best practice standards for clinical care. OHI is further responsible for ensuring the success of the modernized VA EHR, Oracle Health Millennium/Cerner through continuous exploration, integration, deployment and release on demand of Integrated Health Technology (IHT) solutions. These efforts aim to increase Veterans' access to care and support their active participation in their healthcare. Gritter Francona is looking for a Lead Terminologist to help support a potential project to assist this objective.
Key Responsibilities
Terminology Leadership and Strategy
  • Provide authoritative guidance for the assessment, selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of clinical terminologies in clinical information systems.
  • Lead and oversee terminology resources under this contract to ensure all terminology work products meet quality, consistency, and standards-based expectations.
  • Recommend, define, and prioritize appropriate clinical terminologies to support enterprise-wide interoperability, reusable clinical data, and health information exchange.
  • Provide leadership and innovation in integrating clinical terminologies with information models, clinical workflows, information systems, and emerging technologies.

Standards Development and Evaluation
  • Participate in the development of specifications and standards related to national health information activities.
  • Analyze the impact, feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness of existing and proposed clinical standards, candidate terminologies, regulations, programs, and policies.
  • Conduct review, verification, and validation of terminology-related deliverables to ensure alignment with national and federal health standards.
  • Support harmonization of terminologies across VA systems and with external partners, including DoD and other federal and national stakeholders.

Program and Stakeholder Support
  • Provide expert clinical terminology support to VA programs and offices, including but not limited to:
    • Veterans' Health Administration (VHA) Program Offices
    • Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM)
    • Office of Connected Care
    • Other VA initiatives requiring terminology services
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and consultant to program leadership, technical teams, and clinical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure terminology solutions support patient care, clinical operations, analytics, and interoperability goals.

Clinical Terminology Expertise and Consultation
  • Serve as a clinical terminology consultant, curator, and creator in support of VA programs, Department-level initiatives, and national health priorities.
  • Ensure accurate analysis, documentation, and fulfillment of program requirements related to clinical terminology.
  • Guide terminology governance, change management, and lifecycle processes.
  • Provide mentorship and technical leadership to terminology staff and project teams.

Compliance and Regulatory Awareness
  • Maintain current knowledge of federal policies, guidance, and regulatory requirements governing health data standards and terminology activities.
  • Ensure terminology practices comply with applicable VA, federal, and national standards and policies.

Requirements
  • Master's degree in nursing or an equivalent clinical specialty
  • 10 years' experience in terminology development and implementation
  • Strong understanding of clinical information modeling, interoperability frameworks and health date standards

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development