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Medical Coder Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Physician Practice Coder Oncology

Banner, IL · Remote

$18 - $24/hr

Consults with medical providers to clarify missing or inadequate record information and to ... Coder - Apprentice (CPC-A), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), or Registered ...

Apprentice Machinist

Cortland, IL · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

... medical, aerospace, government, auto and food industries. Position Description: The Apprentice ... Skills to develop include a working knowledge of CAD/CAM, SurfCam, DraftSight, G-Code and AutoCad ...

Apprentice Machinist

Cortland, IL · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

... medical, aerospace, government, auto and food industries. Position Description: The Apprentice ... Skills to develop include a working knowledge of CAD/CAM, SurfCam, DraftSight, G-Code and AutoCad ...

Maintenance Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... and local building codes Required Qualifications: * High school diploma or GED equivalent ... Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care * Paid parental leave at 100% of salary * Paid Time Off ...

Maintenance Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... and local building codes Required Qualifications: * High school diploma or GED equivalent ... Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care * Paid parental leave at 100% of salary * Paid Time Off ...

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Medical Coder Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$21

$33

How much do medical coder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder apprentice in Illinois is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical coder apprentice?

Medical Coder Apprentices are entry-level professionals who are learning to assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and record-keeping purposes. They typically work under the supervision of experienced medical coders or coding managers as they gain hands-on experience and prepare for certification exams. Their role is crucial in ensuring accurate medical billing and compliance with healthcare regulations. Medical Coder Apprentices may work in hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies, and their apprenticeship often combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical coder apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Coder Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding guidelines, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring enrollment in or completion of a medical coding program. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, as well as experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems, are commonly required, and pursuing certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you accurately interpret clinical documents and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring precise coding, regulatory compliance, and optimized reimbursement for healthcare practices.

What are some common challenges faced by medical coder apprentices during their training period?

Medical Coder Apprentices often find it challenging to accurately interpret complex medical records and apply the correct codes while adhering to the latest coding guidelines. Adjusting to the fast-paced healthcare environment and managing productivity expectations can also be demanding, especially when balancing on-the-job training with ongoing coursework. Additionally, apprentices may need time to become proficient with electronic health record (EHR) systems and to understand the nuances of insurance billing requirements. Support from experienced coders and regular feedback sessions are helpful in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Medical Coder Apprentice vs Medical Coder?

AspectMedical Coder ApprenticeMedical Coder
CredentialsOften in training, may have basic certifications or courseworkTypically certified (e.g., CPC, CCS) with experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training in healthcare settingsFull responsibilities in hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare providers during trainingEstablished professionals in similar settings

The Medical Coder Apprentice is an entry-level role focused on training and gaining experience, while the Medical Coder is a fully qualified professional responsible for accurate medical coding and billing. Apprentices typically work under supervision, whereas coders operate independently with certification and experience.

Can you get a job as a medical coder apprentice with no experience?

Medical coder apprenticeships often accept candidates with little or no prior experience, as they provide on-the-job training and instruction in coding principles, medical terminology, and coding software. Having a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some programs may prefer or require basic computer skills or familiarity with healthcare environments. Completing relevant certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), can improve job prospects but is not always mandatory for entry-level apprenticeships.

How much does a medical coder apprentice make?

A medical coder apprentice typically earns between $12 and $18 per hour, depending on location, employer, and level of training. As they gain experience and certifications, their pay can increase, and some may transition into full medical coding roles with higher salaries.

How to get your first job as a medical coder apprentice?

To secure your first medical coder apprentice position, obtain relevant education such as a coding certificate or diploma, develop knowledge of medical coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and consider earning an entry-level certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering can also improve your chances, and strong attention to detail and familiarity with coding software are valuable assets in the application process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Illinois?

For Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Medical Coder Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Medical Coder Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Coder Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,193 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (Coder In/Out)

Veterans Health Administration

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,006 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
  • Experience and Education: Experience
  • One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and the structure and format of a health records
  • OR Education
  • An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and information to health records)
  • Transcripts required
  • OR Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding
  • The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed
  • OR Experience/Education Combination
  • Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements
  • Transcripts required
  • Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either (1), (2), or (3) below: Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC
  • Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
  • Grade Determination: Medical Records Technician (Coder) Outpatient & Inpatient GS-8 Experience
  • One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation
  • This includes the ability to read and understand the content of the health record, the terminology, the significance of the comments, and the disease process/pathophysiology of the patient
  • Ability to accurately perform the full scope of outpatient coding, including ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and outpatient encounters, and inpatient facility coding, including inpatient discharges, surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and inpatient professional services
  • Skill in interpreting and adapting health information guidelines that are not completely applicable to the work, or have gaps in specificity, and the ability to use judgment in completing assignments using incomplete or inadequate guidelines
  • The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
  • Reference: VA Handbook 5005/122 PART II APPENDIX G57
  • For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
  • Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US