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Medical Coder Apprentice Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

GTI Fabrication

Contract Electricians

Columbia, SC

$26.70 - $55/hr

Compensation * Apprentice Electrician: $26.70-$44.50/hr (level assigned based on verified ... Maintain NEC code compliance and GTI quality standards * Document work and follow shop safety ...

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Medical Coder Apprentice information

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$12

$18

$28

How much do medical coder apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder apprentice in Columbia, SC is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Medical Coder Apprentices?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC? For Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Coder Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Medical Coder Apprentice jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Medical Coder Apprentice job openings:
Medical Coder Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Coder Apprentice job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,082 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (CDIS-Outpatient and Inpatient)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Columbia, SC • On-site

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

This position is in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Columbia VA Health Care System. MRTs (Coder) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers. These coding practitioners analyze and abstract patients' health records, and assign alpha-numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure.Qualifications: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.
  • English Language Proficiency: MRTs (Coder) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Experience and Education:
    • (1) 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,
    • (2) Education: An associate 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 introduction to health records); OR,
    • (3) 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,
    • (4) Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience:
      • (a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding and the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours of health information technology courses.
      • (b) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service, under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Also, requires six additional months of creditable experience that is paid or non-paid employment equivalent to a MRT (Coder).
  • Certification: Employees at this level must have either a mastery level certification or a clinical documentation improvement certification.Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either (1), (2), or (3) below:
    • (1) Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
    • (2) Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
    • (3) Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
      • NOTE: Mastery level certification is required for all positions above the journey level; however, for clinical documentation improvement specialist assignments, a clinical documentation improvement certification may be substituted for a mastery level certification.
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 Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Medical Records Technician (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS-Outpatient and Inpatient)), GS-09
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey grade level of a MRT (Coder-Outpatient and Inpatient);
OR,
An associate's degree or higher, and three years of experience in clinical documentation improvement (candidates must also have successfully completed coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records);
OR,
Mastery level certification through AHIMA or AAPC and two years of experience in clinical documentation improvement;
NOTE: See paragraph 2g for a detailed definition of mastery level certification.
OR,
Clinical experience such as RN, M.D., or DO, and one year of experience in clinical documentation improvement.
Preferred Experience: None.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-09.
Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients.
See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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