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

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 ...

Electrician

Columbia, SC · On-site

$29.43/hr

... apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. Salary $29.43 /hr. plus $5.09 fringe benefits ... Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal codes and regulations pertaining to the ...

... apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. Salary $29.43 /hr. plus $5.09 fringe benefits ... Thorough knowledge of applicable state and federal codes and regulations pertaining to the ...

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Medical Coding Apprentice information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do medical coding apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coding 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Coding Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a relevant certification such as CPC-A or CCA. Familiarity with coding software like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and EHR systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills are vital soft skills for accuracy and efficiency. These abilities are crucial for ensuring correct billing, compliance, and the smooth operation of healthcare revenue cycles.

What types of support or mentorship can a Medical Coding Apprentice expect during their training period?

As a Medical Coding Apprentice, you will typically be paired with experienced coders or supervisors who provide guidance and feedback as you learn the ropes. Many organizations offer structured mentorship programs, regular check-ins, and access to training resources to help apprentices transition from classroom knowledge to real-world coding tasks. Apprentices often work closely with coding teams and may participate in peer reviews, case study discussions, and skills workshops. This supportive environment is designed to build your confidence, accuracy, and understanding of coding standards, setting you up for future advancement.

What is the difference between Medical Coding Apprentice vs Medical Coding Specialist?

AspectMedical Coding ApprenticeMedical Coding Specialist
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, certification not mandatory initiallyCertified Professional Coder (CPC) or equivalent required
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised environmentIndependent work, healthcare facilities, or billing companies
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare providers during trainingMedical offices, billing companies, insurance companies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level roles, training programsProfessional advancement, full-time employment

The main difference between a Medical Coding Apprentice and a Medical Coding Specialist lies in experience and certification. Apprentices are typically in training, gaining skills on the job without requiring certification, while specialists are fully qualified professionals with certifications who perform coding independently. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas specialists handle complete coding tasks in healthcare settings.

What is a Medical Coding Apprentice?

A Medical Coding Apprentice is an entry-level professional who is learning to assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keeping purposes. They typically work under the supervision of experienced medical coders while gaining practical experience and often preparing for certification exams. Apprentices are responsible for accurately translating healthcare services into universal codes, ensuring proper insurance reimbursement and compliance with regulations. This role is ideal for individuals starting a career in medical coding and seeking hands-on training in a healthcare setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coding jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Coding Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC? For Medical Coding Apprentice jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Medical Coding Apprentice jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Medical Coding Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Coding Apprentice job openings in Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical 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

$61K/yr

Other

Posted 5 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