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Medical Coding Trainee Jobs in Tehachapi, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medical Coding Trainee information

See Tehachapi, CA salary details

$14

$22

$38

How much do medical coding trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coding trainee in Tehachapi, CA is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical coding trainee?

A Medical Coding Trainee is an entry-level role where individuals learn to assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments based on healthcare documentation. Trainees typically receive on-the-job training in coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS to ensure accurate billing and insurance claims processing. This role is crucial for maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and maximizing reimbursements for medical services.

What does a medical coding trainee do?

As a Medical Coding Trainee, your day will often involve reviewing patient records, assigning appropriate medical codes, and entering data into healthcare systems under the supervision of experienced coders. You may participate in regular training sessions and feedback meetings to refine your skills and stay updated on coding guidelines. Expect to collaborate with healthcare providers and billing staff to clarify documentation and resolve discrepancies. This supportive, learning-focused environment helps you gain practical experience and prepares you for advancement to more independent coding roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical coding trainee?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Trainee, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare documentation, and at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and medical billing software is commonly required, and pursuing certifications such as CPC or CCS can be advantageous. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong organizational skills are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure accurate coding, reduce billing errors, and support effective healthcare operations.

How do I train to be a medical coding trainee?

To train as a medical coding trainee, individuals typically complete a medical coding training program or course that covers coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is often recommended and can improve job prospects; training usually involves learning medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. Practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also enhance skills and employability.

How to become a medical coding trainee?

To become a medical coding trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a medical coding training program or certification course. Familiarity with medical terminology, coding systems like ICD and CPT, and attention to detail are essential. Some employers may require or prefer certification from organizations such as AAPC or AHIMA.

How to get hired as a medical coding trainee with no experience?

To get hired as a medical coding trainee with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and develop familiarity with coding software and medical terminology. Entry-level positions often require demonstrating basic knowledge through coursework or certification, and some employers may offer on-the-job training for trainees.

What cities near Tehachapi, CA are hiring for Medical Coding Trainee jobs?

Cities near Tehachapi, CA with the most Medical Coding Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Coding Trainee job openings in Tehachapi, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,535 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Per Diem, Variable Shift)

Adventist Health

Tehachapi, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley has been providing high-quality healthcare services since 1934. We are comprised of a 25-bed hospital, wide range of outpatient services, emergency department, rural health clinics and medical offices. Tehachapi is located just north of Southern California's highly populated areas, with a mountain locale known for its outdoor living. Residents enjoy the scenic beauty, extreme sports and wildlife. Tehachapi is a nice balance of a small-town community within an epicenter of shopping, retail, arts and culture.
Job Summary:
Prioritizes and performs a wide variety of clinical laboratory tests on various biological specimens. Reviews, evaluates, documents and reports results. Preserves confidentiality of patients and follows lab safety and maintenance protocols. Trains and supervises trainees, laboratory assistants and clerks as needed.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, biological sciences, chemical sciences or allied health technologies or equivalent: Required
  • Clinical laboratory experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
  • Valid Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license in state of employment: Required in CA
  • Current certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency for Labs (NCA): Preferred
Essential Functions:
  • Employs positive patient identification procedures to ensure the integrity of each specimen for pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical testing. Performs proper specimen collection (including phlebotomy procedures as necessary), labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation and storage. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other patient confidentiality guidelines and regulations.
  • Prioritizes lab orders according to type (STAT, ASAP, routine and timed studies) and performs various testing (including chemistry, coagulation, hematology, special chemistry, urinalysis, blood bank, serology, immunology, bacteriology, microbiology, referral testing and more) following prescribed quality assurance policies and procedures. Performs, evaluates and documents quality control checks. Reviews testing results evaluating validity of test results in comparison to anticipated results indicated per procedure manual.
  • Reviews and evaluates the validity and accuracy of test results, recognizing the interdependency of tests, the physiological conditions affecting results, patient age and normal values, controls, linearity errors, instrument codes, delta checks and more. Correlates test results with diagnoses and questions incompatible results. Thoroughly documents and communicates test results, expediting all critical values and results to appropriate clinicians.
  • Disposes of contaminated materials and equipment in accordance with policy and assures that work area is properly cleansed after each test. Performs equipment and instrumentation maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration as needed. Inventories and restocks reagents, calibrators, controls and supplies as needed.
  • Participates in the collection and evaluation of data for Performance Improvement evaluations. Documents adverse events using incident reporting tool. Orients, instructs and supervises laboratory assistants and clerks as needed.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.
About Us
Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 27 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.

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