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Trainee Clinical Coder Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lab Associate I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18.39/hr

Respond to "code purple" and document findings. * Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares and maintains complete and ...

Lab Associate I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18.39/hr

Respond to "code purple" and document findings. * Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares and maintains complete and ...

Trainee Clinical Coder information

What is the difference between Trainee Clinical Coder vs Clinical Coder?

AspectTrainee Clinical CoderClinical Coder
QualificationsTypically enrolled in training or certification programsCertified or fully qualified in clinical coding
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingPrevious experience or completed training
Work EnvironmentSupervised, learning environment in hospitals or clinicsIndependent or team-based coding tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with coding under supervisionAssigning accurate codes to medical records

The main difference is that a Trainee Clinical Coder is in the learning phase, gaining skills and certifications, while a Clinical Coder is fully qualified and responsible for independently coding medical records. Trainees are supervised and still developing their expertise, whereas qualified coders perform the role autonomously.

How to become a trainee Clinical Coder?

To become a trainee Clinical Coder, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a health or coding-related diploma or degree, and often complete training programs offered by healthcare organizations or coding associations. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and familiarity with coding systems like ICD and OPCS are essential, and some roles may require passing certification exams to progress to full clinical coder status.

What are some typical challenges Trainee Clinical Coders face when learning to interpret medical records?

Trainee Clinical Coders often encounter challenges in understanding complex medical terminology and deciphering handwritten or incomplete clinical notes. It's common to feel overwhelmed when first trying to translate detailed patient records into standardized codes, as accuracy is crucial for billing and patient care. Many trainees find it helpful to ask questions, use coding manuals, and collaborate closely with experienced coders and clinical staff to build confidence and competence over time.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Clinical Coder, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of medical terminology, often supported by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Familiarity with coding classification systems like ICD-10, OPCS-4, and hospital information systems is typically required, and completing the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) can be an asset. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you work efficiently with clinical staff and handle complex information. These competencies ensure that medical records are coded accurately, supporting effective healthcare delivery, billing, and data analysis.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

For a Trainee Clinical Coder, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) typically offers higher pay than CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) because CPC is more widely recognized in outpatient and physician-based coding, often requiring additional certification and skills. Salary differences depend on experience, location, and employer, but CPC-certified coders generally have higher earning potential in the coding field.

How to get hired as a medical coder with no experience?

To become a trainee clinical coder with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge through online courses or certifications such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA). Developing skills in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT is essential, and internships or volunteer opportunities can provide practical exposure to healthcare environments.

Will AI replace clinical coders?

AI can assist clinical coders by automating routine coding tasks and improving accuracy, but it is unlikely to fully replace them. Human oversight is essential for complex cases, interpretation of medical records, and ensuring compliance with coding standards. Clinical coders' expertise remains valuable in maintaining quality and accuracy in medical coding processes.

What are Trainee Clinical Coders?

Trainee Clinical Coders are entry-level professionals who learn to translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments from patient records into standardized codes. These codes are used for healthcare billing, data analysis, and ensuring accurate medical records. As trainees, they typically work under supervision while studying for accreditation and gaining hands-on experience in hospitals or healthcare settings. The role requires attention to detail, understanding of medical terminology, and adherence to coding standards such as ICD-10 and OPCS-4.
Infographic showing various Trainee Clinical Coder job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Clinical Director of Developmental Programs (BCBA)

Verbal Beginnings

Columbia, MD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Verbal Beginnings rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
The Clinical Director (CD) provides both administrative and clinical leadership to all staff and designated teams. This includes oversight of assigned Clinical Supervisors (CSs) and Technicians, including their ABA knowledge and skills, supervisory skills (for CSs), and adherence to company policies. This position will also serve as the main contact for questions, concerns, or complaints from the caregivers of their assigned clients.
The role of the Clinical Director of Developmental Programs will be to assist and oversee the entirety of the client life cycle. The Clinical Director of Developmental Programs will also provide ABA services to assigned clients for which they are responsible for creating and implementing ABA programs per clinical guidelines and oversight for specific cases. They will utilize, understand, and apply work practices aligned with the core values and strategic plan of Verbal Beginnings. The Director of Developmental Programs will also develop, implement, and monitor program-wide systems, supports, and programs to ensure quality services for clients.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Compensation: $115,000
  • Benefits:
    • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with low out-of-pocket costs
    • Generous PTO and paid parental leave
    • Professional Development stipends
    • Short-term/long-term Disability
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • 401(k)

Responsibilities
  • Ensure clients are in a safe and positive environment at all times.
  • Clinically oversee transitional programs at Verbal Beginnings such as Social Beginnings and the Bridge Program.
  • Provide supervisory support to assigned CSs to ensure they achieve the appropriate level of job independence for high-quality clinical service delivery for clients and their families.
  • Provide the designated level of direct, supervisory, and consultative ABA services to assigned clients.
  • Provide a minimum level of service delivery hours as assigned and for coverage, as needed.
  • Ensure high Pledge of Care scores.
  • Uphold the BACB ethical code and CASP practice guidelines.
  • Comply with all company policies as outlined in the Employment Agreement, BCBA/BCaBA Manual, and program policy documents.
  • Complete intakes and assessments for clients as assigned.
  • Train CSs on new company policies and procedures.
  • Train CSs on standardized clinical programs.
  • Train CSs to provide effective positive leadership utilizing Verbal Beginnings' 5 Core Leader Behaviors.
  • Ensure CSs' classrooms are aligned with Verbal Beginnings culture and performance expectations.
  • Ensure assigned clients' programs and family progress are appropriate and effective by monitoring progress through norm-referenced assessments.
  • Attend and lead Team and Supervisory meetings.
  • Provide clinical support to CSs including but not limited to feedback during program reviews, training clinical competencies, and providing feedback on progress notes.
  • Address concerns from and about clients' caregivers and communicate issues.
  • Conduct evaluations of CS's performance as assigned, through reviews, data analysis, and observation, and provide feedback based on those evaluations
  • Collaborate with CSs and the Director of Clinical Operations to disseminate programming, research, and effective teaching procedures.
  • Act as consulting supervisor to new BCBAs (within 1 year of getting their BACB certificate) supervising trainees.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
  1. Completion of a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
  2. Board Certified Behavior Analyst in good standing (BCBA)
  3. Completion of 8 hours supervision course approved by the BACB
  4. Previous Experience Supervising BCBAs

Preferred Education and Experience
  1. Previous experience with supervision per BACB standards
  2. Previous experience with early intervention with an emphasis on Verbal Behavior
  3. Experience with programming based on Skinner's analysis of language.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  1. Licensure to practice ABA in the State of Maryland (LBA)
  2. BLS/CPR certification including pediatric BLS/CPR

Salary Range
USD $115,000.00 - USD $115,000.00 /Yr.

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