Clinical coder
Level 3 · AdvancedHealth and science 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Clinical Coder apprenticeship trains you to accurately translate clinical information from patient records into standardised medical codes using classifications such as ICD-10 and OPCS-4. Apprentices work within NHS or independent healthcare settings, supporting data quality that informs commissioning, reimbursement and service planning. It leads to senior clinical coder, coding audit and clinical coding manager roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
ICD-10 and OPCS-4 clinical coding classification systems
Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology for coding
NHS Payment by Results and tariff coding rules
Analysis and interpretation of clinical documentation
Data quality principles and clinical coding accuracy standards
Healthcare information systems and patient administration systems
Professional standards and audit in clinical coding
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Read and interpret clinical letters, operation notes and discharge summaries
Assign correct ICD-10 diagnostic and OPCS-4 procedure codes
Query clinicians about unclear or missing clinical information
Ensure coded data meets national standards and local targets
Carry out coding audits and review error feedback
Update patient records in the hospital information system
Attend coding update training and keep skills current
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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