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Clinical Coder

Clinical coders read medical notes and translate what happened in a patient's care into a set of standard codes. These codes are used for hospital funding, research and tracking health trends - so accuracy matters a lot.

Clinical Coder

10

Subjects Allied to Medicine

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR10%moving to55%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Clinical CoderIn this entry-level role, you will learn the basics of clinical coding, working under the supervision of experienced coders. You will gain hands-on experience with coding systems and develop your understanding of medical terminology.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Clinical CoderAs a mid-level coder, you will take on more complex coding tasks and may supervise junior coders. You will be expected to ensure accuracy and compliance with coding standards while contributing to departmental training and development.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Clinical CoderIn a senior role, you will lead coding teams, oversee coding audits, and ensure compliance with national coding standards. You will also play a key role in strategic planning and may be involved in training and mentoring new coders.£60,000+

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Pharmaceutical SciencesWhitefield Academy Trust · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£37,500 median
🎓PharmacyQueen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Occupational TherapyUniversity of Brighton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓PhysiotherapyLondon South Bank University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Paramedic ScienceUniversity of Portsmouth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Paramedic ScienceSwansea University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median

All Subjects Allied to Medicine courses as cards →

Real apprenticeship standards

Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.

L3Clinical coder18 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.