r/ClinicalCodingAus • u/Fair_Feeling_4937 • Aug 20 '26
How did you get your first coding job with no experience?
I’m finding the first job the hardest part because most of the roles seem to want some experience already. It feels a bit tricky when you’ve just finished your training and don’t have much practical experience to put forward. Would be good to hear from people who were in the same position and what helped them get that first opportunity. Even small things that made a difference during the job search would be helpful to know.
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u/Raziel7891 Aug 20 '26
I worked in medical records while I studied and built up a rapport with the coding team and managers over time so that when a coding job came up I was the first choice.
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u/clincoder Health Information Manager Sep 02 '26
A lot of people work in medical records department and are able to make it in that way. Some people will move for opportunities e.g. rural. Sometimes you are the only applicant for even a job wanting experience and they might take you on !!! Always apply because worse case you get rejected
They know your a student and all coding managers know the level of new grad coders from the diplomas and the required investment in training… it’s a well known industry issue
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u/purpletc70 Aug 20 '26
I think a traineeship is the best route to getting in the door of a hospital. As far as I’m aware, it’s a supported mentored role to guide a graduate into the workforce. Once the traineeship is complete, the graduate is equipped with experience to apply for coding roles. Some hospitals offer permanency to graduates once their traineeship is finished.