What I do

When someone comes into hospital with a condition, a set of notes are created, which go to the Clinical Coding Department. As a Clinical Coder, I read everything in their notes to decipher whether they have an underlying condition that would make their condition more complicated.

I then use my books to translate all those medical records into alphanumeric codes and input them into the system. That system is used for statistical analysis to track health inequalities. I upload it online and it goes to the government, NHS Digital, health services, Secondary Uses Service – anyone who is looking to do research can use it.

Hear more about Chloe's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

I was OK at maths, science and English at school and did a degree in Health and Community Studies at Huddersfield University. I originally wanted to go into substance abuse rehabilitation because I’d worked at a hostel for people in recovery.

But after university I worked in health records, dealing with case notes and patient appointments and I saw this department with lots of books - which I love.

I did some research and discovered it was a Clinical Coding Department. I was fortunate to get onto a trainee apprenticeship, and it turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done.

A surprising fact about my job

You don’t need qualifications in anatomy and physiology, you just need a basic understanding of the body’s systems, what they do and what their function is. You learn everything else on the job.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

I think it’s the most amazing job in the world, I am so lucky, and I just love doing it.

The best bits about working in a team

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and you cannot have the arrogance to think you know it all – it's too important to do that. It’s great you can rely on your team support and that you can support them. To be part of a group of such knowledgeable people is great. I am so proud of what we do.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

Becoming an Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) was massive for me. I came into coding six years ago and the level of knowledge of the people I worked with when I first started was amazing - they knew everything. I would be asking what’s this and what's that and it would be something I’d never heard of. So, when I actually became accredited it was the first time I felt I could speak up and express my opinion, as I had a solid basis for doing it.

Find out more about this role

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.

Nine apprentices sitting on sofas socialising

Meet other technicians

Read more real life technicians stories, see what they do every day, and how they got started.