HLT50321
Diploma of Clinical Coding
Nationally recognised · RTO 22151

Australia’s best-value pathway into a career in clinical coding. 100% online, self-paced, with daily intakes year-round and integrated access to industry-standard coding tools.

OVERVIEW

A structured pathway into clinical coding

Our Diploma of Clinical Coding is designed to take you from the fundamentals through to practical coding work using real medical records. The qualification reflects the role of an entry-level clinical coder, who uses a range of skills and knowledge to analyse and code medical records using the current Australian classifications: ICD-10-AM, ACHI, and the Australian Coding Standards (ACS), Thirteenth Edition.

Clinical coders translate health records into standardised codes. Those codes underpin state and commonwealth data reporting, health service planning, and hospital funding models, which makes clinical coding a stable, in-demand profession that plays a real role in how Australia’s healthcare system works.

What you can earn as a clinical coder

$87,000 to $96,000

Entry-level clinical coder (L1) base salary under Queensland Health’s public-sector award.

$101,000 to $111,000

Experienced clinical coder (L2) at 2 to 5 years, base salary under Queensland Health’s public-sector award.

Up to $158,000

Senior coder, auditor, educator, or coding manager (L3 to L5) under Queensland Health’s public-sector award.

For a full breakdown of career stages and salary progression, read our clinical coder salary guide.

AT A GLANCE

Qualification

HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding

Delivery

100% Online

Length

12 months, flexible

Intake

Daily

Price

$4995, or from $150/month with ZipMoney

COURSE DETAILS

HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding

Qualification

HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding
ICD-10-AM (13th Edition)

Delivery

Daily intakes with 100% online theory and practical training

Length

12 months, flexible self-paced study

Simulated Workplace Training

Online access to thousands of authentic medical records to practice and hone your clinical coding skills.

Learning and Assessment

Comprehensive learning guides and assessment materials. No mandatory hospital placements required.

Student Discount Included

Eligible discount on your electronic or hard-copy ICD-10-AM / ACHI / ACS references valued at around $200.00.

Payment Options

Upfront payment, 3 equal instalments, or ZipMoney (enrol now, pay later)

Support

Unlimited live chat, telephone and email support

Recognition

Nationally recognised Diploma-level qualification

CURRICULUM

What you'll study

The Diploma of Clinical Coding covers both coding theory and practical clinical coding using real-world medical records. The course is structured across three Units of Study that build from foundations to applied coding practice.

  • Flexible 100% online learning

  • Nationally recognised training

  • Industry endorsed curriculum

  • ICD-10-AM 13th edition, ACHI & ACS training
  • Personal student support

  • Industry endorsed curriculum

Unit of Study Unit Code Unit of Competency Nominal Hours
Unit of Study 1 [UOS1] Working with health records HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety 20
HLTCCD001 Apply an understanding of the health care system to clinical coding practice 40
HLTCCD002 Interpret and navigate health care records 60
Unit of Study 2 [UOS2] Introduction to clinical coding HLTCCD003 Use medical terminology in health care 85
HLTCCD004 Interpret clinical documentation using knowledge of anatomy and physiology 100
HLTCCD005 Abstract information for clinical coding 90
Unit of Study 3 [UOS3] Perform clinical coding HLTCCD006 Undertake basic clinical coding 120
HLTCCD007 Undertake moderately complex clinical coding 150
Total Course Duration 665

Request a detailed course outline if you'd like more information on the units before enrolling.

LEARNING PLATFORM

My TalentMed®

My TalentMed® is your online learning portal. You'll access all your course materials, assessment tasks, and support channels in one place, with 24/7 availability and a learning environment designed around self-paced study.

  • My Courses - 24/7 access to all your course materials, videos, webinars, tutorials, and practical exercises

  • Personalised training - Dark mode, full-screen mode, and a distraction-free reading layout.

  • Knowledge Base - Access to our comprehensive knowledge base, student forum, and help centre.

  • My Help - Live chat with your trainers, student support, and technical support for any questions that come up.

  • My Account – Update your profile, change preferences, and manage your password.

Compatible with

Windows

macOS

ChromeOS

CODING RESOURCES

Industry-standard tools

Clinical coding in Australia is done with ICD-10-AM, ACHI, and the Australian Coding Standards. To give you the same tools professional coders use on the job, we've integrated Solventum's 3M Codefinder™ software directly into the learning platform.

Available through TalentMed for $495 for the duration of your studies, or bring your own resources if you prefer.

3M Codefinder™ Software

  • Cloud-based platform – Access from anywhere with an internet connection; no software installation or downloads required

  • Seamless integration – Single sign-on through TalentMed’s learning portal means no separate usernames, license keys or passwords to remember

  • Universal compatibility – Works seamlessly on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS

Solventum Integrated Codebook – TalentMed ICD-10-AM Integrated Codebook ACS and NCA Colourful Coding Advice Easy Navigation Lightning-Fast Search Universal Compatibility Additional Resources

WHY TALENTMED

Flexible online learning, built around your life

High-quality, accessible training for people starting or building a career in clinical coding.

100% online, self-paced

Study around work and family. No campus visits, no rigid timetables.

Qualified trainers

Fast, friendly and approachable trainers.

Nationally recognised

Your diploma is a nationally recognised qualification on the AQF.

SUPPORT

All-inclusive support, fast and friendly

Online study shouldn't mean studying alone. Our unique delivery gives you direct access to trainers and support staff across multiple channels, whenever you need help.

  • 24/7 course access

  • Optional access to Solventum Codefinder™

  • Expert-created, real-world curriculum

  • Recorded webinars and videos

  • Dedicated student forum

  • Comprehensive knowledge base

1:1 trainer support

Direct access to your trainer via live chat, phone, and email.

Student and technical support

Unlimited live chat with our student and technical support teams for anything outside the coursework.

Fast assessment feedback

We aim to grade assessment tasks within about five business days so you can keep moving forward.

TUITION

Flexible payment options

With most diplomas in Australia priced between $10,000 and $15,000, TalentMed is one of the most affordable ways to earn a nationally recognised Diploma of Clinical Coding. Choose the payment approach that suits you.

Payment upfront

One tuition fee of $4995, paid at enrolment.

Apply now

3 equal instalments

Spread your tuition fee over 3 equal instalments of $1665 across the course.

Apply now

ZipMoney

Pay later with ZipMoney, an independent provider. Up to 12 months interest-free, with repayments from $150 per month. You choose the frequency: weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Approval is subject to ZipMoney's eligibility and terms.
Apply now

After you submit your enrolment form, our team confirms your eligibility and sends a personalised sign-up link for your chosen payment option. View the full Statement of Tuition Fees for a detailed breakdown of fees and charges.

REVIEWS

What students say

Real reviews from students and graduates of TalentMed's HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding.

02/10/2026
Review of HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding

Transitioning into clinical coding with a health background was made seamless thanks to TalentMed’s Diploma of Clinical Coding. The course offers a well-structured curriculum packed with realistic coding scenarios that effectively prepare you for the workforce. The course material is interesting and designed well for practical learners like myself. The standout feature is the incredible tutor support—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in student success. It’s easily the best-supported educational program I’ve completed, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering the field. Thank you to Raisa and Lauren for all of your support and guidance throughout my learning – I am very grateful.

Avatar for Chloe
Chloe
30/09/2026
Review of HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding

After almost 30 years as a NICU nurse, I was ready for a change of pace, and this course gave me exactly the pathway I was looking for. I honestly didn’t know what to expect moving into clinical coding after decades in bedside nursing, but Talent Med made the transition feel achievable from day one.

The course structure is well organised and genuinely up to date. The content reflects current ICD-10-AM/ACHI editions and coding standards which matters enormously in a field where the rules change.

What really stood out were the educators. They were extremely helpful and encouraging throughout, and it was clear they bring years of real coding experience to the table. There was no question ever too basic or too obscure for them to answer thoroughly. Their patience made a real difference.

I also really valued the use of real-life medical histories and documentation to simulate an actual coding environment. Working through genuine-style case notes, operative reports and discharge summaries, rather than oversimplified examples, meant I finished the course actually feeling prepared for real coding work, not just familiar with the theory.

I’d recommend this course wholeheartedly to anyone considering a career change into clinical coding, particularly those coming from a clinical background like mine. Thank you, Talent Med, for such a well-run and genuinely confidence-building course.

Avatar for Aleks
Aleks
10/08/2026
Review of HLT50321 Diploma of Clinical Coding

I recently completed the Diploma of Clinical Coding with TalentMed and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. With a background in health, I was looking to make a career change into clinical coding, and I’m really glad I chose TalentMed. It has been the best-supported education experience I’ve had.

The course content was thorough and well structured, with lots of real-world simulated coding exercises, which I found really helpful in preparing learners for the workforce. These exercises helped me develop my understanding and confidence in applying the coding concepts to realistic scenarios.

What really stood out to me was the level of support from the tutors. They were extremely knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely invested in making sure I understood the material. They spent a lot of time answering my questions and explaining concepts clearly, which made a significant difference to my learning experience.

I’d especially like to thank Raisa Ashrafi and Lauren Day, who were both incredibly supportive throughout my studies. Their patience, knowledge and willingness to spend time helping me understand the material, particularly throughout the more complex modules, were greatly appreciated.

Since completing the Diploma of Clinical Coding, I’ve found that the qualification has opened up a number of employment opportunities for me. It’s a highly sought-after qualification that can provide the opportunity for a very rewarding career, and I’m very pleased to have made the decision to pursue clinical coding with TalentMed.

I’m grateful for the support I received from the whole TalentMed team and would definitely recommend TalentMed to anyone considering a career in clinical coding.

Avatar for Samantha
Samantha

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General

Yes. You can enrol online 365 days a year, or call us on 03 9937 1599. There are no set intake periods. Once your enrolment form is processed and your eligibility is confirmed, you'll receive a formal enrolment offer.

Your enrolment offer contains everything you need to commence the course.

Minimum academic entry requirements. To be assessed as academically suited for this course, you'll need to provide one of the following:

  • a copy of your Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12)
  • a copy of your International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
  • evidence of successful completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV or higher, where the language of instruction was English

If you can't provide one of the above, we'll send you login details to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) pre-assessment to confirm your suitability. Students must demonstrate Exit Level 3 or higher in both reading and numeracy.

Online learning competency. As the course is delivered online, you'll need to be comfortable using a personal computer. You'll be asked about your online learning competency as part of your pre-training review.

Minimum age. 18 years.

English language requirements. This course requires you to read, write, and understand English at a Year 12 level, or an equivalent qualification such as an AQF Certificate IV or higher, or two years of industry experience in a role requiring written and verbal communication. If you don't meet these criteria, you can undertake an LLN assessment before enrolment.

Alignment with personal or professional needs. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that the course aligns with their personal or professional goals.

Government funding. Applicants seeking enrolment under any Government funding contract will be assessed against the requirements set out in the relevant funding contract and guidelines.

Students with disabilities. Clinical coding often suits people with disabilities well, given the flexible online format. Please call us on 03 9937 1599 to discuss how we can support you.

Yes. TalentMed's Diploma of Clinical Coding is delivered entirely online. You can access all resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no face-to-face training and no mandatory hospital placement.

The course runs over 12 months of self-paced study. We recommend around 15 hours per week to complete comfortably within that timeframe. Depending on your schedule and prior familiarity with the topics, it's possible to finish sooner.

We're here to support you through your studies. Our team aims to grade assessment tasks within about five business days so you can keep moving forward.

TalentMed is Australia's best-value provider of the Diploma of Clinical Coding. According to the Australian Government's Study in Australia website, the average cost of a diploma in Australia is between $10,000 and $15,000 AUD. Our course is a fraction of that cost, and we offer a range of flexible payment plans to help you manage tuition fees.

If you find a better offer, let us know and we'll do our best to match it.

Yes. TalentMed's Diploma of Clinical Coding is nationally recognised and listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Content and training

Clinical coders translate health records into standardised codes. For example, if a medical record states:

The patient was admitted for deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.

That would be represented by:

Code Description
G20 Parkinson's disease
40709-04 [1880] Brain neuromodulation
40709-00 [6] Insertion of intracranial electrode via burr holes
Codes shown are illustrative. Australian hospital coders verify exact codes against the current ICD-10-AM, ACHI, and ACS (Thirteenth Edition 2025) Tabular Lists for each admission.

These codes underpin state and commonwealth data reporting, health service planning, and hospital funding models. Clinical coders play an essential role in Australia's healthcare system by maintaining the quality and accuracy of important health data.

Acronym Definition
ICD-10-AM International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – Tenth Revision – Australian Modification
AHCI Australian Classification of Health Interventions
ACS Australian Coding Standards

Our Diploma of Clinical Coding is based on ICD-10-AM 13th edition (2025), the current Australian standard. It's published by the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) and used by Australian hospitals for reporting and funding purposes.

No. Where some providers require hospital-based training, our course includes access to thousands of real-world medical records for you to practise on, plus a simulated Patient Administration System (PAS) that mirrors the ones used by many Australian hospitals.

TalentMed engages with industry stakeholders to keep our training and assessment materials aligned with current workplace needs and employer expectations.

Financial information

TalentMed is a VET Student Loans approved provider, however this course is not currently listed on the standard VET Student Loans approved courses list.

Yes. You can pay your tuition in 3 equal instalments directly with TalentMed, spread across the course.

If you would prefer weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments, you can pay later through ZipMoney, an independent buy now, pay later provider (not TalentMed). ZipMoney offers up to 12 months interest-free, with repayments from around $150 per month, and you can choose the frequency that suits you as long as you meet the minimum monthly repayment. Approval, eligibility and terms are ZipMoney's own. See the ZipMoney page for full terms and conditions.

After you submit your enrolment form, our team confirms your eligibility and sends a personalised sign-up link for your chosen payment option.

Yes. You can read our current Student Refund Policy and Procedure.

Support and resources

You'll have access to a structured support team throughout your studies:

  • Trainers and assessors qualified in the areas they teach, with relevant industry experience to guide your coursework and assess your submissions.
  • Student support advisers to help with anything outside the coursework: account questions, extensions, or life getting in the way.
  • Technical support advisers available Monday to Friday for any issues with the learning platform.

The course may be delivered online, but you're never in it alone.

You can submit your application for free, online at any time.

We'll process your enrolment form, make sure the course is suitable for you and provide everything you need to take the next step in a tailored enrolment offer.

You'll receive a full breakdown of your tuition fees and options.

Once your tuition is activated via the payment link in your enrolment offer, we'll issue your login details to commence the course straight away.

You'll need access to the ICD-10-AM, ACHI, and ACS coding resources. TalentMed offers a convenient, cost-effective solution that's fully integrated with your learning experience.

Recommended: Solventum Codefinder. We recommend Solventum Codefinder (formerly 3M Codefinder), a coding tool used widely by clinical coders across Australia. It's available through TalentMed for $495 for the duration of your studies.

Prefer your own resources? You're welcome to purchase coding resources independently if you prefer. Alternative options include:

  • Hard-copy textbooks: approximately $330 plus delivery
  • Alternative digital subscriptions (Windows only): approximately $572

If you choose this option, our Course Orientation module includes a step-by-step guide on how to purchase, access, and use your own resources.

Questions about coding resources? Our team is here to help, start chatting with us today.

You can access our policies and procedures at any time on our dedicated policies page, or via the Policies link in our website's footer.

Career and professional development

As a registered training provider and not an employer, TalentMed is unable to guarantee work or job placements upon course completion. However, our diploma-level qualifications are listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and classified as nationally recognised training, which means the qualification is recognised by employers and other registered training organisations across Australia.

Our Guided Learner package includes personalised Job Search Assistance on completion of your course.

Australia has a recognised shortfall in the clinical coding workforce. Clinical coders (ANZSCO 599915) have appeared on Jobs and Skills Australia's Occupation Shortage List in recent years. See the Jobs and Skills Australia clinical coders occupation profile for current workforce data and demand indicators.

Hospital separations (the events clinical coders classify) have grown from around 11.3 million in 2017-18 to 12.6 million in 2023-24 (AIHW admitted patient care data), and continue to increase as Australia's population expands and ages. That demand is expected to continue, which makes clinical coding a stable, in-demand profession to train for.

Membership of a professional association is not mandatory for clinical coders in Australia. However, as a TalentMed graduate, you're eligible to join most reputable clinical coding associations for ongoing professional development, networking, and access to coding-specific forums and events. For more on this, see our blog on whether clinical coders need to be members of a professional association.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that evaluates your existing knowledge, skills, and experience against the requirements of our qualification. If you can demonstrate relevant competency from previous qualifications and work experience, you may be able to skip certain units.

For this qualification, we offer three main RPL pathways:

  1. HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
  2. HLTCCD003 Use medical terminology in health care + HLTCCD004 Interpret and apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology
  3. HLTWHS001 + HLTCCD003 + HLTCCD004

Successful applications receive a proportionate discount on the tuition fee and course duration.

For HLTWHS001

  • Hold an AQF-recognised Statement of Attainment for any Work Health and Safety unit
  • Have relevant workplace experience within the past 2 years
  • Provide evidence of current employment in a related field

For HLTCCD003 and/or HLTCCD004

  • Current AHPRA registration
  • AQF-recognised qualification in one or more of: Healthcare Documentation, Clinical Coding, Health Information Management, Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Medical Radiation Practice

Important notes:

  • All documentation must be certified copies
  • Professional evidence must be current (within the past 2 years)
  • Applications missing required evidence will delay processing
  • RPL assessment begins on successful enrolment

  1. Read our policies to familiarise yourself with the RPL requirements
  2. Complete your enrolment form
  3. Submit your RPL application form with supporting documentation

  • Certified copies of qualifications and statements of attainment
  • Current resume detailing relevant work experience
  • Current AHPRA registration (if applicable)
  • Employment references confirming job roles and responsibilities
  • Any other relevant documentation supporting your application

The RPL assessment process typically takes 2 weeks from enrolment completion with all required evidence.

  • You'll receive detailed feedback explaining the decision
  • You can choose to complete the full course, withdraw your application or appeal the RPL decision

Generally, RPL is only available for the units listed above. All other units must be completed through standard study.

  1. Our assessors will review your application and evidence
  2. You may be contacted for additional information if required
  3. You'll receive notification of the outcome within about 2 weeks
  4. If successful, these units will be credited to your study plan
  5. If unsuccessful, you'll receive detailed feedback and your continuation or withdrawal options

Contact one of our course advisers by phone, email, or live chat. We're happy to talk through your options with you.

Additional information

Students of this course need access to the ICD-10-AM 13th edition code list, which is exclusively available to Australian residents at this time.

Please keep this in mind before applying.

If you have any questions or would like to see us offering this course in your country, let us know. You can get in touch via our website, email, or live chat.

As per standard VET assessment practice, the pre-training LLN assessment is administered once on entry. If you'd like to reattempt it, a minimum of three months is required between attempts to allow time for targeted LLN support to take effect and for meaningful improvement to be demonstrated.

The purpose of the LLN test is to assess whether you have the skills to succeed in a Diploma-level qualification. Allowing learners to re-sit repeatedly would not be a fair or valid process. Our goal is to provide targeted LLN support and give you enough time to improve your skills to the required level. This requirement is in place to protect your learning needs and to make sure the course is suitable for your success.

As the course is delivered online, you'll need a computer and an internet connection. Specifications:

Operating system

  • Microsoft Windows (compatible with Solventum™, electronic and hard-copy reference books)
  • macOS (compatible with Solventum™ or hard-copy reference books only)
  • Chrome OS (compatible with Sovlentum™ hard-copy reference books only)

Software

  • A modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari)
  • A word processor such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Mac Pages, or LibreOffice
  • A PDF reader

Most computers come with these already. If you're unsure about any of the requirements, please let us know. We're happy to discuss.

APPLY NOW

Ready to enrol? Apply now, it's free.

Submit your application to confirm your eligibility and receive a free personalised enrolment offer.

Your enrolment offer contains everything you need to proceed including:

  • Your eligibility for HLT50321
  • Any RPL or credit transfer availability
  • A clear breakdown of your tuition fees and payments options.

No payment until you accept. Offers stay open for 14 days.

Want to find out more?

Speak to a TalentMed course adviser about HLT50321.
12 months, 100% online, flexible payment plans, daily intakes year-round.

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Clinical Coding course information pack