By Nebraska Hospital Association
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) is launching a statewide Medical Coder Registered Apprenticeship Program as part of the organization’s effort to strengthen health care talent pipelines across Nebraska.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), this new program will combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Participants will gain both the hands-on experience and technical knowledge required for success as a medical coder.
“Nebraska hospitals are committed to strengthening communities by investing in growing, training and retaining a highly skilled workforce,” said Jeremy Nordquist, President and CEO of the Nebraska Hospital Association. “We are grateful for this state and federal partnership that supports hospital operations, financial sustainability and quality patient care.
Medical coders play a critical behind-the-scenes role within the health care system. Their primary responsibility is translating clinical documentation into standardized codes used for insurance and data reporting purposes. This coding directly impacts hospital revenue, audit risk and operational efficiency.
“The medical coder program shows how Registered Apprenticeships are evolving to meet workforce demand,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “We’re just beginning to see the possibilities for other occupations and industries.”
The NHA will leverage Nebraska’s existing community colleges and training institutions to align curriculum, streamline delivery and ensure the program addresses employer needs. NHA will serve as the group apprenticeship sponsor with USDOL and build hospital partnerships to support onboarding and scaling of the program.
By aligning employer demand, education pathways and workforce investment, NHA is positioning Nebraska as a leader in innovative health care workforce solutions.
About
The Nebraska Hospital Association is the trusted and influential voice for Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems. The NHA has a statewide membership of 92 member hospitals and over 50,000 employees. Through collaborative leadership, our members rely on the NHA for advocacy, data, education and more to advance Nebraska hospitals’ ability to provide exceptional, quality care to Nebraska’s patients and communities. The NHA has been a vital part of our member hospitals’ missions since our founding in 1927.
The Nebraska Department of Labor NDOL’s mission is to connect people with employment success. Our vision is to empower Nebraskans by serving as a trusted source of support and guidance throughout their career journeys, meeting individuals exactly where they are. The department is committed to helping people build valuable skills, pursue fulfilling careers and access the resources they need to thrive. By creating lasting opportunities and offering personalized support at every stage, NDOL strengthens the growth and prosperity of Nebraska—one career at a time.
Contact information and Registered Apprenticeship information are available on the department’s website at dol.nebraska.gov.