Which opportunity affords students the chance to receive on-the-job experience prior to graduation and assists them in obtaining permanent employment?

The opportunity that allows students to gain on-the-job experience prior to graduation while also aiding in their quest for permanent employment is an internship. Internships are structured experiences that provide practical exposure to a particular field, enabling students to apply what they've learned in a real-world setting. Through internships, students can develop professional skills, make industry connections, and enhance their résumés, making them more attractive to future employers upon graduation.

The other options, such as coder, claims examiner, and reimbursement specialist, refer to specific job roles within the health insurance billing field, but these positions are typically not designed as opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain experience before completing their education. Instead, they generally require specific skills and knowledge, which internships are designed to help students acquire. Hence, the correct answer is an internship, as it explicitly serves the purpose of bridging educational training with practical experience in a professional environment.