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The fellowship program is a program of earned recognition for AHIMA members who made significant and sustained contributions to the profession. Fellows understand that health information is complex, nuanced, and ever-changing. They help AHIMA remain the leading voice of health information (HI).

Individuals who earn fellowship may use the designation “Fellow of the American Health Information Management Association (FAHIMA),” and their names will be maintained in the AHIMA Registry of Fellows.

The purpose of the fellowship program is to:

  • Recognize significant and sustained commitment to the advancement of HI through meritorious service, excellence in professional practice, excellence in HI education, and advancement of the profession through innovation and knowledge sharing.
  • Provide an incentive for dedicated members to contribute to the advancement of the profession.
  • Bring together senior HI professionals as an organizational resource for continued promotion and development of the profession through a variety of activities.

The fellowship program has two designations: fellowship and candidacy for fellowship.

View the list of AHIMA Fellows.

Fellowship is open to active members of AHIMA who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum of 10 years full-time professional experience in HI or related field
  • Minimum of 10 years continuous AHIMA membership at time of application (not including years as a student member)
  • Minimum of master's degree
  • CCHIIM credential designation in good standing
  • Evidence of sustained and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional growth and use of innovative and creative solutions

Once conferred, the fellow status is a lifetime recognition, subject to continuing AHIMA membership and compliance with the AHIMA Code of Ethics.

Candidacy serves as a preparatory period for those individuals whose portfolio does not meet the criteria for fellowship but who want an opportunity to formalize lifelong learning and development plans. Admission to candidacy does not automatically result in the conferment of fellowship.

Candidacy is open to active members of AHIMA who meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum of five years full-time professional experience in HIM or related field
  • Minimum of five years continuous AHIMA membership at time of application (not including years as a student member)
  • Minimum of master's degree
  • CCHIIM credential designation in good standing
  • Beginning evidence toward significant contributions to the advancement of the HIM field

The normal candidacy period is one to five years, depending upon individual background. A candidate can apply for fellowship status at any time. An individual may remain in candidacy status with one renewal period to extend candidacy to a total of five years.

The AHIMA Fellowship program is a program of earned recognition for AHIMA members who made significant and sustained contributions to the profession. Fellows understand that health information is complex, nuanced, and ever-changing. They help AHIMA remain the leading voice in the industry.

As of August 27, 2020, the Fellowship application process will be paused until further notice. The committee will accept, and review applications submitted by the August 21 deadline. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact volunteer.services@ahima.org.

Apply for Fellowship

  1. Determine your eligibility
    Use the Fellowship Eligibility Tracking Tool to determine your eligibility for candidacy or fellowship status and gather all information needed prior to your final application submission. For your reference, here are the procedures for determining years of work for your application and a sample CV.

  2. Request a link
    Once you have your fellowship application information compiled, contact volunteer.services@ahima.org to request a unique application link. Retain a copy of all information for your application and all other materials for your records. Your application will not be returned to you following review by the committee.

  3. Submit your application and application fee
    Submit your application and then you will be directed to the AHIMA web store for payment. There is a one-time, nonrefundable application fee of $250 for either candidacy or fellowship status. Payment may be made by check or credit card.

    Applicants who achieve candidacy status, or who are not initially accepted to fellowship status, have up to five years to resubmit their application and to achieve fellowship status. One resubmission during that five-year period will be accepted. If fellowship status has not been achieved following resubmission or five years (whichever occurs first), an additional application fee must be paid for further resubmissions.

 

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