Fellowship Program

The Fellowship program is a program of earned recognition for AHIMA members who made significant and sustained contributions to the profession. 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 contribution to advancement of the Health Information Management (HIM) discipline through meritorious service, excellence in professional practice, excellence in HIM education, and advancement of the profession through innovation and knowledge sharing.
Provide an incentive for members to contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Bring together senior HIM 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.

Fellowship Designation

Fellowship is open to any individual who is a regular, honorary, or Emeritus member of AHIMA, and who meets the following eligibility requirements:

Minimum of 10 years full-time professional experience in HIM 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.
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 for Fellowship Designation

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 any individual who is a regular, honorary, or Emeritus member of AHIMA, and who meets 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.
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.

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