Fellowship is open to professional members of AHIMA who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Minimum of 10 cumulative 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
- AHIMA credential designation in good standing
- Evidence of sustained and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional growth and use of innovative and creative solutions
- Minimum of 100 points, maximum 250-point requirement met.
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 professional 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
- AHIMA 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.
Determine your eligibility
Use the eligibility form 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.
Application Fee
There is a one-time, nonrefundable application fee of $250 for either candidacy or fellowship status. Click here to purchase.
Once you pay the fee in the store, the link to the application will be in the confirmation email.
Submit your application
Once your payment of the application fee is complete, you will receive the link to the online application. 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.
2024 Deadlines
February 16, 2024
May 17, 2024
August 16, 2024
November 15, 2024
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.