AHIMA Fellowship Program

Fellowship Application

This document summarizes the points (minimum and maximum) for each section of the Fellowship Application. More explanation is provided in detail within the online application. 

Procedures for Determining Years of Work for the Fellowship Application

This document explains how to determine years of work experience for the Fellowship Application.

2010 Submission Deadlines

February 26, 2010
May 28, 2010
August 31, 2010
November 30, 2010

The AHIMA 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). The names of these individuals are maintained in the AHIMA Registry of Fellows.

The purpose of the AHIMA 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 senior 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 senior 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 5 years.

Application and Review Process

The AHIMA Fellowship Review Committee meets quarterly. All applications must be submitted online (letters of recommendation may be uploaded into the online application in Word or PDF format).  Applications will be reviewed and notifications sent within four weeks of the submission deadline.

2010 Submission Deadlines

February 26, 2010
May 28, 2010
August 31, 2010
November 30, 2010

Fellowship Application

Please remember to retain a copy of your entire application and all other materials for your records. Your application will not be returned to you following review by the committee.

Application Fee

There is a one time 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,

(Application fees are nonrefundable)

Need Help?

If you have questions please contact AHIMA, Volunteer Services Staff, (312) 233-1169 or (312) 233-1162.  You may also submit questions to the AHIMA Fellowship Review Committee on the Fellowship Mentoring Community of Practice.

List of Fellows

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