Recognition

AHIMA Fellowship Program

The fellowship program is a program of earned recognition for AHIMA members who made significant and sustained contributions to the profession. Fellows exemplify our mission to “empower people to impact health^®" through their advocacy, innovation and knowledge sharing.

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.

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

View the list of AHIMA Fellows.

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. Purchase application fee.

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.If you have any questions regarding the fellowship program or submitting an application, please contact MemberRelationsService@ahima.org.