Becoming an AHIP member

AHIP (The Academy of Health Information Professionals) is a credentialing program started by the Medical Library Association to recognize academic preparation, professional experience, and professional accomplishment. Credentialing is different from both certification and licensure. Certification focuses on the attainment of minimal standards; licensure is a legal requirement of certain professions.

Academy membership is a designation recognizing the time and effort a health information professional commits to professional development activities. The MLA website has a detailed description of the Academy, benefits of AHIP membership, requirements for membership, fees, portfolios, forms, required documentation, and the application process itself.

Membership in the Academy is divided into different levels: Provisional, Member, Senior, Distinguished, and Emeritus.  Membership in the Academy is available to both MLA members and non-MLA members who meet the Academy requirements. Academy membership lasts for 5 years and must be renewed before the end of the fifth year of membership.

Do you want to set up a file folder system to organize your AHIP documentation? Would you like to use an Excel spreadsheet file to track and calculate your points toward AHIP membership? Make it easier and more convenient to list your credentials on the AHIP application forms and to submit a complete dossier. Click on the newly updated links below to download a label maker file, an Excel spreadsheet to track and total your points, and instructions for using both files:

1. Label and Point Tracker Instructions (Word)
2. AHIP File Folder Labels (Word)
3. AHIP Excel Point Tracker and Calculator (Excel) (thanks to MCMLA member Lilian Hoffecker for designing this spreadsheet)

Contact the Chapter Credentialing Liaison with questions about the process, the procedure, or the point system.

Funding Opportunity for First-Time AHIP Applicants:

The MCMLA Chapter Executive Board has made available a one-time grant to fund first-time, successful AHIP applications.  Awards will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.  The funding will be available for first-time AHIP memberships granted in 2024.  The deadline for submitting applications for this funding is October 1, 2024. [Previously was Dec. 1]

Funding Opportunity for AHIP renewals at a higher level:

The MCMLA Chapter Executive Board has made available a one-time grant to fund the renewal of AHIP membership at a higher level, i.e. Provisional to Member, or Member to Senior, etc., granted in 2024.  Awards will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.  The deadline for submitting applications for this funding is October 1, 2024. [Previously was Dec. 1]