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 and benefits of AHIP membership, requirements for membership, required documentation, a points tally worksheet, and fee and application information.

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 five years and must be renewed before the end of the fifth year of membership.

For a smooth application process, track and organize your AHIP documentation well in advance of your application time. These tools may be useful to you:

1. AHIP Excel Point Tracker and Calculator (Excel) 
2. AHIP File Folder Labels (Word)
3. Label and Point Tracker Instructions (Word)

Contact the Advocacy Committee chair with questions about the AHIP credentialing process.

Funding Opportunity for First-Time AHIP Applicants:

The MCMLA Chapter Executive Board provides 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.  

Funding Opportunity for AHIP renewals at a higher level:

The MCMLA Chapter Executive Board provides 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.  Awards will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.  

How to Apply for Funding:

Eligibility:

• Minimum of two years as member of MCMLA
• Must be a dues-paying member in good standing of the MCMLA Chapter and MLA
• First-time applicant for AHIP membership or renewal at a higher level 
• Completed AHIP documentation submitted to the Medical Library Association
• AHIP membership successfully awarded by MLA
• Preference will be given to applicants who are active MCMLA chapter members. (i.e. meeting attendance, MCMLA committee membership, etc.)
• It has been at least 5 years since the applicant has previously received the MCMLA AHIP Award.

Prepare to Submit your Application:

• Submit your application within one calendar year of being awarded AHIP membership or renewal by MLA.
• Write a brief letter of application to the MCMLA Credentialing Liaison. The Letter of Application should briefly state: 1) why you are applying for AHIP accreditation or renewal, 2) how it will serve your professional goals, and 3) whether or not you have received any institutional funding from your employer to cover the AHIP portfolio submission fee.
• Gather proof of payment to MLA. This may be a screenshot or a copy of the email received from MLA acknowledging receipt of your application.
• Gather confirmation from MLA that you were successfully awarded AHIP membership. Submit a copy of the MLA AHIP certificate as documentation.

Submit your Application: 

Send 1) your letter of application, 2) proof of payment, and 3) confirmation of AHIP membership from MLA to the chair of the Advocacy Committee. 

The MCMLA Credentialing Liaison will acknowledge award applications upon receipt via email. The MCMLA Credentialing Liaison will review applications, determine eligibility and notify all applicants of the decision within one month after the application is submitted.

For successful applications, a check to cover the AHIP application fee will be sent out by the MCMLA Treasurer. Awardees will be acknowledged at the MCMLA Chapter Annual Meeting. 

This project is funded by the Midcontinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association.