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 available to both MLA members and non-MLA members who meet the Academy requirements. Currently, MLA members are required to submit an application fee of $175.00 along with their portfolios and admission forms. Non-MLA members pay a $350.00 application fee. Membership in the Academy is divided into different levels: Provisional, Member, Senior, Distinguished, and Emeritus. Academy membership lasts for 5 years before it must be renewed.
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 links below to download a label maker file, an Excel spreadsheet to track and total your points, and instructions for using both files:
- Label and Point Tracker Instructions (Word)
- AHIP File Folder Labels (Word)
- 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.
