Earlier this year, the Credentialing Committee surveyed Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) members to learn how they perceive the value of membership in AHIP, MLA’s certification program for health information professionals. The results of the survey are compelling evidence that AHIP provides value in professional advancement, stature and credibility, career planning and development, mentoring, and parity with other professions that offer credentials.
Over 50% of the 1,000+ Academy members responded to our survey--a gratifying response rate!
AHIP and Career Benefits
- Two-thirds of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed (these categories are collapsed into “agree” from now on) that AHIP membership helped them advance in their career.
- Half reported that Academy membership was required or recommended by an employer or supervisor.
- More than 75% said their employer is aware of AHIP, and 52% said that AHIP was required or recommended for a position they’ve held or applied for or a raise they sought or attained.
There’s no doubt that AHIP membership can provide a boost to one’s career as a health information professional!
AHIP and Other Benefits
- 75% of respondents agreed that AHIP membership helped them plan their careers.
- 95% agreed that their membership showed their commitment to the profession and their professional accomplishments and skills to peers and others.
- 70% of respondents who rated the value of an AHIP mentor agreed that a relationship with an Academy mentor is benefiting or has benefited them professionally.
Many respondents provided specific examples of how AHIP has benefited them. 30% of the examples had to do with AHIP membership being a sign of stature and credibility in the profession, providing parity with other professional groups that have credentials.
Many of my colleagues have formal credentials that show their professional standing. My membership in the Academy is proof that I have earned a prestigious credential.
I looked like a librarian bad-ass when my VP announced my acceptance in an all-staff meeting.
25% mentioned career benefits, such as raises, promotions, and increased professional opportunities. 18% mentioned the benefit of motivation and guidance for professional development.
Striving to be an academy member motivated me to not only complete continuing education courses . . . but to participate in association activities that made me step out of my comfort zone.
The preparation required to attain and continue as an AHIP member has provided me with a road map to help plan out my career to this point. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would have been to have been promoted without it.
If you are an AHIP member, much of this may not be news to you. If you are not an AHIP member, I invite you to visit MLANET and learn more about AHIP, MLA’s accomplishment-based certification and career development program for health information professionals.
