Distinguished Membership in the academy recognizes your qualifications, your knowledge of health information, and your commitment to the profession.

First-time applicant at Distinguished level: When applying for Distinguished AHIP Membership for the first time, you must have ten years of professional experience in the information field following the master's degree and have completed 120 points of health sciences-related professional accomplishments in the last five years. No more than 50 points may be sponsored instruction, although all 120 points may be from professional accomplishments. In addition, at least 10 of the 120 professional accomplishment points must be from professional organization activities, and 5 of those points must be from MLA activities (committees, caucus or leadership roles, etc.)

When renewing your Distinguished membership at the same level, you only need submit your AHIP Points Tally Form showing 50 points of professional accomplishments in the last five years. You must again also have at least 10 professional organization activity points, and at least 5 of those points must be MLA activities to maintain Distinguished status.

Visit the Academy website for further information, instructions, necessary forms, and documentation requirements.