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AHIP Credentialing

How the Academy credential benefits your career

The AHIP credential is recognized by over 75% of employers in the health information field, according to respondents to a 2016 AHIP member survey. Multiple studies and a track record of over 30 years show the value of AHIP membership.

Career Advancement

  • Average salaries of respondents with academy membership were 15% higher than salaries of non-Academy colleagues (2017 MLA salary survey)
  • Average salaries of respondents with academy membership were 16% higher than salaries of non-Academy colleagues (2008 Hay Group/MLA salary survey)

* "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."

  • Average salaries of respondents with Academy membership was 18% higher than than those without AHIP (2012 MLA salary survey)

* "Striving to be an Academy member motivated me to not only complete continuing education courses and professional development, but to participate in association activities that made me step out of my comfort zone. Having my AHIP gave me the requirement I needed, above all the other candidates, for my current position, which is a job I love."

  • The 2016 survey, to which over 50% of members (560) responded, also found the following:
    • 65% of respondents agreed that AHIP membership helped them advance their career.
    • 50% reported that Academy membership was required or recommended by an employer or supervisor.
    • 52% said that AHIP was required or recommended for a position they’ve held or applied for or a raise they sought or attained.

Increased Professional Stature

  • 95% of the 2016 Member survey respondents agreed that their Academy membership shows their commitment to the profession and their professional accomplishments and skills to peers and others.

* "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."

  • Over 100 respondents gave examples of how AHIP increased their professional stature by increasing their professional credibility and offering a public mark of accomplishment and parity with other professional groups offering credentialing.

* "I include [AHIP] in my official signature as a mark of distinction in my profession. It has parallels throughout the health sciences disciplines and has helped me be seen by those colleagues as an expert in my field. It goes beyond just documenting my professional development, to gaining recognition for it."

Career Commitment and Planning

  • Academy membership shows peers and employers that your career and professional development is a priority.

* "When I recently applied for job promotion, the AHIP accreditation was consistently mentioned by potential supervisors as a demonstration of my commitment to professional development and our profession."

  • 20% of respondents reported that Academy membership helped them in their career development

Mentorship

  • New and early career professionals: New to the health information profession or have fewer that five years of professional experience? We match you with an academy mentor who will give you expertise and guidance in selecting activities to advance your career.
  • 70% of respondents agreed that a relationship with an Academy mentor benefited them professionally.

* "As a fresh out of grad school librarian new to the world of hospital librarianship, my AHIP mentor librarian was indispensable in helping me get established in my career and was there for me again ten years later when I got approved at the distinguished level. Having an AHIP designation is professionally advantageous and personally rewarding."

  • Professionals at all levels: Academy requirements and tools give you a “roadmap” for professional development. Any AHIP member may request a mentor.

AHIP members have reported other benefits from their Academy membership, including:

  • Access to networking opportunities
  • A sense of personal accomplishment
  • Access to opportunities to give back to the profession
  • Increased employer support for professional development

* AHIP member survey comment