We are often asked what is a HIMSS “certification”.  The most practical answer is that a certification is a formal proof that an individual is recognized for a given skill and expertise.  For example, our current HIMSS certification, the CPHIMS, is a professional certification program for healthcare information and management systems professionals. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria for CPHIMS are designated a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems.

HIMSS Career Services continues to field questions about the new HIMSS certification called CAHIMS.  CAHIMS is a new HIMSS health IT certification designed for emerging professionals within the industry (five years or less of experience). This certification demonstrates knowledge of health IT and management systems, facilitating entry-level careers in health IT. It provides an introductory review of the many facets of health IT and information management systems. Those who successfully pass the exam will become better equipped with valuable credentials qualifying individuals and facilitating to improve the quality of health IT and business management systems across the healthcare setting. Individuals looking to work in a healthcare setting or mid-level professionals seeking career change and direction should consider learning more about health IT, including clinicians. Non-IT professionals, working in other departments, who work as an extension of the IT department; those enrolled in an academic program at the undergraduate or graduate level, i.e. healthcare informatics, CAHME-accredited program, Masters in Healthcare Administration, or others students and veterans returning from active duty.

So why should a person consider obtaining the CAHIMS certification at this point in a career path?  Certifications can be used to authenticate an individuals’ knowledge to assist in facilitating and implementing the health IT life cycle of events while simultaneously establishing a solid foundation that can be used to strengthen abilities, acquire more experience and advance a healthcare IT career path. Interested in learning more about these efforts? Contact Julianna Kazragys, Manager Certification or Fritze Roberts.  

Finally, for the first time both a CAHIMS and CAHIMS exam will be given at the HIMSS Annual Conference in New Orleans in March 2013.  Please visit the website for additional information on both of these new venues.

And remember...Be passionate about your career path and strive to make a difference and learn, learn…learn.  Technology is only the enabler; individuals will be the “transformers” of health IT in the years to come!