HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant Program for Minority Professionals and Students
November 7 - December 17, 2024 | Continuing Education Event
Purpose and history
The number of new entrants to health information and technology careers are not keeping pace with demand. This is further compounded by the low number of underrepresented minorities pursuing careers in this field. The HIMSS Global Health Equity Network, through the HIMSS Foundation, is providing grant funding to support underrepresented, minority professionals and students in pursuit of health information and technology career advancement opportunities through the attainment of a HIMSS professional certification.
The professional certification grant program provides suitable financial resources to:
- Assist health IT professionals and students in demonstrating proficient knowledge in health information technology and management systems
- Develop a solid foundation to strengthen abilities, acquire experience and advance career options
Eligibility
This grant is not restricted to specific regions and is open to applicants from across the globe.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Meet the exam eligibility criteria (or will meet by May 31, 2025) for the program for which they are seeking a grant (eligibility criteria can be found on the HIMSS certification site; CAHIMS or CPHIMS)
- Belong to a minority, underrepresented or underserved community
- Be pursuing a career or degree in health IT; applicants do not need to be currently employed
- Be committed to actively preparing for the HIMSS certification exam once materials are received beginning mid-January 2025 (participants should plan to spend 2-3 hours per week engaging with the program materials for the duration of the program)
- Be able to take the certification exam by July 31, 2025
Program benefits
CAHIMS grant recipients will receive the following—valued at up to $1,142:
- One copy of the CAHIMS Review Guide
- One registration for the Healthcare IT Foundations Course
- Access to a previously recorded virtual, instructor led CAHIMS Review Course webinar
- One registration for the CAHIMS Self-Assessment Exam
- One registration for the CAHIMS Exam
- One one-year HIMSS individual membership
CPHIMS grant recipients will receive the following—valued at up to $1,475:
- One copy of the CPHIMS Review Guide
- One registration for the Healthcare IT Foundations Course
- One registration for the online, self-paced CPHIMS Review Course
- One registration for the CPHIMS Self-Assessment Exam
- One registration for the CPHIMS Exam
- One one-year HIMSS individual membership
You have access to HIMSS professional certification team members for support throughout the program.
Application process
Grant applicants must complete all requirements of the online application by December 17, 2024. This includes:
- Completion of a basic questionnaire
- Answers to the following questions (1,500 characters maximum for each response):
- Explain why you are seeking this grant (i.e., it aids in your current role, it addresses financial barriers, etc.)
- As HIMSS seeks to improve health outcomes for everyone, everywhere, list any personal experiences, knowledge or skills you have attained in health information and technology to improve health
- List any personal achievements or extracurricular involvement you have in professional or community organizations or with underserved communities and marginalized populations. Please indicate organization names and dates
- Submission of one letter of recommendation (provided by any peer, colleague, supervisor/manager or professor)
- Submission of a resume/CV (a copy of a LinkedIn profile will be accepted if it has relevant information, including dates, positions held, etc.)
