Site Search
Next application Deadline: May 1, 2009.
Programs with graduates in 2010 must apply no later than July 1, 2009 with the required late fee.
CAHIIM Candidacy Description
The purpose of this process is to establish a consultative relationship with developing programs in Health Information Management (HIM), the sponsoring institution and CAHIIM staff in working towards CAHIIM Accreditation. Such programs may be in the planning or early stages of program implementation. An Application for Candidacy should be made if a program and its sponsoring institution believes it is in full compliance with the current Standards for Accreditation. Achieving applicant Candidacy status does not guarantee eventual Accreditation of the program.
Length of Candidacy Status
A developing or operating program may remain in Candidacy status for a maximum of two (2) years from the date of application. Candidacy does not provide eligibility for enrolled students to apply for the AHIMA entry-level certification examinations until Accreditation is achieved.
Expiration of Candidacy Status
This status may be terminated if it is found that the requirements for Candidacy have not been met at any time or the maximum 2-year period has elapsed without having achieved Staff approval to move to the Initial Accreditation Site Visit Process. If the program has been informed of this action, the program must reapply by submitting a new Application for Candidacy.
Criteria for Candidacy
A program may apply for Candidacy only if:
1. the sponsoring institution is accredited by a regional accrediting institutional agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to offer a degree or the sponsoring institution is accredited by the national accreditor, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). An applicant institution must also establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
2. there is a qualified Program Director per the CAHIIM Standards at the time of application.
3. All course syllabi have been prepared and all AHIMA professional curriculum requirements are in place.
Candidacy application materials will be returned upon receipt if the above Criteria for Candidacy has not been met.
Steps for Initiating an Application for Candidacy
1. The Program Director contacts CAHIIM Staff to discuss the program’s intent for application and to answer any questions prior to submitting a Self-Assessment Document.
2. Download the CAHIIM Standards and Interpretations and the Self-Assessment Document directions and template:
3. Prepare and Submit copies
-Six (6) copies of the Self-Assessment Document must be prepared by the Program.
-Three (3) CAHIIM copies of the Document must be sent to:
Benjamin Reed, Jr.
Coordinator
CAHIIM
233 N. Michigan Ave, 21st Flr
Chicago, IL 60601-5519
-Three (3) additional copies must be sent directly to the Site Visit Team reviewers, from the program, after the date and composition are confirmed by CAHIIM.
CAHIIM Processing Fees: (non-refundable)
Make check payable only to: AHIMA
Fee Type |
Amount |
Due |
Candidacy Application Fee |
$2,500.00 |
Submitted together with the Self-Assessment Documents |
Site Visit Processing Fee |
$1,000.00 |
Program is invoiced |
Site Visit Expenses |
As incurred |
Program is invoiced |
Late Fee (after May 1st) |
$500.00 |
Self-Assessment Document applications will not be accepted after July 1, 2009 |
The CAHIIM Completed Eligibility Report
All potential candidate programs are accountable for compliance with all CAHIIM Standards for Accreditation prior to proceeding with the Application for Candidacy process. To this end, an Eligibility Report that summarizes the level of compliance to all CAHIIM requirements will be prepared as a result of submitting an Application for Candidacy. This process may take up to three (6) months to complete.
The Eligibility Report will detail the strengths and weaknesses of the program and is reviewed against the current educational model and Standards for Accreditation. The program will also be provided additional consultation and guidance as needed. An assessment will be provided that indicates when the program may initiate the Initial Accreditation Site Visit Process. Programs may not proceed to this next step until CAHIIM staff gives formal approval.
NOTE: The accreditation process is not complete until the program is reviewed and awarded an accreditation decision by CAHIIM. Graduates are not eligible to apply for AHIMA Certification exams (RHIA or RHIT) until the program has received an official letter from CAHIIM awarding Initial Accreditation. It is the responsibility of the program to inform all students and graduates of the accreditation status of the program when it becomes known.