Applying for Accreditation
HIM Graduate Education Programs
For Health Information Management (HIM) Graduate Programs
Definition: Health Information Management (HIM) at the master's degree level leads to executive level health information management, enterprise wide HIM leadership, administration, education or research. HIM is focused on the strategic and operational relevance and robustness of clinical information resources, workflow, and connectivity within the healthcare industry and public heath sectors.
Graduate programs in Health Information Management (HIM) seeking CAHIIM accreditation must apply using the CAHIIM Accreditation System (CAS) by going to the E-Accreditation New Programs/Login drop down link of this section and follow the instructions for application.
Download the following reference materials for this process:
CAHIIM HIM Master's Standards
AHIMA HIM Master's Competencies
Curriculum Map (AHIMA HIM Master's Competencies)
Synopsis of Curriculum
The Online Candidacy Application Process for Accreditation
CAHIIM Candidacy Description
The purpose of this process is to establish a consultative relationship with developing programs in Health Informatics, 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.
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:
- The sponsoring institution is accredited by a regional accrediting institutional agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to offer a degree.
- There is a qualified Program Director per the CAHIIM Standards at all times during the Candidacy Stage. A change in the Program Director during the review process may remove the program applicant from Candidacy Status or a cancellation of the Site Visit Date.
- All course syllabi have been prepared and all professional curriculum requirements are in place.
Candidacy Status will be denied if the above Criteria for Candidacy have not been met at the application stage.
Programs that do not qualify for the Site Visit Process in their first year will be placed in Year 2 Status.
CAHIIM Processing Fees (Programs are invoiced)
Fee Type |
Amount |
Due |
Candidacy Status (In effect for 2 years) |
$7,500.00 |
Within 30 days of Invoice date |
Site Visit Processing Fee |
$1,000.00 |
|
Site Visit Team Expenses |
As incurred |
Next Steps: How to begin the process
The E-Accreditation/CAHIIM Accreditation System (CAS) Portal
The program should apply using the e-accreditation link at the left navigation bar.
Please visit the e-accreditation/CAS "System Resources" link for full information on the Registration and application only process.
NOTE: Upon approval of the application stage, CAHIIM Staff will provide an electronic template for the Self-Assessment process before a site visit is conducted of the program.
The accreditation process is not complete until the program is reviewed and awarded an accreditation decision by CAHIIM.