USF Health is a HIMSS Approved Education Partner (AEP), a distinction reserved for institutions that meet HIMSS’ rigorous standards for delivering world-class, effective healthcare and health IT education.
HIMSS is the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. The Chicago-based, not-for-profit organization was founded in 1961 at Georgia Tech and includes more than 70,000 members, 600 corporations and 450 not-for-profit partner organizations. HIMSS, according to its official website, “leads efforts to optimize health engagements and care outcomes using information technology.”
In order for an institution to become a HIMSS Approved Education Partner, it must demonstrate a strong commitment to providing an unparalleled education experience for current and future leaders in the healthcare information industry. In earning HIMSS AEP recognition, USF Health joined an exclusive group of organizations authorized to offer HIMSS-approved healthcare and health information technology and training programs.
HIMSS also hosts an annual industry conference and exhibition for health IT. This week-long event has become one of the premier conferences for health IT professionals, with more than 300 informational sessions and 1,300 exhibitors.
The conference is an excellent opportunity for health IT professionals, nurses, physicians and those involved in related fields to network and gain new knowledge about best practices. Many healthcare-related sessions can be applied toward Continuing Medical Education credits.
Topics typically covered during the HIMSS Conference include:
- Business of healthcare
- Connected health
- Cybersecurity
- Patient privacy
- Interoperability
- Population care management
- Genomics/precision medicine
- Public policy
- Patient safety
USF Health is also a HIMSS Academic Organizational Affiliate (AOA). Students who take classes with a HIMSS AOA have access to examination preparation materials for two prestigious certifications offered by HIMSS:
- CAHIMS (Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)
- CPHIMS (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems)
The CAHIMS is ideal for health IT professionals who are just starting out in the industry, or who have relatively limited experience. It is designed to help those new to the field get on the right early path in their careers.
The CPHIMS is for experienced healthcare information and management systems professionals who seek career advancement or are interested in seeking a management position.
Organizations often require job candidates to earn and maintain certification. These HIMSS certifications give USF Health students the opportunity to:
- Differentiate their credentials in a competitive field
- Become more attractive candidates for more health IT positions
- Provide validation of earned knowledge, professional competency and credibility
- Learn skills that can help make a difference with an organization and in the community
- Show an enduring commitment to professional development
- Earn a sense of accomplishment both professionally and personally
USF Health’s designation as a HIMSS AEP was achieved after a thorough vetting process by the HIMSS organization. According to HIMSS, the excellence of USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s Master of Science in Health Informatics and Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics online programs were deciding factors.
