Professional Certification Grant for Minority Professionals and Students

Purpose & Background

New entrants to health IT careers are not keeping pace with demand. This is further compounded by the disparate rate of underrepresented minorities pursuing health IT careers. To attract and equip a diverse workforce pursuing health IT careers, the HIMSS Foundation is providing grant funding to support underrepresented, minority professionals and students pursuing health IT career advancement opportunities through the attainment of HIMSS professional certification. The HIMSS professional certification grant 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 for the program for which they are seeking a grant (eligibility criteria can be found on the HIMSS certification site; CAHIMS or CPHIMS)*
• Must belong to a minority, underrepresented, or underserved community
• Must be pursuing a career or degree in health IT; applicants do not need to be currently employed
• Must be committed to actively preparing for the HIMSS certification exam once materials are received mid-January 2025 (participants should plan to spend 2-3 hours per week (for the duration of the program) engaging with the program materials)
• Must be able to take the certification exam by July 31, 2025

*As part of the program, grant recipients will apply for the certification exam by May 31, 2025. All grant recipients must meet the exam eligibility requirements by this date.

The call for applications for the 2025 HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant for Minority Professionals and Students is now closed. Applicants will be notified regarding the disposition of their application in January 2025.

For questions regarding the grant or application process, please contact EmergingLeaders@himss.org

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