Microcredentials Through AHIMA: The Future of Healthcare Information Certification

Traditional academic pathways are changing. As higher education costs skyrocket, the healthcare industry needs accessible, flexible, practical, and efficient opportunities to validate skills and competencies. Microcredentials are especially key in rapidly shifting industries like health information, which requires an increasingly dynamic and specialized workforce.

What are microcredentials? Microcredentials are short, focused, competency-based recognition intended to demonstrate understanding and/or proficiency in a particular skill. They allow for continuous learning in high-demand topics, provide flexibility, and allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge to peers and employers.

For example, microcredentials offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) cost less than a certification; members can purchase a microcredential for $99. It is valid for a one- or two-year period, at which time microcredential holders may revalidate by completing a self-assessment. Credentials in risk adjustment coding, auditing/inpatient coding, and auditing/outpatient coding are valid for one year. Credentials on release of information, patient identification and matching, and clinical documentation integrity outpatient are valid for two years. 

The offerings through AHIMA are designed to be specific, stackable, and most importantly, immediately applicable. These credentials also come with digital badges, which can be showcased on platforms like LinkedIn, further validating HI professionals’ expertise and professional growth.

Microcredentials are valuable to HI students, professionals, and organizations equally. Students can use them to explore future career pathways and personalize their education. Organizations can use them to enhance their employees’ skills or address a skill gap in their workforce. They also can use microcredentials to promote a culture of learning and engagement to support retention.

HI professionals who recently completed their bachelor's degree studies may still need added training to stay relevant. Microcredentials could enhance workers’ skills or knowledge, help them keep abreast of technology and solutions, and provide ongoing opportunities for education.

Microcredentials benefit a diverse range of professionals, but tend to be most popular among:

• New entrants: Professionals entering the HI field without prior experience can gain and demonstrate the knowledge they need through AHIMA microcredentials. Recipients can show potential employers their competency in a specific area even if they lack practical experience.
• Career changers and advancers: For individuals who are already employed but are looking to diversify their skill set, shift careers, or progress in their current career, AHIMA microcredentials can provide targeted knowledge. This helps the current workforce adapt to new roles or industries more smoothly.
• Experienced workers without formal degrees: Professionals who have been performing a job for years without holding a formal degree have acquired skills and knowledge, but a microcredential can serve as a formal validation of their competencies. If they wish to switch jobs or companies and might face challenges due to lack of a formal degree, a microcredential can provide a tangible certification of their skills and competencies.

The information technology (IT) sector might have been the precursor to microcredentials. Decades ago, IT professionals sought out certifications from giants like Microsoft, enabling them to specialize without formal degrees. Fast forward to today, and the demand for such certifications extends beyond just IT.

However, not all microcredential programs are created equally in terms of quality and rigor.

When considering a microcredential, individuals should also weigh the credibility and accreditation of the affiliated institution.

As the way we exchange, store, and protect health information evolves, microcredential programs offered by AHIMA allow for immediate application and a swift return on investment. Learn more about them here.

Mike Niederpruem, PhD, CAE, is vice president of certifications for AHIMA.

Editor’s Note: While AHIMA looks to name a full-time CEO, members of the organization’s executive leadership team will provide monthly messages.