The healthcare field is constantly changing, so it’s particularly important for healthcare management students and professionals to get and stay connected. There are a number of different organizations for healthcare professionals to do just that, but navigating which ones are most beneficial can be a bit of a daunting task. While finding options that are of specific interest is one way to go, selecting the most relevant associations should be first priority to stay abreast of all of the leading information in the industry. These are the five most prominent associations for healthcare management students and professionals.
1. The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)
The leading professional organization for Healthcare Administrative Management, the AAHAM is one of the most important connections for healthcare management professionals to have. The goal of this organization is “to provide education, certification, networking, and advocacy” for those individuals involved specifically in the revenue cycle and management of healthcare professionals. The organization offers regular trainings as well as updates and other resources. Dues for new members currently set at $210, which is well worth the investment for individuals looking to break into the field and needing a professional organization in which to participate.
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2. American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
This organization provides individuals with national connections as well as more local regional support. Once a member of the organization as a whole, members are automatically enrolled in one of the over 80 regional chapters of the organization. The regional chapters are responsible for providing members with local education programs, career advancement resources, and volunteer opportunities to get more involved as a healthcare leader in the local community. Dues are currently set on a sliding scale at $150 per year for the first two years, $250 for years three to five, and $325 after five years.
3. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
AHIMA is a health management organization that is beneficial for those currently in the field as well as for those interested in pursuing a career in the field. The mission of this organization is to improve the delivery of quality healthcare by providing management professions with the appropriate tools, resources, and information to raise the standards of practice and care. The focus of this organization is unique compared to many others as the approach is specifically on change the standard care practices. Annual membership fees for this organization are currently set at $175.
4. The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
HFMA is another unique healthcare professional association in that it is specifically focused on providing professionals with the tools they need to advance their careers. This organization provides members access to a number of different training opportunities, including various conferences, seminars, eLearning courses, certification opportunities, and more. This organization is particularly beneficial for students as it will help them as they progress within the field and provide a number of different networking opportunities. The current new member fee for this organization ranges between $198 and $298 depending on the selected membership options.
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5. The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
The focus of this organization is on promoting best practices, maintaining high standards, and establishing subject matter expertise among healthcare professionals. To develop such focuses, NAHAM provides a variety of different opportunities for members, including networking functions, educational opportunities, and new certification options. This organization also plays a role in establishing high quality patient care through efficient patient access services. The current annual membership fees for this organization currently begin at $97.50.
Having the right connections as a healthcare management student or professional is key for advancing within the field. Establishing membership in these organizations will not only provide those connections but also extend the opportunity for personal development and growth to maintain the highest level of professionalism and skill in the field.
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