Five Healthcare Associations to Consider Joining

Professional Organizations for Healthcare Management Professionals

• The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
• The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
• The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)

The healthcare industry is an important field and continuously changing, so it is important for both professionals and students to find healthcare associations and must attend conferences to consider joining so that they may get and stay connected, according to Health e Careers. There are a number of options, but navigating which healthcare organizations are the most beneficial can be daunting. While finding organizations that focus on one’s specific interests is a good way to narrow down the list, choosing an association that is most relevant to the industry should be the first priority in order to stay on top of all of the leading information in the field. These are the five most well-known associations for healthcare management professionals and students.

The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)

The NAHAM focuses on establishing subject matter expertise, maintaining high standards, and promoting best practices among healthcare professionals. To develop these focuses, this organization provides a number of opportunities for its members, including new certification options, educational opportunities, and networking functions. The NAHAM also strives to establish high-quality patient care via effective patient access services. Prospective members should consider that the current annual membership fee is $60 for an associate membership and $97.50 for an active membership.

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)

The HFMA provides professionals with the tools they need to advance within the industry as well as in their specific careers. Members are given access to different training opportunities, including certification opportunities, eLearning courses, seminars, conferences, and more. The HFMA is particularly beneficial for healthcare management students as they learn to move up within the field and have access to a multitude of networking opportunities. Depending on the membership option chosen, the current new member fee ranges from $40 for a retired membership to $335 for an individual membership.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Those who are interested in working in the industry, as well as professionals currently enrolled in the field, may consider membership in the AHIMA. This organization’s mission is to improve the way in which quality healthcare is delivered to communities and populations by making sure management professionals have the necessary information, resources, and tools to raise the standards of care and practice. The AHIMA’s focus is unique as it is devoted specifically to standard care practices. Membership fees range from $49 for students to $249 for the premier level.

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

The ACHE provides professionals and students with more local regional support as well as national connections. Once one becomes a member of the organization, he or she automatically joins one of more than 80 regional chapters of the ACHE. These chapters provide members with local opportunities for volunteer work with the goal of getting involved as a healthcare leader. Members also benefit from career advancement resources and education programs. Dues are set based on how many years a member participates: $150 per year for the first two years, $250 for the third, fourth, and fifth year of membership, and $325 for the sixth year of membership.

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)

This organization is considered to be one of the most critical connections for professionals in the healthcare management field to have. A leading professional organization, its goal is to provide advocacy, networking, certification, and education for those involved specifically in the management and revenue cycle of healthcare professionals. The AAHAM offers updates and other resources as well as regular trainings. New members will pay $209, which might be worth the cost for those looking to enter the healthcare field.

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Getting and maintaining the right connections as a healthcare management professional or student is key to advancing in the field. Becoming a member of one of the above associations will not only ensure that members benefit from these connections but that they will also be able to grow and develop the skills necessary to become successful professionals in the field. Therefore, both students and professionals alike should find one or more healthcare associations to consider joining in order to advance in the industry.