Scholarships

Sister Peter Olivaint Scholarship 

WSHIMA offers a yearly scholarship to individuals in a CAHIIM approved HIM baccalaureate or associate degree programs in WA

The Washington State Health Information Management Association (WSHIMA) recognizes scholarship and professionalism as necessary characteristics needed to succeed as health information professionals. We all recognize that our association and profession benefit from the talents and energy of new, well-educated graduates of Health Informatics and Health Information Management and Technology programs in Washington State.

To assist qualified health information students in their educational endeavors, WSHIMA offers the Sister Peter Olivaint Scholarship Program (see www.wshima.org for information on Sister Peter Olivaint). WSHIMA is pleased to announce that we are offering three 2017 scholarships, each in the amount of $2000.00. These three scholarships will not be school specific but are open to WSHIMA Student Members of any CAHIIM approved program.

Eligible students from Shoreline Community College, Spokane Community College, Tacoma Community College, the University of Washington or any out of state online program will demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of their degree in Health Informatics and Health Information Management or Health Information Technology.

Applicants must:

  1. Be WSHIMA Student Members
  2. Students must be enrolled in a CAHIIM approved program with completion of at least 1 quarter/semester in the program.
  3. Possess cumulative grade point averages of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  4. Demonstrate dedication to the profession

By February 17, 2017, students interested in applying for the scholarship must furnish the following materials:

  1. Completed online scholarship application
  2. Most recent unofficial program transcript (must be received in the WSHIMA office via e-mail or US mail; you can attach when completing the online application)
  3. One personal letter of recommendation and a 500-750 word essay detailing the following: What do you see as current and upcoming challenges in the field of HIM and how does your education, skill set and past/present employment prepare you for a position in the HIM field?

Each scholarship recipient will receive a congratulatory letter along with the check. WSHIMA will make every effort to distribute all checks no later than March 31, 2017.

WSHIMA requests that scholarship recipients write up a paragraph for the Evergreen Bulletin explaining how the scholarship will help the recipient pursue their HIM degree.

The Sister Peter Olivaint Scholarship Program is funded by Member participation in the WSHIMA Annual Silent Auction Fundraiser. Please consider supporting the scholarship program again this year at the Annual Meeting held March 16-18, 2017 at the Red Lion in Spokane.

Program transcripts and recommendation letters can be e-mailed to wshima@wshima.org or mailed to:

WSHIMA
6232 195th Ave SE
Snohomish, WA  98290

WSHIMA Professional Development Scholarship

Any active WSHIMA member advancing their education and knowledge through contemporary and innovative achievements.

To assist AHIMA credentialed health information professionals (HIM) in the state of Washington, WSHIMA offers monetary awards to HIM professionals in order to further their HIM careers. Examples include:

  1. Pursuing an advanced AHIMA Credential such as: CCS, CHDA, CHPS, CPHI, CDIP or CHTS
  2. One of the emerging credentials in IG or Informatics

The scholarship award could be used for education and prep work in order to pass the exam.

WSHIMA will award 2 scholarship for up to $1,000.00 each.

Applications with required attachments should be submitted to WSHIMA by March 1st, 2017 to be considered. The WSHIMA Executive Board expects to notify recipients of awards at the WSHIMA Annual Meeting. If selected the recipient agrees to write a summary of how he or she utilized the award to further his or her HIM career after the training, education, etc. has been completed in the Evergreen Bulletin and/or E-Alert.

Applicant Criteria:

  1. The applicant must be a credentialed AHIMA/WSHIMA member.
  2. The applicant must demonstrate leadership and dedication to the profession.
  3. The applicant must demonstrate leadership and commitment to WSHIMA and/or local HIM associations, i.e. by holding office, volunteering, etc.
  4. The applicant agrees to write a brief summary after training, education, etc. has been completed in the Evergreen Bulletin and/or E-Alert.

Instructions for Completing the Application Process

  1. Submit the online application
  2. Submit a statement stating the purpose for which the award will be utilized and how the award will further your HIM Professional Career (included on application).
  3. Submit a current resume (you can attach when completing the online application).
  4. Submit a letter or professional reference (you can attach when completing the online application).