Scholarships

Sister Peter Olivaint Scholarship 

WSHIMA offers a yearly scholarship to WSHIMA student members enrolled in  CAHIIM approved HIM baccalaureate or associate degree programs.

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.

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 2019 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 April 15, 2019, 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; 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 May 17, 2019.

WSHIMA requests that scholarship recipients write up a paragraph for the WSHIMA website 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 May 17 & 18, 2019 at the Mirabeau Park Hotel in Spokane Valley.

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

WSHIMA Professional Development Scholarship

Any active WSHIMA member advancing their education and knowledge through contemporary and innovative achievements is eligible to apply for this scholarship.

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, CCS-P, CHDA, CHPS, CPHI, CDIP or CHTS
  2. One of the emerging AHIMA 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 scholarships for up to $1,000.00 each.

Applications with required attachments should be submitted to WSHIMA by April 15, 2019 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 to be posted on the WSHIMA website and/or in an 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).