As the aging population continues to spark a rising demand for more medical treatments, procedures, evaluations, and tests, many organizations have created scholarships for health information management majors for encouraging qualified students to work with today’s complex electronic health records. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health information management (HIM) will be among the fastest growing professions with a projected growth rate of 22 percent before 2022, which will create at least 41,000 new jobs in the dynamic field.
Whether you are interested in working in a hospital, public health organization, managed care company, insurance corporation, medical practice, clinic, pharmaceutical company, or healthcare consulting firm, the following are 25 scholarships that can get you on the way towards your goals in health information management.
1. AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship Program
Deadline: September 30th
Each year, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation hosts a Merit Scholarship Program that provides $1,000 for associate’s degree, $1,500 for bachelor’s degree, $2,000 for master’s degree, and $2,500 for doctoral degree candidates. Eligible members must be enrolled in a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), actively enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 or higher.
Contact
AHIMA Foundation Merit Scholarship Program
233 North Michigan Avenue 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1585
mary.taylor-blasi@ahimafoundation.org
2. AHIMA Foundation Veteran’s Scholarship
Deadline: September 6th
For veteran military service members from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Coast Guard, and Reserves, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation also offers the Veteran’s Scholarship for up to $2,000 to cover the costs of an accredited health information management program in the United States. To qualify, veterans must be enrolled as full-time students, have at least six credits remaining for their degree, and supply verification of discharge from active duty.
Contact
AHIMA Foundation Veteran’s Scholarship
233 North Michigan Avenue 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1585
mary.taylor-blasi@ahimafoundation.org
Scholarship Link
3. Alecia Graham Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 14th
Through the Alaska Health Information Management Association (AKHIMA), the Alecia Graham Memorial Scholarship Fund presents $1,000 annually to outstanding health information management majors who are pursuing either the RHIT or RHIA credential. Qualified applicants must have resided in Alaska for at least one year, have completed at least 12 credits of an accredited program, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better, and submit a 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Alecia Graham Memorial Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 230335
Anchorage, AK 99523
(907) 874-7124
cathy@akhima.org
4. Betty Kernodle Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31st
The Central Florida Health Information Management Association (CFHIMA) hosts the Betty Kernodle Scholarship Program annually to provide up to $2,000 to full or part-time health information management majors in the region who are preparing to enter their senior year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher. Along with the application, students must submit a current resume of work experiences, two 250-word essay responses, and two reference letters.
Contact
Betty Kernodle Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 560892
Orlando, FL 32856
(847) 255-0210
treasurer@cfhima.org
5. California Health Information Association Student Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
For individuals residing in California with active student member status, the California Health Information Association offers numerous scholarships for up to $1,000 in financial support for enrolling in an accredited health information management or technology program from a CAHIIM-accredited institution in the state. Eligible candidates must have completed at least 50% of their degree program with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration.
Contact
California Health Information Association Scholarships
1915 North Fine Avenue Suite 104
Fresno, CA 93727
(559) 251-5038
info@CaliforniaHIA.org
6. Charlotte Stockton Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 21st
Sponsored by the Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA), the Charlotte Stockton Memorial Scholarship presents $1,500 each year to undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled full-time in a Florida institution in a CAHIIM-approved program related to health information management. Selection will be based on scholastic abilities, leadership potential, professionalism, involvement in school/community activities, and potential contribution to the healthcare profession.
Contact
Charlotte Stockton Memorial Scholarship
7510 Ehrlich Road
Tampa, FL 33625
(813) 358-8598
info@fhima.org
7. Dvora Brodie Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: July 14th
Annually, the New England Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) will grant the Dvora Brodie Memorial Scholarship for $5,000 in honor of a dedicated HIM professional who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2003. Eligible members in good standing must be attending a school in New England, be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree program related to health information management, and exhibit future leadership potential in the health information management systems field.
Contact
Dvora Brodie Memorial Scholarship
10 Health Lane Suite 201
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 921-2769
programs@nehimss.org
Scholarship Link
8. Emergency Medicine Physicians’ Health Information Management Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Administered through the Stark Community Foundation (SCF), the Emergency Medicine Physicians (EMP) offers the Health Information Management Scholarship annually for up to $2,000 for students who are beginning their sophomore year at Stark State College as a full-time undergraduate major in health information management. Qualified candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and be planning to complete his/her education in the following spring term.
Contact
Emergency Medicine Physicians’ Health Information Management Scholarship
4535 Dressler Road NW
Canton, OH 44718
(330) 492-4559 ext. 1383
pwarren@emp.com
9. Evelyn L. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship Award
Deadline: March 31st
With funding through the Texas Health Information Management Association (TxHIMA), the Evelyn L. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship Award has been established to grant financial support for student members currently enrolled in an AHIMA-accredited education program leading to a degree in health information management. Applicants must be residents of Texas for at least one year, be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, submit an official transcript, and write a 400-word essay discussing their personal goals.
Contact
Evelyn L. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship Award
18382 FM 306 Suite 103
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
(361) 297-5334
studentliaison@txhima.org
10. Harry J. Harwick Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Sponsored by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the Harry J. Harwick Scholarship is presented nationwide annually for $5,000 for bright graduate students who are enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution with a major related to healthcare administration, health information management, or medical practice management. Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance, moral character, potential to succeed in the healthcare industry, and financial need for support.
Contact
Harry J. Harwick Scholarship
104 Inverness Terrace East
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 799-1111
education@mgma.org
11. John R. Gibbs Undergraduate Scholarship for Innovation
Deadline: March 18th
Established in honor of an alumnus of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, the John R. Gibbs Undergraduate Scholarship for Innovation offers $1,000 each year to a undergraduate student currently enrolled in the School of Informatics and Computing with a major in health information administration. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time, show academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and express a stated interest in innovation.
Contact
John R. Gibbs Undergraduate Scholarship for Innovation
1309 East Tenth Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-2614
soifees@iupui.edu
12. Julia LeBlond Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: September 30th
For outstanding undergraduate students nationwide who demonstrate potential in the health information management profession, the Julia LeBlond Memorial Scholarship has been established by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to distribute up to $1,500 annually. Applicants must be enrolled in an associate or bachelor degree program accredited by the CAHIIM, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and show financial need.
Contact
Julia LeBlond Memorial Scholarship
233 North Michigan Avenue 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1585
mary.taylor-blasi@ahimafoundation.org
13. Karen Kohler Past President Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Through the Wisconsin Health Information Management Association (WHIMA), the Karen Kohler Past President Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for up to $1,500 to an active member who is currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in Wisconsin with a major related to health information management. Candidates should have completed at least one semester of the program, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and attach at least two letters of recommendation demonstrating leadership potential.
Contact
Karen Kohler Past President Memorial Scholarship
3817 Mormon Coulee Road Suite B
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 787-0168
whima@whima.org
Scholarship Link
14. Kathleen A. Frawley Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 30th
In memory of a passionate health information management leader and educator who inspired her students to dream big, the Kathleen A. Frawley Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established by the New Jersey Health Information Management Association (NJHIMA) to provide three annual awards for $1,000 apiece. Qualified applicants must be residents of New Jersey, be currently enrolled in an AHIMA-accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree program, and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Kathleen A. Frawley Memorial Scholarship Fund
102 Ryders Lane
New Brunswick, NJ 18901
(609) 893-1200
president@njhima.org
15. Kathleen A. Lynch Student Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 29th
With the goal of commemorating the accolades of an extraordinary health information manager and promote further achievements, the Lehigh Valley Health Information Management Association (LVHIMA) has founded the Kathleen A. Lynch Student Scholarship Program to present $1,000 each year. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an approved health information management (HIM) or technology (HIT) program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Contact
Kathleen A. Lynch Student Scholarship Program
2124 Pheasant Hill Road
Lansdale, PA 19446
(267) 222-8209
hdeasey@verizon.net
16. Lou Davison Graduate HIM Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
On a yearly basis, the Louisiana Health Information Management Association (LHIMA) offers the Lou Davison Graduate HIM Scholarship for $2,000 as a stipend to graduate students who are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in a field of study related to health information management. Qualified applicants should be active members, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution full-time, and express a clear commitment towards a professional career in HIM.
Contact
Lou Davison Graduate HIM Scholarship
One American Place Suite 2300
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(225) 924-8591
president@lhima.org
17. Malcolm T. Maceachern-Grace Whiting Myers Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the Department of Health Information Management sponsors the Malcolm T. Maceachern-Grace Whiting Myers Scholarship to provide up to $2,000 annually for senior-level undergraduate students. For consideration, students should have a high cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, be members of the AHIMA in good standing, and show outstanding potential for success in health information management.
Contact
Malcolm T. Maceachern-Grace Whiting Myers Scholarship
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
(580) 774-3063
him@swosu.edu
18. Mary M. Zannis Scholarship Fund
Deadline: July 1st
The New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA) has created the Mary M. Zannis Scholarship Fund to present one annual award for $1,000 to undergraduate students enrolled either full or part-time in a CAHIIM-accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree program related to health information management in the state. Applicants must hold student membership, have completed at least 12 credit hours, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and submit a 750-word essay on qualifications.
Contact
Mary M. Zannis Scholarship Fund
1450 Western Avenue Suite 101
Albany, NY 12203
(518) 435-0422
nyhima@caphill.com
Scholarship Link
19. Minnesota Health Information Management Association Scholarships
Deadline: February 28th
Ranging in value from $500 to $1,500, the Minnesota Health Information Management Association (MNHIMA) Scholarships are granted annually for Minnesota residents who are enrolled in an in-state or out-of-state accredited program related to health information technology or health information management. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate leadership experience, and write a 700-word essay on HIM career goals.
Contact
Minnesota Health Information Management Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 26
Cromwell, MN 55726
(218) 340-1968
ExecutiveDirector@mnhima.org
20. Richard P. Covert Scholarship for Management Systems
Deadline: October 22nd
For members in good standing with the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the Richard P. Covert Scholarship for Management Systems is designed to provide $5,000 annually to outstanding students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate student related to health information management. Eligible candidates must be at least a first-time junior, be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, and attend the Annual HIMSS Conference.
Contact
Richard P. Covert Scholarship for Management Systems
33 West Monroe Street Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 664-4467
scholarships@himss.org
21. Sara S. Grostick Endowed Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 15th
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the Sara S. Grostick Endowed Scholarship Award is granted through the Department of Health Services Administration for $500 annually to a deserving graduate student currently enrolled in the health information management program in pursuit of a master’s degree. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrate solid professional promise, and exhibit financial need for assistance.
Contact
Sara S. Grostick Endowed Scholarship Award
1705 University Blvd. Suite 530
Birmingham, AL 35233
(205) 934-5665
lcelaya@uab.edu
22. Sharon Elstein Memorial Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 1st
Through the Tidewater Health Information Management Association (THIMA), the Sharon Elstein Memorial Scholarship Program provides $1,000 annual awards to residents of the Greater Hampton Roads area who is currently enrolled in an accredited health information management program full-time. Eligible applicants must have completed at least one semester of coursework, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit a current resume or work experience, and write a formal 1,000-word essay describing career aspirations.
Contact
Sharon Elstein Memorial Scholarship Program
341 Dorset Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
susanls67@yahoo.com
Scholarship Link
23. Sister Peter Olivaint Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 10th
In loving memory of her devotion to serving as the supervisor of a medical records department for more than 25 years, the Washington State Health Information Management Association (WSHIMA) has created the Sister Peter Olivaint Memorial Scholarship to provide up to $2,000 annually to student members of a CAHIIM-accredited program. To qualify, students must demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of their degree in health information management with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Sister Peter Olivaint Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 48248
Spokane, WA 99228
(509) 378-3628
wshima@wshima.org
24. Viola M. Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: September 30th
Offered exclusively to students who have resided in Colorado for at least two years, the Viola M. Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund is presented for up to $2,000 annually through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) to lower the costs of receiving an undergraduate or graduate degree related to health information management. Eligible candidates should be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution, demonstrate a need for financial assistance, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Contact
Viola M. Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund
233 North Michigan Avenue 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 233-1585
mary.taylor-blasi@ahimafoundation.org
25. Virginia Health Information Management Association Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the Virginia Health Information Management Association (WHIMA) offers several scholarships for $1,000 apiece to residents or students in Virginia who are currently enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or post-graduate degree program leading to RHIA and/or RHIT credentials in the field of health information management. Candidates are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed at least one semester of coursework, and submit at least one letter of recommendation.
Contact
Virginia Health Information Management Association Scholarships
213 South Jefferson Street Suite 900
Roanoke, VA 24011
(540) 224-6856
klwilliamson@carilionclinic.org
Scholarship Link
When you choose to major in health information management, you will receive a unique training from an interdisciplinary approach that combines concepts from management, electronic health record systems, finance, medicine, information technology, business, nursing, computer science, and more. While this preparation is essential for building the credentials needed to navigate the current changes of today’s healthcare delivery systems, some students are held back simply due to a lack of financial support. In order to ensure you have the backing needed to pursue your degree, consider applying for these 25 great scholarships for health information management majors to get started in an exciting and evolving profession!