FAQ's - Value of Program Approval
Question: What is the difference between accreditation and approval?
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Degree granting institutions (associate, baccalaureate, master's degrees) are accredited by CAHIIM; however pre-degree coding programs seek AHIMA Approval.
Question: What is the value to me for attending an AHIMA Approved Coding Program?
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Coding programs that are AHIMA approved have passed through a rigorous peer review process. The faculty, the program, and the curriculum have been thoroughly reviewed and found to be compliant with the standards of the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP).
Question: Are there benefits to attending an AHIMA approved coding program:
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There are a number of benefits of being an AHIMA student member:
Students from approved coding programs can join AHIMA at a discounted rate of $35 (regular membership is $155).
Student AHIMA members get a 10% discount on all textbooks ordered through AHIMA, and a 10$ discount on the CCA certification exam.
Student members are able to join a Student Community of Practice (CoP) where they can get a coding mentor - someone working as a professional coder to help to mentor them through their student coding experience.
Students get full access to all parts of the members-only AHIMA website including electronic lookup of all past issues of the Journal of AHIMA and a number of members-only studies. These materials can assist students in creating reports and background information for class.