Are you uncertain about the school you would want to attend? One thing to consider is whether or not the institution is accredited. Accreditation protects the interests of students and potential employers by ensuring that educational programs meet or exceed standards set by experts in the field. In this episode of the H.I.M. Careers Club Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Angela Kennedy EdD, MBA, RHIA, CEO, Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), Chicago, IL. Dr. Kennedy is a strong advocate for “Health Information Where & When You Need It.” She is recognized nationally and internationally for her work in the area of consumer health advocacy and consumer health literacy. Dr. Kennedy is a former president and chairman of the board of directors of AHIMA. She testified before the US Senate HELP Committee and was appointed by the US Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services to serve on the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) Health Information Standards Federal Advisory Committee and ONC Consumer Task Force. Dr. Kennedy has served on the board of directors for Go Care, Bayou Health, and Claiborne Memorial Medical Center. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the Top 20 Professors and Minds in Health Informatics in the United States. Dr. Kennedy has received the Vantage Health Visionary Educator Award, AHIMA Triumph Mentor Award, and the 2017 AHIMA Distinguished Member. Highlights: [03:19] Why should students consider accredited schools? [14:56] CAHIIM's Standard [16:41] What does this mean for those who completed a program prior to 2018 and are planning to take the RHIT or RHIA exam? [19:29] Dr. Kennedy's Recommendation for Students [24:12] Where can students search for program changes? [27:48] CAHIIM's 2018 Call of Action: Status Update [35:32] Dr. Kennedy's words of advice for all aspiring students in H.I.M Professions Links: Website:   https://ahima.digitellinc.com/ https://www.cahiim.org/ HealthManagement.org: Angela Kennedy, EdD, MBA, RHIA