5 Things Health Informatics Students Need to Know About HIMSS

A Master’s in Health Informatics is only the beginning. 

To truly get the most out of any graduate program you also need the opportunity to branch out into the professional world, build connections, and explore new paths. 

Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies is proud to offer these types of opportunities to Health Informatics students.  As an Academic Organization Affiliate of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), SPS Health Informatics students can become members for free, and some even attend their annual Global Conference with SPS Faculty. 

Taking advantage of this chance, Scott Wells, who is starting his second year in the Health Informatics program, recently attended the 2023 conference in Chicago, Illinois. He had the chance to listen to experts from all over the world discuss critical industry topics such as improving healthcare accessibility and health equity. 

Scott is excited for the opportunities an HIMSS membership has to offer. “I’m most looking forward to the networking and professional development opportunities,” Scott says. “My plan is to attend my local North Carolina HIMSS annual conference this October.”

As a community-centric society, HIMSS is committed to reforming the global healthcare ecosystem through information and technology by providing key insights, education and engaging events.

Academic Director Debra Wolf says, “Connecting students with a global organization, such as HIMSS, is essential for any graduate in health informatics, and we’re thrilled to offer this opportunity.” 

In order to take advantage of this partnership, here are the five things students need to know.

It’s 100% free to students. 

While membership fees to HIMSS varies, SPS students are able to join at no cost. Wake wants you to experience the full benefits of membership without the financial stress. Plus as a member, you have access to HIMSS scholarship opportunities.

You can build global connections.

With operations across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, HIMSS has a true international reach. Through in-person and online opportunities, you have the chance to network with professionals in your field near and far from home. 

There is a wealth of resources at your fingertips. 

HIMSS volunteers and staff create hundreds of pieces of informative and educational content. This includes educational presentations, thought leadership pieces, public policy positions, on-demand topical webinars, and more. When you join, your membership grants you access to many of these materials to help develop your knowledge and advance your career.

There is the opportunity to gain an industry certification.

A certification, such as Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems, will help you stand out in a competitive job market. With your membership to HIMSS, you are able to use the society’s resources to help you prepare for the exams as well as utilize their support throughout the process. 

There is an option to attend the annual HIMSS conference in person or view the recorded sessions.

This global conference brings together various professionals across every sector in the health information and technology field. It’s truly a unique conference experience as it’s completely geared toward developing and learning from the relationship of health and technology. SPS is granted access codes to view the conference recording and a select number of free admissions for those who wish to attend in person.  

Existing health informatics or health administration students interested in accessing their free membership will need to do the follow:

1. Email the Academic Director (wolfd@wfu.edu) that you’re interested in your HIMSS membership
2. You will receive a link to the HIMSS AOA free student membership website
3. Use your WFU email address to access and complete the application process. 
4. Based on your home address, you will also be able to select a complimentary HIMSS local chapter access

If you’re pursuing a graduate degree in Health Informatics, then you’re already committed to driving growth and innovation in the healthcare industry. Take things to the next level with the help of HIMSS.

Learn more about the Health Informatics program and what it has to offer here.