Georgia Scroll
July 1997
HFMA's restructured certification program exams, in effect since January 1, 1997, are now more convenient than ever for members to fit into their busy schedules.
Since January 1997, tests have been offered through computer based programs at over 200 Sylvan Learning Centers across the U.S., including Georgia centers in Atlanta Metro, Augusta. Columbus, Macon and Savannah. Tests are offered on any business day (some even on Saturday) and test scores are available immediately upon completion of the exams. Application and payment for the exams must be sent to the National HFMA office and generally require two weeks for processing. After authorization from HFMA. National, you may schedule an exam at a convenient Learning Center near you. Changes or cancellations of exams may be handled through the Sylvan location you have scheduled for your test. (Failure to cancel a scheduled exam will result in forfeiture of the exam fee).
HFMA members should contact HFMA Career Development, Dept. 77-5295, Chicago, IL 60678-5195 or call l-800-252-HFMA (4362) for more information and/or application Forms.
The Georgia HFMA Certification Committee for 97 - 98 has set forth the following goals and objectives for the coming year;
- To be a valuable information source for Georgia chapter members by housing a chapter library with informational and study guides to assist in preparation for certification exams;
- To facilitate member involvement within the chapter; and
- To assist members in transitioning to the newly designed certification program and in the recertification process.
Georgia HFMA Chapter members now have the added convenience of a restocked lending library with many study aids available including exam study guides, new exam formats, and some computerized study aids (the new exam format is computerized) - all free for the asking. For information on available resources please contact Merry Adams at BDO Seidman, LLP, (404) 688-6841. The Georgia Chapter also provides coaching classes at almost every quarterly institute offered by Greg Clark and Alan Goldberg - both of whom hold FHFMA, CMCP and CMPA designations, and who can answer any questions you may have regarding any of the certification exams.
Requirements for achieving CHFP designation are as follows:
- Completion of the application requirement (there are two applications: one for the exam and one for the certification designation after all certification criteria has been satisfied).
- Successful completion of a four hour core exam that tests a body of healthcare financial management information (you must be a member for at least one year to sir for the exams)
- Completion of a two hour specialty exam in one of three areas of special interest: Finance and Accounting, Managed Care or Patient Financial Services.
- Meet established point requirements by earning 40 or more Founder’s Award points or their equivalent over a three year period (20 points must be Founders points. The rest may be Parallel).
- Be a regular member of HFMA for at least two years
- Have 60 semester hours of college credit from an accredited college or university (for alternative education options please contact HFMA).
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in a healthcare or related field.
- Obtain two character references: One from chapter leaders, one from a professional associate.
Requirements for achieving the FHFMA designation are as follows;
- Achieving CHFP designation status (see above requirements).
- Obtain a reference from either a Fellow in HFMA or a chapter leader
- Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Completion of the application requirement.
- A minimum of five years regular or advanced membership in HFMA.
- A minimum of 200 points by participating in continuing education, earning Founders points or attaining certification in additional specialty areas.
Maintaining certification of the CHFP and/or the FHFMA designations require that you earn 40 or more Founders points or their equivalent over each three year review period.
HFMA certification symbolizes dedication, expertise and distinction among peers and all healthcare professionals. As of March 31, 1997. only 108 of Georgia’s 1,299 HFMA members (8.3%) have obtained certification status. While this is still well above the national average of 6.8%, the Georgia chapter of HFMA can set the standard of excellence in the coming year by increasing the number of certified members.
Never has it been more convenient to plan, study and sit for HFMA certification exams. With the flexibility of scheduling exams at your convenience at any Sylvan Learning Center across the U.S., free access to resources form the Georgia chapter lending library and regularly scheduled coaching classes by certified professionals, now is the perfect time to consider taking the challenge of attaining certification with HFMA and distinguishing yourself among the keen competition within the healthcare marketplace today.
If you have any questions or need additional information regarding the HFMA certification process. please contact Greg Clark. at Lindquist Avey Macdonald Baskerville Inc., (404) 842-2673, or any member of the certification committee.
Jane Tieman is a member of the certification committee of the Georgia chapter of HFMA, and can be reached at (770) 419-5100. She is a Marketing Analyst with Cort Healthcare, Inc. in Kennesaw, Georgia. Owen Healthcare is the nation's leading hospital pharmacy services company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cardinal Health. Inc., a Fortune 50 company.