This session will discuss how individuals may use tools and resources available to them through HIMSS to further their professional development. Our speaker, Mara Daiker,  will cover the following Learning Objectives:

• Identify the importance of continuing professional development for the health IT professional.
• Define the three certifications that are offered by HIMSS. 
• Discuss the value of certification and currently certified demographics.
• Explain changes that are occurring with the HIMSS certification program.
• Define member advancement as it relates to HIMSS.

Mara L. Daiker, MS, CPHIMS, RHIA, SHIMSS is the Director, Professional Development for HIMSS. She is responsible for many of the aspects of professional development including career services and certification for health IT professionals.

Prior to her career with HIMSS, Ms. Daiker spent about 13 years in the industry. First, within the Health Information Management Department of an academic teaching center and Level I adult trauma center and then as an analyst and subsequently applications manager within the health IT department of an interdisciplinary system where she helped oversee applications across four hospitals and over 60 primary and specialty clinics. 

She was also an active volunteer and member of the Board of Directors for the HIMSS Wisconsin Chapter.

Ms. Daiker is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) with a Baccalaureate of Arts degree in Health Information Management from The College of St. Scholastica and a Master of Science degree from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Health Care Informatics. She is also a Senior member of HIMSS (SHIMSS). She is an adjunct faculty member for UW-Parkside in their health information management and technology program. She is an active member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and its component state association, the Wisconsin Health Information Management Association (WHIMA).