LIS/iSchool Professors Can Help Their Students Get a CHIS Certification

Posted in: #CC/Academic List, #Health Interest List, #Health Sciences List, #Public/K-12 List

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Did you know that your LIS graduate students can now earn a Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) certification by taking your class? You now have the opportunity to have your consumer health-related LIS course CHIS certified through a unique partnership with the Medical Library Association (MLA) and the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). The NNLM will gladly guide you through the process and then upon completion of the course, you will be able to provide students instructions to apply for their CHIS certificate.

What Are the Requirements to Have Your Class MLA-Approved as a Consumer Health Course?

Your course must address one or more of the eight core competencies for providing consumer health information services. NNLM and MLA will work with you to ensure that your coursework entails the CHIS competencies listed below.

CHIS Competencies

Required for Level 1

• C1 – Know the Community
• C2 – Know the Health Consumer
• C3 – Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources
• C4 – Evaluation of Health Information
• C5 – Communication, Reference, and Instruction

Required for Level 2, in addition to Level 1 requirements

· C6 – Literacy and Health Literacy

· C7 – Technology and Health

· C8 – Ethical and Legal Issues

What Are the Benefits?

Teaching an MLA-approved consumer health course in your LIS or iSchool program allows students to gain knowledge in providing health information services to consumers. They will receive recognition for the accomplishment of acquiring new health information skills from future employers. These skills are designed for a wide range of librarians, such as:

· Public librarians

· Medical librarians

· Librarians working in a consumer health environment

How Much Does It Cost?

Nothing! With this partnership, MLA will waive the approved course application fee for professors who are taking part in the program. On behalf of the students, the NNLM will cover the CHIS application fee (a $75 value) for level 1 or level 2 CHIS certification, including renewals for students who complete the course.

How to get started

For more information about the program and how to apply to get your class approved as an MLA consumer health course, visit nnlm.gov to learn more.