NNLM Sponsorships available for those seeking MLA Specializations – CHIS and DSS

Posted by benniefinch on June 23rd, 2025 Posted in: Blog

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Have you been taking NNLM classes and thinking about getting your CHIS or DSS? Now is the time!

What is the Consumer Health Information Specialization? Data Services Specialization?

Did you know that the credit from our free NNLM classes can be used towards completing a variety of specializations? Learn more about the types of specializations including consumer health information specialization (CHIS), certified health education specialization, data services specialization (DSS), and continuing education for nurses.

NNLM has funds to support your application fee

Not only do we provide free classes, but we also have sponsorships available to pay the application fee for both CHIS and DSS.

On the fence?

Why You Should Get Your Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) – Region 6 Blog

What are the competencies again?

CHIS Level I requires 12 credits with 5 of those covering the following competencies:

1. Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
2. Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
4. Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
5. Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)

Ready for CHIS Level II?

Your Level II CHIS shows that you have skills in all 8 Core Competencies for Providing Consumer Health Information Services. You meet the requirements for Level II by completing 12 additional credit hours that include at least one credit in each of competencies 6, 7, and 8:

1. Know the Community (CHIS-S1)
2. Know the Health Consumer (CHIS-S2)
3. Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources (CHIS-S3)
4. Evaluation of Health Information (CHIS-S4)
5. Communication, Reference, and Instruction (CHIS-S5)
6. Literacy and Health Literacy (CHIS-S6)
7. Technology and Health (CHIS-S7)
8. Ethical and Legal Issues (CHIS-S8)

Note: If your first application is for Level II, you will need 24 CE credits, with at least 1 credit in all 8 competencies.

Tell me more about the Data Services Specialization.

Your Level I DSS certificate shows employers, colleagues and researchers and others who work with data that:

• You have skills in providing a range of data services
• You are committed to offering quality data services
• You are committed to staying current with developments in data management and data services.

Your Level II DSS certificate shows employers, colleagues and researchers and others who work with data that:

• You have skills to engage across your institution and build alliances to develop and advance robust data services
• You are able to actively engage with researchers and students in advanced data management practices
• You have advanced skills across domains, including data collection, computational research, and other skills based on a curriculum customized to your personal interests.

Check out the MLA DSS page to learn more.

Need help with your application?

Not sure if you have the right credits for CHIS? Want to learn more about DSS?  Reach out to set up an appointment to review your MLA transcript.