8.02.2018 Ashley Jester – Specialist, Membership & Professional Development

Foundation member George Dealy enjoys a challenge. So when he had the chance to test his mettle by taking the CHIME Foundation Certified Healthcare Executive (CFCHE) exam, he embraced it.

“This was an opportunity to distinguish myself as having an advanced understanding of the convergence of healthcare  and information technology,” said Dealy, Dimensional Insight’s vice president of healthcare applications. 

CFCHE is one of the most distinguished designations a Foundation member can hold. The program offers professional development tools and resources to elevate a healthcare IT career. Carrying this credential shows healthcare CIOs a high level of commitment and expertise to assist them with the challenges they face each day. Being a CFCHE not only recognizes CHIME Foundation partners for their skills and knowledge, but it is also the defining factor of their career development.

Dealy, who has been a member since 2009, is one of the newest members of this elite group to earn the CFCHE designation. CFCHE is one of several achievements for this challenge seeker. He has also earned the CPHIMS credential through the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). 

CFCHE, though, requires a different set of skills and knowledge. The CFCHE exam is designed to test Foundation firm members’ knowledge and experience in healthcare IT and the situations faced by partner CIOs. 

“What sets this program apart from the others is that it is more focused on the executive leadership level and less technical,” stated Dealy. “However, if you’re going to do it, you need to take it seriously and study.” Dealy said it took him about three to four months to prepare for the CFCHE exam.

“Experience definitely helps in these types of exams,” continued Dealy. “It gives you information as well as critical thinking. It’s definitely good to experience the CIO perspective.”

Being CFCHE certified not only strengthens a member’s business partnerships, but it also distinguishes the title holder from his or her peers and competitors. “Having my company recognized sets us apart within the CHIME community,” Dealy observed.

The preparation itself proved to be a valuable experience, he said. “There is much to learn from the experience, regardless of whether you pass or fail the first time around,” Dealy stated. If time and location pose obstacles to becoming certified, testing online remotely from home or work is a new option for examinees. Dealy completed his exam using this newest method of online testing. 

“The support folks are great,” said Dealy as Kryterion staff walked him though some technical problems in the beginning. No matter the time of day, Kryterion support staff are available to help.

If you are interested in taking this next step in your professional development, please follow up with us at [email protected].  Further program details can be found at chimecentral.org/certification/cfche/. Take your part on this journey and discover what CFCHE means for you!

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