AHEC (Area Health Education Center)
The AHEC program strengthens the healthcare workforce by preparing students and professionals to serve rural and underserved communities through education, training, and career pathways.
What does this program do?
AHEC supports career pathways for healthcare professionals through three main focus areas:
- Scholars Program: Provides opportunities for students in clinical, behavioral, and public health fields to work in rural and underserved communities through a two-year interprofessional program
- Continuing Education: Partners with local providers to offer high-quality training and highlight the benefits of working in Southeast Idaho
- Pathways: Encourages high school students from rural and underserved communities to explore healthcare careers and supports recruitment and retention efforts
How does this program benefit individuals and communities?
- Prepares students to work in rural and underserved areas with an interprofessional healthcare focus
- Keeps local healthcare workers up to date with continuing education and best practices
- Introduces middle and high school students to healthcare career opportunities
- Provides clinical experiences and training in high-need communities
- Supports interprofessional learning across topics like behavioral health, telehealth, and community health systems
AHEC scholars complete hands-on clinical hours in rural or underserved communities and participate in structured training that prepares them for real-world healthcare challenges.
What is most important for people to understand?
AHEC supports both students and healthcare professionals at every stage of their career. By providing education, training, and real-world experience, the program helps build a workforce that is better prepared to meet the needs of rural and underserved communities.
What would happen without this program?
- Communities would have fewer healthcare providers, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Students would have fewer opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration
- Healthcare workforce shortages would continue to grow
- Fewer providers would choose to work in high-need communities