Health Careers : NC AHEC Program Office

As part of our mission to improve the geographic distribution, retention, and quality of health care providers throughout the state, NC AHEC develops initiatives that introduce pre-college youth to the vast array of health care professions.

NC AHEC is vitally important in the education and careers of health care workers.

Emphasizing underrepresented minorities, rural communities, and economically/educationally disadvantaged populations, we identify gaps in the educational pipeline and work to foster interest in health care careers.

We help students interested in health occupations find enrichment activities and education programs before high school graduation. K-12 programs may include puppet shows, after-school clubs, workshops, summer programs and special events in which participants visit health care facilities, college campuses, and health science programs; gain volunteer experience; shadow health care professionals; and learn about health careers professions and job requirements. Through NC AHEC's Passport Program, students can begin documenting and reporting service and educational activities as early as the eighth grade.

Once a student enters a college or university, NC AHEC student services continue through community-based student training; facilitating short-term lodging for health science students completing in-state, community-based rotations; locating preceptors; and more. To address the need for a more diverse cadre of health care professionals, in 2018, NC AHEC launched the NC AHEC Scholars Program. With an emphasis on underrepresented minorities, rural, and first-generation college students, the NC AHEC Scholars Program aims to improve the diversity and distribution of health professions and support health systems transformation across the state.

Health Careers and Workforce Diversity

Each of the nine AHECs, the Duke AHEC Program, and the NC AHEC Program Office at UNC Chapel Hill has a health careers and workforce diversity liaison who initiates the development of programs and activities that meet the needs of their region. To learn more about the resources in your region or to bring a program to your school or community, click on the NC AHEC location in the list below the map that serves your county.