AHEC Scholars is a national program developed by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration and state AHECs (National AHEC Organization). It is a program for health professions students interested in enhancing their skills in interprofessional practice in rural or underserved settings. 

Over the next two years, the AHEC Scholars Program will train scholars who will join a national cohort of approximately 3,900 scholars in 49 programs across the country. These programs are supported, in part, by the federally funded Health Resources and Services Administration. 

The Basics

  • 2 year interprofessional program for health profession students across Montana (see requirements below)
  • Program administrated by Montana State University and University of Montana AHEC Programs
  • Co-created and co-taught by faculty and staff from across the state
  • Open to graduate level, 2 or 4 year undergraduate, and certificate programs for any healthcare career
  • Courses can be continuing education modules or college credit

Topics Covered:

  • Interprofessional Education
  • Behavioral Health Integration
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Virtual Learning & Teleahealth
  • Connecting Communities & Supporting Health Professionals
  • Cultural Competency
  • Practice Transformation
  • Current and Emerging Health Issues

Interprofessional/team-based community/experiential/clinical training

Program began in September 2018 

What's in it for me?

Your certification as an AHEC Scholar will signify that you have additional knowledge, skills, and experiences that will give you an advantage in moving forward in your chosen health profession.

  • Learn how to work effectively in a team-based setting;
  • Develop new skills, experiences, and strategies to improve both access and delivery of healthcare;
  • Have the chance to meet leaders in healthcare and interact with health care professionals creating an invaluable network for your future career;
  • Make connections with other participants;
  • Receive a certification, which will set you apart from other students in an increasingly competitive environment;
  • Get recognition at graduation; and,
  • Be included in the list of graduating Scholars that will be publicized for employers who are looking to hire.

"By working alongside the healthcare leaders of today, Montana scholars will develop the expertise to become the leaders of tomorrow. We're excited about how this program will transform health in our state." - Kristin Juliar, Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center

Requirements

2-year college program, 4 year college, or graduate program:

  • AHEC Scholars Program duration: 2 years
    • 40 hours of interprofessional community-based, experiential, or clinical training in rural and/or underserved area –per year 
    • 40 hours interprofessional coursework (including the eight Core Topic Areas listed above) - per year

Certificate programs of 1 or less years:

  • AHEC Scholars Program duration: 1 year
    • 40 hours interprofessional community-based, experiential, or clinical training in rural and/or underserved area
    • 40 hours interprofessional coursework (including the eight Core Topic Areas listed above)