The Montana AHEC Scholars Program is a nationally recognized certificate program developed by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration and state AHECs (National AHEC Organization). Designed for health professions students interested in enhancing their skills in interprofessional practice, we supplement your existing degree with specialized training in rural and underserved care. By preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders with this competitive edge, we empower you to transform Montana’s healthcare landscape and serve the communities that need it most.

What is an AHEC Scholar?

The AHEC Scholars Program is a two-year commitment for students who are passionate about making a difference. We bring together students from various disciplines, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and public health, to learn how to provide high-quality, team-based care in the communities that need it most.

Program Pillars

Our curriculum is built around eight core focus areas defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), ensuring our graduates are ready for the modern workforce:

  • Interprofessional Education: Training in collaborative, team-based care models

  • Behavioral Health Integration: Strategies for incorporating mental health services into primary care

  • Social Determinants of Health: Understanding the social and economic factors that impact community wellness

  • Virtual Learning & Telehealth: Leveraging technology to expand healthcare access across Montana’s remote regions

  • Connecting Communities & Supporting Health Professionals: Strengthening the link between clinical practice and community resources

  • Cultural Competency: Providing effective, respectful care to all of Montana’s populations

  • Practice Transformation: Navigating quality improvement and new models of healthcare delivery

  • Current and Emerging Health Issues: Staying ahead of the curve on evolving public health challenges

Why Join the Montana AHEC Scholars?

Your certification as anAHEC 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 collaborative, interprofessional setting, a skill highly valued in modern clinical environments
  • Develop the practical skills and strategies necessary to improve both access to care and the quality of delivery for Montana’s unique populations
  • Gain direct access to healthcare leaders and practicing professionals, creating a network that will support your career long after graduation
  • Stand out to employers who value candidates with a deep understanding of workforce development and community health needs
  • Master topics often not covered in standard clinical curricula, specifically tailored to Montana’s rural and frontier demographics

Elibigility & Commitment

To be eligible for the Montana AHEC Scholars Program, you must:

  • Be enrolled in a health professions degree (two-year, four-year, or graduate level) or certificate program 

  • Have an interest in practicing in rural or underserved areas

  • Commit to completing the educational and clinical/community-based training as outlined below

If you are currently enrolled in a 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

If you are currently enrolled in a certificate program or academic program of 15 months or less:

  • AHEC Scholars Program duration: 1 year
    • 40 hours of 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)