About AHEC Scholars

The Utah AHEC Scholars Program is a multidisciplinary certificate program for certain health professions students that offers opportunities for hands-on training, experience in low-access rural and urban populations, and networking with other students and professionals.

This program requires a 2‑year commitment and consists of classroom or online instruction and hands-on clinical training in addition to the regular coursework required by the degree program.

AHEC Scholars is a program of the National AHEC Organization that is implemented by local, statewide, and regional AHECs. Core topic areas covered in the curriculum include:

• Inter-professional education
• Behavioral health integration
• Social determinants of health
• Cultural competency
• Practice transformation
• Current and emerging health issues
• Connecting Communities and Health Professionals
• Virtual Learning and Telehealth

Applicable majors for AHEC Scholars include but are not limited to medicine, physician assistant, public health, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, nursing, dental hygiene, pharmacy, social work, emergency medical technicians. Students will be immersed into the critical areas of Social Determinants of Health, Practice Transformation, and Emerging Health Issues, and more.

It’s simple!

1. Go to 2025 AHEC Scholars Application page
2. Fill out the application
3. Watch your inbox!

Absolutely! In fact, many of your clinical rotations with your medical course work will qualify toward your 80-hour clinical requirement. Many activities, especially those serving the low-access urban or rural communities, will count toward your elective hours. Of course, you can choose to complete the course curriculum on our Canvas at your own pace.

While the basic requirements for AHEC Scholars can be met through existing curriculum, there are opportunities to connect and collaborate with other programs for education and experience.  New program options are currently in development with the goal of expanding to several more.

Advisors hold regularly scheduled Information/Orientation sessions both for groups and individual students.  Also, an AHEC Scholars advisor can send you a copy of the most current AHCE Scholars Handbook which includes much information including a Program of Study.

AHEC Scholars does not count toward your academic grade.  Students receive a certificate of completion when program requirements have been met.

At a minimum, scholars are required to complete an orientation session and program of study with their advisor.  Follow-up meetings are on an as-needed basis to assist the scholar with program completion and connecting with other program activities.

An AHEC Scholar will have, but not limited to, access to health care professionals, build professional relationships with faculty members at your college/university and at NEOMED, research opportunities, and a certificate of completion to include with your resume.

There is no financial cost for the AHEC Scholars Program; only your time and expertise!

Yes!  Meet students from a variety of fields, and we will help you find a team that can utilize your talents.

Nope! Health innovation relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, so students from all health profession disciplines are welcome. Skills from your peers can help your work stand out from the crowd.