MAHEC Health Careers

04/15/2026

The Passport to Healthcare Leadership Conference was a culminating event for regional high school students’ apart of the Passport Program. Students participated in hands-on simulations, built clinical skills, and learned in a state-of-the-art training environment at the MAHEC Simulation Center. The conference also included a moderated panel with near peer mentors from the AHEC Scholars and MedServe programs, a keynote speech on leadership with Dr. Benjamin Gilmer, and a closing recognition and awards section. Additionally, this year marked the first cohort of students graduating the program and receiving their certificates of completion!

This is what it looks like to move from interest to action.

The Passport Program supports students grades 8-12 across Western North Carolina in exploring healthcare careers and pathways through education, hands-on experiences, experiential learning, engagement, and mentorship. It’s designed to go beyond the classroom and provide access to the field. Learn more about the Passport Program Here: https://mahec.net/residents-and-students/passport-program

04/02/2026

Join our local WNC College for North Carolina (CFNC) college and financial aid expert
to learn about your options for paying for college! They'll break down financial aid,
scholarships, other resources to bring down college costs —and share practical
strategies to help make college more affordable.

This session is a great fit for students of all ages and for parents or caregivers of high
school students who are thinking about the next steps after graduation. Get
helpful tips, ask questions, and leave feeling more confident about paying for higher
education!

03/27/2026

🌟Hallum Hope Banquet Keynote Speaker Highlight🌟

We cannot wait to celebrate our 2025-2026 graduating MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program students at this year's Hallum Hope Banquet, and we are thrilled to announce Dr. Chelsea Reed (former MMMP intern) as our Keynote Speaker!

Read more about Dr. Reed and her health career journey, below:

Dr. Chelsea Reed is a dedicated healthcare professional, educator, mother, wife, and leader committed to shaping the future of occupational therapy and inspiring the next generation of change makers. A proud alumna of Asheville High School, Class of 2009, Dr. Reed was actively involved in the Minority Medical Mentoring Program (MMMP) and several MAHEC initiatives, experiences that helped ignite her passion for healthcare and service.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy from Western Carolina University in 2013, followed by a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from American International College in 2016. Over the past decade, Dr. Reed has proudly served the occupational therapy profession in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals and skilled rehabilitation, where she has made a meaningful impact on patient outcomes and interdisciplinary care.

Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership, Dr. Reed went on to earn her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in 2021, with a concentration in higher education. For the past four years, she has combined clinical expertise with academic leadership, serving as a supervising occupational therapist while also educating and mentoring future healthcare professionals. She currently teaches dual enrollment courses through a local community college and high school in Greenville, South Carolina, helping students gain early exposure to careers in healthcare.

In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Reed is deeply invested in student development and leadership. She serves as an advisor for the local HOSA chapter and supports student growth through her involvement with the Sophomore Class Student Council.

03/25/2026

THANK YOU!
We received 52 amazing applications 🎉
Our team is now reviewing them carefully.

We’re so grateful to everyone who applied and showed interest in our program! 💜

03/18/2026

REMINDER:
We have extended the application deadline for The MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program, so there is still time to apply!

🔔Application deadline: March 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST

This competitive, honors level internship provides structured clinical shadowing and direct exposure to real healthcare environments in Western North Carolina. The program is designed for motivated students ready for a serious, hands-on experience in medicine and the health professions.

🔗Start your health careers journey today: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e6dd62305512468fb7c8a972e420b101

03/13/2026

🩺 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, March 8–14
✨ Friday, March 12 Highlight: NC AHEC Scholars Program

Begin your health career journey with NC AHEC! Today, as part of NC AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week, we highlight the AHEC Scholars Program – which recruits, trains, and supports students to improve the supply and distribution of all health professions and to support health systems transformation in NC.

As a NC AHEC Scholar, you will:
•Complete 40 hours of classroom/online and 40 hours clinical training each year of the two-year program,
• Receive an annual stipend to help with costs,
• Earn a badge of distinction from the National AHEC Organization, setting you apart in the competitive health care field,
• Gain opportunities to create an invaluable network of health care professionals, leaders, and peers, and
• Access additional pathways to continued training, certifications, and education.

To learn more and apply to the NC AHEC Scholars program at your regional AHEC, visit https://www.ncahec.net/nc-ahec-scholars-how-to-apply/.

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

🩺 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, March 8–14, 2026
✨ Thursday, March 12 Highlight: Resources

With just a couple days remaining of AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week, we want to highlight the many resources available for students thinking about a career in health care. From career exploration programs to hands on experiences, mentorships, and college readiness support, NC AHEC and partners across the state are opening doors for the next generation of health professionals.
🔎 Students can:
• Discover different health careers
• Connect with local health professionals
• Attend camps, workshops, and enrichment programs
• Learn about scholarships and college prep resources
• Find volunteer & shadowing opportunities
➡️ Explore NC’s pre college health career resources and take the first step toward a future in health care!https://www.ncahec.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Thursday-March-12_RESOURCES_One-Sheet_PO.pdf

03/11/2026

The Parent/ Educator Webinar Registration is Open!
📅 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week
🗓 March 8–14, 2026

We loved seeing so many of our MAHEC students present at last night's Student Webinar, and we are looking forward to meeting their supportive family members and educators tomorrow night!

Join us by using the registration link below:

🧑🏻‍💻 March 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Parent/Educator Webinar: “"Supporting Your Student's Health Career Journey" https://evaluations.ncahec.net/s3/Future-Health-Professionals-Parent-Webinar-Registration

03/11/2026

🩺 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, March 8–14, 2026
✨ Wednesday, March 11 Highlight: Student Testimonials

🎥 Meet the Future of North Carolina’s Health Workforce! Today, as part of NC AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week, we’re shining a light on students who have participated in Pathways programs across the state. Hear Keshawna’s inspiring story and positive experience as an AHEC Scholar at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_JRMpkszI8aydeIfT-Z-H5cmvJ-ULJQs/view.

Whether you're a student, educator, or supporter of health careers, this is a powerful reminder of why investing in our future workforce matters. Let’s continue uplifting and supporting the young people who will shape the future of health care in North Carolina!

Visit https://www.ncahec.net/health-careers/impact/ to see more stories like Keshawna’s…and be inspired!

03/10/2026

It's not too late to register for tonight's session: Careers with Shortages + Student Webinar from 6:30-7:30 PM!

The Countdown is On!

📅 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week
🗓 March 8–14, 2026

We are less than a month away from NC AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week!
Each day, we will highlight a different focus area on social media — from Pathways programs and careers experiencing shortages, to student testimonials and AHEC Scholars. And, don’t forget to register for the following webinars:

Exploring Health Careers: https://evaluations.ncahec.net/s3/Exploring-Health-Careers-Webinar-March-10-2026

Supporting Your Student's Health Career Journey: https://evaluations.ncahec.net/s3/Future-Health-Professionals-Parent-Webinar-Registration

See the full agenda and details at https://www.ncahec.net/nc-ahec-future-health-professionals-week/. We look forward to connecting with you!

03/10/2026

🩺 NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, March 8–14, 2026
✨ Tuesday, March 10 Highlight: Careers in Demand - CHWs

Today, as part of NC AHEC’s Future Health Professionals Week, we’re shining a light on the critical shortage of healthcare workers across North Carolina — especially in rural and underserved communities. This crisis affects every one of us: our families, our neighbors, and our friends.

A statewide report from September 2025 revealed that nearly one third of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions are unfilled, and 13% of Registered Nurse (RN) roles remain vacant, leaving remaining staff stretched thin and patients waiting longer for care. And the outlook is even more urgent: by 2033, North Carolina is projected to face a shortfall of at least 12,500 RNs, a number that could nearly double due to burnout and early retirements. [workforcef...health.org] [cardinalpine.com]

Amid these shortages, Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in bridging the gap between marginalized communities and the healthcare system. They help manage chronic diseases, increase health literacy, and connect residents to social services. By serving as trusted local liaisons, CHWs improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary ER visits and hospital readmissions, and provide cost effective care — with an estimated $11.20 return for every $1 invested (ASTHO).

To learn more about the pathway to becoming a CHW, visit https://ncchwa.org/services/certification/. And, to see more about how NC AHEC is investing in CHWs, visit https://www.ncahec.net/practice-support/community-health-worker-program-2/.