Northwest AHEC
Hosted by Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC), this center supports health education and workforce development for communities in Alaska’s northwest region.
Alaska's AHEC Program
WHAT IS ALASKA'S AHEC?
Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) are a network of programs and centers across the United States designed to improve access to health care and address healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The AHEC program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1971 and is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Alaska’s AHEC began at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) in 2005 and was the first in the country to be awarded through a School of Nursing, rather than a School of Medicine.
The Alaska AHEC program office is located within the UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce. The program office partners with six regional Centers hosted by community organizations across the state. These Centers support healthcare workforce engagement, training, recruitment, and retention through academic and community-based partnerships. Each center provides educational activities that give students direct exposure to healthcare delivery in rural and underserved settings.
View the 2024 ACRH-HW Annual Report
See our work in action and learn how ACRH-HW is supporting Alaska’s healthcare workforce.
View Annual ReportALASKA AHEC'S STRATEGIES
ENGAGE:
Engaging youth and adults through hands-on activities, camps, and events that explore healthcare careers and opportunities in Alaska.
TRAIN:
Preparing health profession students for practice in rural and underserved communities. We work across all disciplines—from certificate to doctoral programs—and partner with health facilities and providers statewide to create community-based learning opportunities.
RETAIN:
Supporting Alaska’s healthcare workforce through continuing education and professional resiliency training. Our goal is to help stabilize the health workforce so it can better meet the needs of Alaska’s communities.
REGIONAL AHEC CENTERS
Interior AHEC
Hosted by Foundation Health Partners (FHP), this center supports healthcare workforce training and education for the interior region of Alaska.
Yukon-Kuskokwim AHEC
Hosted by Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), this center supports the healthcare workforce needs of communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Southcentral AHEC
Hosted by Alaska Pacific University (APU), this center provides workforce development and health education services to communities in the Southcentral region.
Southeast AHEC
Hosted by Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC), this center supports healthcare professionals and students in Southeast Alaska, working to expand access to education and training.
Southwest AHEC
Hosted by Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), this center provides healthcare workforce training and educational opportunities for communities in Alaska’s Southwest region.
Regional AHEC contact information for each center and its director can be found here.
ALASKA AHEC CENTERS MAP
ALASKA AHEC PROGRAM SERVICES
Alaska AHEC supports students, professionals, and communities through programs designed to strengthen Alaska’s healthcare workforce.
- Youth Exploration & Career Camps – Hands-on experiences that introduce youth to healthcare careers in Alaska.
- Rural Health Career & Technical Pathways (CTEPS) – Career exploration and pathway programs for students in rural school districts.
- PATH Academy – A pre-apprenticeship program that helps participants prepare for clinical careers through mentorship and certification training.
- Rural Immersion Institute of the North (RIIN) – A cohort-based program for college students to experience rural healthcare settings across Alaska.
- AHEC Scholars Program – A long-term learning program for healthcare students interested in practicing in rural and underserved communities.
- Continuing Education & Training – Professional development opportunities statewide, including required certifications and clinical workshops.
- CACHE (Clearinghouse for Continuing Health Education) – A searchable catalog of continuing education opportunities relevant to Alaska’s clinical providers.
BECOME AN AHEC CHAMPION
If you’re interested in getting involved with AHEC programs across Alaska, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our engagement form to connect with our team. The AHEC Program offers funding for summer assignments, travel support, and instructional buy-out time depending on the type of activity and hours involved. We are currently looking for champions to support Youth Health Career Exploration, including guest speakers and lead instructors for week-long programs in rural Alaska.
Other opportunities include coordinating placements for the AHEC Scholars Program, facilitating continuing education through curriculum development and clinical instruction, and supporting Train the Trainer programs such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Mandt certifications. Champions can also support Recharge Center services, contribute to grant writing, and assist with instructional design.
Become an AHEC ChampionRESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS
Alaska AHEC works through partnerships with statewide healthcare institutions, universities, government agencies, and community organizations.
These relationships expand healthcare education, clinical training, and workforce support across Alaska—especially in rural and remote communities. We are grateful to our partners for their commitment to strengthening Alaska’s healthcare workforce.
Key Resources & Partners:
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – Supports healthcare access in rural and underserved communities across the country.
- National AHEC Organization (NAO) – The national network that connects and supports AHEC programs throughout the United States.
- HOSA—Future Health Professionals – A student-led organization for those pursuing careers in healthcare.
- Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) – Oversees education initiatives and supports healthcare career pathways across the state.
- Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DLWD) – Manages workforce training programs and employment resources across Alaska.
- Alaska Division of Public Health (DPH) – Leads public health programs and community health initiatives statewide.
To learn more about AHEC partnerships or get involved, contact an AHEC director.