Health Careers Exploration

 

Each of the Alaska AHEC centers have staff dedicated to recruiting Alaskans into health careers and supporting students of all ages and paths on their educational journey. They are involved in exposing Alaskans to the wide range of health careers through a multitude of activities. See below some of the activities currently happening around the state. 

Group of students smiling
  • Camp Curriculums

    PATH/Allied Health & Behavioral Health Camp Manuals

    Southcentral AHEC offers the health camp curriculums for purchase in order to implement your own camp for the youth in your area. For more information or to purchase the curriculum, visit the Southcentral AHEC's Website. 

  • K-12 Activities

    K-12 Activities


    Students participating in activity

    In addition to the regularly scheduled activities outlined below, check out these two upcoming middle school health exploration camps in Anchorage and Mat-Su!

    June Mat-Su middle school camp flyer

    June 12 middle school camp flyer

    • Partnering and supporting summer health programs such as ANSEP Academies
    • Preparing Alaskans for Training in Health (PATH) allied health and behavioral health camps where students can earn college credit and learn about key health topics and careers
    • Organizing and sponsoring HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapters throughout the state
    • Providing tours and job shadowing experiences in health care settings
    • Arranging for guest speakers from a wide variety of health professions for classrooms, community events, and youth organizations
    • Working with school teachers, counselors, and principals to bring healthcare career information and pathways into the schools
    • Offering Mental Health First Aid training to students ages 16 and up
  • Students Enrolled in Health Programs

    Students Enrolled in Health Programs

    AHEC Scholars is a one or two-year program that runs alongside a student's program of study designed to supplement and broaden their healthcare training. Students receive didactic training in six core topic areas and are given opportunities for rural or urban community-based experiences. In addition to the opportunity for more hands-on learning, helpful health-related training, and networking opportunities, AHEC Scholars also receive stipends and travel support.  

    Visit the AHEC Scholars page for more information. 

    Dental student and instructor examine a patient
  • Adults and Non-Traditional Students

    Adults and Non-Traditional Students

    • Encouraging those in career transition or those re-entering the work force to consider healthcare as a career option
    • PATH Pre-apprenticeship Academies
    • Mental Health First Aid training and other certifications
  • Out-of-State Students

    Out-of-State Students

    • Rural Immersion Institute of the North, a 3-week opportunity for students to visit Alaska and experience culture, adventure, and a dynamic rural healthcare environment. Visit the RIIN website for dates and to learn more.

    Two students stand at the top of Mt. Marathon

    Students holding pieces of a glacier

 

These are just a few examples of our statewide healthcare career exploration activities. To learn more about what each center is doing in terms of recruiting Alaskans into the health field, and to find out how you can get involved with activities and opportunities in your region, please visit our regional AHEC websites.

Those interested in learning more about health careers, scholarships, and employers should visit the Health Careers in Alaska website, a one-stop resource with information on:

  • Camps and internships revolving around health and science
  • Academic health programs in Alaska
  • Over 50 Alaska health career descriptions
  • Major healthcare employers in the state

For questions about health career exploration and AHEC activities, please contact:

907-786-6583
Ian McCarthy
907-786-6583
imccarthy@alaska.edu