A Program of AHEC West

AHEC Scholars

A two-year program preparing health professions students to lead change in rural and underserved communities across Western Maryland.

2-Year Program 160 Hours 10+ Disciplines Free Housing
What Is This Program?

AHEC Scholars is designed with one goal in mind: to enhance the ability of health professions students to create change and reshape the status quo for healthcare in rural and underserved communities. Launched in 2019, the program engages students in clinical, didactic, and community-based activities across Western Maryland.

Accepted Scholars complete 160 hours of additional curriculum over two years — beyond their school's standard requirements — gaining hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and a deep understanding of rural healthcare delivery.

Program length
2 years
80 hours per year of additional curriculum
Total curriculum hours
160 hours
40 clinical + 40 didactic per year
Disciplines accepted
10+
Medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, social work, and more
Annual enrollment
45 students
Per cohort across all accepted disciplines
Who Is It For?

AHEC Scholars is open to health professions students enrolled in accredited programs across 10+ disciplines. If you want to develop real-world skills in rural healthcare and make a lasting difference in underserved communities, this program is for you.

MedicinePhysician AssistantsNurse PractitionersNurse MidwivesPharmacyDentistryPsychologyOptometryNursingSocial WorkPhysical TherapyPublic Health
Free housing provided during rotations
AHEC West provides free housing for Scholars completing rotation assignments in the Hagerstown, Cumberland, and Oakland areas — removing a major barrier to rural clinical training.
Program Requirements

What you'll do as an AHEC Scholar

Each year of the two-year program requires 80 hours split across four activity types:

40
Clinical / Community Hours
A pre-approved rotation in a rural or underserved area of Maryland, working alongside preceptors and interdisciplinary providers.
40
Didactic Education Hours
Expert-led instruction across eight core topic areas including rural health policy, social determinants, and cultural competency.
✓
Leadership Development
Build skills to implement healthcare services effectively in rural and underserved settings.
✓
Interprofessional Teamwork
Gain hands-on experience working alongside professionals from other health disciplines.
Ready to become an AHEC Scholar?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact Joy Taylor to learn about the next cohort.
Apply now → Contact Joy Taylor

Joy Taylor · Program Director · jtaylor@ahecwest.org · 301-777-9150 ext. 141