Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders, One Community at a Time.
Empowering future health professionals and expanding access to care across urban, rural, and underserved communities.
OUR MISSION
The Illinois Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes by cultivating a diverse, community-based healthcare workforce and strengthening the connection between education and service.
At Illinois AHEC, we believe that meaningful change starts with measurable outcomes.
Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and student-centered programming, we’re making a lasting impact on healthcare access and workforce development across Illinois.
Over
students engaged annually
Regional Centers serving all 102 counties
of participants go on to work in underserved communities
Our programs
Shaping the Future of Healthcare
From clinical training to leadership development, our programs provide real-world experience, mentorship, and pathways into high-need healthcare fields. We prepare the next generation of health professionals to serve where they’re needed most.
Local Centers, Statewide Impact
From urban neighborhoods to rural counties, our nine AHEC Regional Centers ensure statewide reach, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.
What’s Happening at Illinois AHEC
From training opportunities to local success stories, catch up on what’s happening across the Illinois AHEC network.
Pinckneyville, Illinois – South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC), in partnership with Pinckneyville Community Hospital, recently hosted its first-ever Healing Hands Summer Camp,
South Central Illinois AHEC was pleased to welcome Myra Anderson and Allyson Niedfeldt, two pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) students, to Pinckneyville Community Hospital for a three-day
Explore, Learn, Discover Healthcare! South Central Illinois AHEC, in partnership with Pinckneyville Community Hospital, invites students entering 6th–8th grades to attend the Healing Hands Summer
For those students who plan to work in rural and underserved communities, below is information about a free and virtual opportunity to learn more about Community Health Centers (CHCs).
Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) is excited to announce the fall cohort of our virtual student program, “Introduction to Community Health Centers (CHCs) for Students and Clinicians in Training,” is now accepting registrations.
IPHCA has hosted this program for students for the past 15 years and trained over 1,000 students. Through our virtual, self-paced format we are excited to be able to offer this program to even more students interested in pursuing a career serving the underserved.
About us: IPHCA is the state trade association serving Federally Qualified Health Centers/Community Health Centers across the state of Illinois. We work with 55 organizations operating nearly 450 service delivery sites, serving 1.5 million patients annually. FQHCs/CHCs provide primary care, oral health, behavioral health, substance use treatment, enabling services, and much more to patients. Learn More About IPHCA and FQHCs here: www.iphca.org/
Our program tracks are designed by discipline, such as Medical (MD/DO), Dental (DDS/DMD, RDH), Nurse Practitioner/Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, MPH students, Behavioral Health, undergraduate level/community college students, and high school students.
This self-paced virtual experience will include:
*Federally Qualified Health Center/Community Health Center 101
*Presentations from current FQHC healthcare professionals with insight about working in this setting
*In-depth presentations with examples of career opportunities and career pathways available in the FQHC setting
*Discussion of loan repayment and scholarship opportunities available
*Exposure to why integrated services can improve health outcomes
*More discipline specific sessions…
Each participant who completes all the modules in their assigned track and completes the post session evaluation will be eligible to win prizes. Not only is this program a great resume builder, IPHCA has helped many past attendees connect with their current employers.
You will select the appropriate track when you register. Each track takes approximately 2 hours to complete. All progress is saved so you can start and stop as needed. You will be emailed directions for how to access the online content in the coming weeks.
The content will launch Thursday, October 1st and remain live until Friday, October 30th. Students must register by Friday, October 16th to be eligible for the fall cohort.
Apply Here: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bOBEtcYtJEq422wTTvzDQ_sLRIttYpxEvn-Ya4aab-xUNFA4...
From past participants:
“I have heard classmates talk about FQHCs but really did not understand them entirely. I liked the module explaining what exactly an FQHC is and also how working in one can not only provide a community much needed health care but also help with repaying student loans.”
“I thought it was a well-rounded and thoughtful program, anticipating the questions and concerns and topics of interest to students, and also providing some powerful testimonials that you could tell were authentic.” ...
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Our Program Office at the The National Center for Rural Health Professions is hiring!
We are looking for a part-time Associate Director, Health Career Tech Hub. Applications are being accepted through 6:00 pm, CT on Monday, October 5, 2026.
For the full job description, salary, application requirements and application link, please visit this webpage: go.uic.edu/RockfordJobs
Thank you! ...
uic.csod.com
go.uic.edu
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Calling all AHEC Scholars alumni! Save the date for a FREE virtual conference on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Details are in the attached picture. We will share the registration link when it becomes available.
Take advantage of this free virtual conference to network with other AHEC Scholars alumni and add to your professional development! ...
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Congratulations to our South Central Illinois AHEC at Pinckneyville Community Hospital for their inaugural Healing Hands Summer Camp for middle schoolers! This is a wonderful way to expose middle school students to various healthcare careers! Congratulations South Central IL AHEC and Pinckneyville Community Hospital! ...
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎉 Congratulations to Rhonda Mott, 2026 South Central Illinois AHEC Healthcare Mentor of the Year! 🎉
The Illinois AHEC Network is proud to recognize Rhonda Mott, Lead Radiologic Technologist at Memorial Hospital, as the 2026 Healthcare Mentor of the Year for the South Central Illinois AHEC region, one of nine AHEC regions across Illinois.
This award honors healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to mentor, teach, and inspire students during their clinical training. For approximately 35 years, Rhonda has served as a clinical preceptor, helping students build the skills, confidence, and experience needed for successful careers in healthcare. As one of Southwestern Illinois College's longest-serving clinical preceptors, she has helped prepare nearly 100 students for careers in diagnostic imaging.
Known for creating a welcoming, supportive, and hands-on learning environment, Rhonda has made a lasting impact on both her students and the healthcare workforce across Southern Illinois. Her dedication to mentorship exemplifies the vital role clinical educators play in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The award was presented during a celebration attended by several of Rhonda's family members, Memorial Hospital leadership and administration, members of the radiology department, and a healthcare student—reflecting the many lives and careers she has influenced throughout her remarkable career.
👏 Please join us in congratulating Rhonda on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for her outstanding commitment to healthcare education, workforce development, and student success!
📸 Pictured left to right: Autumn Gulley, South Central Illinois AHEC Student Intern; Rhonda Mott, R.T. (R) (M) (CT), Lead Radiologic Technologist at Memorial Hospital and 2026 South Central Illinois AHEC Healthcare Mentor of the Year; Gloria Przygoda, South Central Illinois AHEC Director; and Andria Zweigart, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Health Information Management. ...
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Family Medicine Opportunities with Carle Health!
Carle Health is seeking an additional BE/BC Family Medicine Physician to join their Primary Care team in Mattoon, Illinois.
Interested residents may feel free to visit their website to learn more/apply: careers.carlehealth.org/jobs?categories=Physicians&page=1
Residents who are not yet actively searching but would like to stay connected are also welcome to complete their general contact form if they would like to stay in touch: careers.carlehealth.org/providers/talentcommunity/form
Attached is a flyer with more information. ...
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