Undergraduate education is a key to a successful health career. Bachelor’s level preparation can open the door to opportunities in nursing, social work, public health, biotechnology, bioengineering, health informatics, ultrasound technology, radiologic technology, dietetics, dental hygiene and many others.

Today, most nurses enter the workforce with a bachelor’s degree. However, the undergraduate years are pivotal in preparation for many health careers. Public health and many doctoral programs prepare students for careers in health science research programs. Careers in medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy and physical therapy and pharmacy most often require a professional degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree.

Our offerings include:

AHEC Scholars – A national program that offers in-depth longitudinal career preparation and experiential learning opportunities (offered to undergraduate, community college and graduate-level health professions students)

Career Advising – Personalized ways to enhance school resources regarding health career training opportunities and requirements (offered to students at many educational levels).

Classroom Presentations – Speakers that provide students with opportunities to meet working health professionals and discuss career ideas and preferences (offered to students at many educational levels).

CNA Training – Entry level training in the nursing profession.

Community Placements – Community-based learning opportunities in the clinical and public health arenas.

Curricular Enhancements – Presentations on the social determinants of health, behavioral health, cultural competence, practice transformation and other timely topics.

Grants and Awards – Mini grants and scholarships to help cover educational expenses for students in the any health sciences and health professions.

Health Career Clubs – School-based programs for students interested in health careers.

HRSA Virtual Job Fairs – HRSA national resource to bring employers and health professionals together on a virtual platform to explore employment opportunities.

Immersion Experiences – Intensive exposures to a specific health career and setting.

Job Shadowing – An opportunity for a student to shadow a working professional and get an up-close view of the job and role (offered to students at many educational levels).

Mentorship – A one-on-one opportunity for a student to learn about careers and discover their interests (offered to students at many educational levels).

Native American Pathways – An entry to pre-med and pre-health professions curricula for Native American students from Wyoming and California.

Preceptorships and Internships – Longitudinal experiences to meet requirements in health professions study programs.

Preceptorships and Internships for Rural Medical Students – Four to six-week placements with solo practitioners, group practices and clinics that provide primary care in underserved areas.

Public Health Clubs – School-based programs for students interested in public health careers.

Public Health Explorer – A public health club for undergraduate public health students at UIC.

Transition to Work – Practical wisdom and lessons in soft skills that foster the life change from student to employee (offered to students at many educational levels).

Rural Health Experience (RHE) – A three- to five-day rural immersion opportunity in which students shadow healthcare professionals in a rural Illinois community.

(Shown above, participants in Chicago AHEC pose for a group photo at the Health & Medicine Policy Research Group office.)