Our programs and activities work to recruit, support, and maintain a diverse health care workforce.

PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS

Interested in a career in health care? AHEC can help you find your career path.

HIGH SCHOOL CHW TRAINING is an opportunity for minority and economically disadvantaged 11th-12th grade students on the West Side to become community health workers. You will complete the Morehouse College curriculum and gain experience in work settings. You will also design, implement and present a capstone project in the spring in preparation for Health Occupation Students of America competitive events. Sign up to receive information or contact us with questions about this training.

COLLEGE LEVEL HEALTH PROFESSIONS STUDENTS

The health care work environment is changing rapidly, and students often need additional trainings to enhance their current curriculum. AHEC has those opportunities for you.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS SUMMER INSTITUTE provides hands on health workforce exposure. Programming includes career demonstrations, HIPAA orientation, certification opportunities, as well as information on knowing your rights and records relief. Contact us about taking part.

AHEC SCHOLARS is a two-year program for students who are committed to improving health care in rural and underserved communities. It uniquely blends community based experiential opportunities with online training on key topics such as cultural competency and social determinants of health. Being an AHEC Scholar gives students the opportunity to distinguish themselves and to make meaningful connections that can lead to future employment and career growth. See details and apply.

EDUCATORS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

AHEC is here to help you prepare the students of today to be the health care professionals of tomorrow.

OUR SPEAKERS BUREAU links professionals representing a variety of health careers – from nursing and medicine, to public health and psychology – to career seekers to inform, motivate, and empower them to pursue attainable health career goals. Through partnerships with our Chicago Schweitzer Fellows for Life Program and other networks, Chicago AHEC provides professional mentorship to underrepresented students who are enrolled in health career programs across the Chicago area. In 2020, we provided health professionals as career speakers to 618 Chicago Public School students. Contact us to schedule a date to speak with your group.

BLACK MEN IN WHITE COATS is a campaign to increase the number of black men pursuing careers in the medical industry. Chicago AHEC is a local partner and hosts its annual Chicago Youth Summit for students, parents, educators, and community leaders. Contact us to schedule a date to speak with your group.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRACTICING PROFESSIONALS

ACTIVE LISTENING help healthcare professionals build trust and respect with clients, enhance quality of care, and reduce their own burnout and stress. Strong communication is important for establishing trust in a healthcare professional-patient relationship. The Enhancing Active Listening Training seeks to improve communication by encouraging the listener to focus their full attention on the speaker and use both verbal and nonverbal expressions to show the speaker they are fully engaged. These virtual trainings provide direct care workers with the skills needed to apply active listening to their interactions with clients Contact us for details.

CONTINUING EDUCATION sessions, in the classroom and online, are designed to support the educational needs of practicing health care professionals in underserved communities in Chicago. The IL AHEC network is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for current health professionals. Contact us for details.