Southern Area Health Education Center ( AHEC )

We connect students to health careers, health professionals to communities, and communities to better health across 13 counties in southeastern New Mexico. Currently, there is a serious shortage of health professionals across the country, especially so in our state. Rural and remote areas are hit hardest by the shortfall of trained care providers. This program’s goal is to inform students at all levels about health careers, and to share information on exciting and rewarding workforce opportunities in health-related fields.

We connect with middle and high school students and their parents to offer them ideas and promote interest in health careers early on. We also engage with post-graduates interested in health career transitions, as well as established health professionals who want to further their education. Engagement includes presentations and follow up in middle and high schools, as well as health fairs throughout the southeastern counties. We also recruit postgraduate students interested in health careers to our AHEC Scholars Program to bolster their professional development.

Rural Workforce Development New Mexico Area Health Education Center

Serving the southwestern counties of Luna, Hidalgo, Catron and Grants, we work to increase access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply distribution and support of healthcare professionals through community and academic partnerships.

We offer a broad range of programming for high school and college students, community members and health professionals. Our work also includes priority workforce development, and community health support services for underserved populations. As an AHEC program we connect students to health careers, health professionals to communities, and communities to better health.

We provide rural rotations and internships to different disciplines. We give health career 101 presentations to middle and high school students, attend health and career fairs in communities, and encourage current college students to become AHEC Scholars. We also provide continuing education training to working healthcare professionals and the public. Interested parties can join our advisory board to share information with the health care pros, community leaders and program participants on our board.

Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training

This program offers paid internships in rural clinical settings for adult students (18+) in the behavioral health field, including paraprofessional certification programs. Students  will gain hands-on experience in evidence-based programs, and receive a $5000 stipend upon completion of the 100 hour field experience and the program’s online course.

Eligible individuals must be enrolled in a degree or certification program in New Mexico and submit a copy of completion upon receipt. The internship includes orientation and training on integrated care and technology, as well as onsite supervision. Internships are located across all counties, with the exception of Bernalillo.

Students currently enrolled in degree or certification programs for the following are eligible:  Community Health Worker/Representative, Peer Support Worker, Family Peer Support Worker, Crisis Prevention Intervention, Prevention Specialist, Senior Prevention Specialist, Licensed Substance Abuse Associate, or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor.

Forty-two awards are granted annually based on the quality of applications submitted. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. You can apply here.