Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Apply? 

Students must be enrolled in either: 

  • A Certified Health Worker (CHW) course, or 

  • A minimum two-year health profession program that leads to a degree or certificate. 

Applicants should be “practice ready” at program completion—prepared to enter the healthcare workforce with their degree or certification.  

How Long Is the Commitment? 

  • Health Professions Students: Two years (40 hours of didactics + 40 hours of experiential learning each year). 

  • CHW Students: For the duration of your course.  

Does My Program Qualify? 

If your program meets the criteria above and you’ll be practice ready at completion, you qualify. 

Earning Concurrent Credit 

Many AHEC Scholar requirements can be met through your existing coursework and extracurriculars. Contact AHEC staff to confirm credit approval.  

Didactic vs. Experiential Learning 

  • Didactic: Approved coursework, AHEC modules, webinars, seminars, conferences, or lectures on one or more of the eight core topics. 

  • Experiential: Rotations, clinicals, preceptorships, volunteering, or simulations that are interprofessional and serve rural or high-needs populations.  

Application Review Timeline 

Applications are reviewed within two weeks of submission. You’ll receive a decision during that timeframe. 

How to Apply 

Visit www.utmb.edu/ahec, go to the AHEC Scholars page, and complete the online application. CHW students apply at the same link; accepted students receive next steps from their instructor. 

Core Topic Areas 

  1. Behavioral Health 

  2. Cultural Competency 

  3. Current & Emerging Health Issues 

  4. Interprofessional Education 

  5. Practice Transformation 

  6. Social Determinants of Health 

  7. Virtual Learning & Telehealth 

  8. Connecting Communities & Supporting Health Professionals 

Application Deadlines 

The program year runs July 1 – June 30. You may apply anytime and retroactively count hours completed within that program year toward your requirements. 

 

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