The Southern West Virginia Area Health Education Consortium (SWVAHEC) is a committed organization and network that is dedicated to the further recruitment, education and retainment of health care professionals in rural markets throughout southern West Virginia.
We are connected through federal and state grants to the West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health and their operation of the
West Virginia AHEC. The primary objectives of the AHEC grants are to support community-based education for health professions students, provide continuing education for health professionals, and provide/support programs for K-16 students that prepare students for possible careers
in the health professions. The emphasis is on programming for students and professionals in rural and underserved areas/sites. For more
information about this grant, visit the WV AHEC website variety of sectors. Connect with us and build your dream home.
Studies have shown that health care professionals from rural communities are more likely to return to those same areas when they complete their education.
As a result, SWVAHEC works with local high schools in Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties in Southern West Virginia to educate students about health care careers and training.
Much like our high school programs, the SWVAHEC provides the educational and practical opportunities for higher education students to engage in health care and supporting and professions.
We connect health care professionals, organizations, and educators with current and potential students gaining certification through community and technical colleges, four-year institutions and private educational and training groups. We monitor programs and provide resources and materials for instruction related to our core values and programs.
SWVAHEC offers job shadowing across all five counties served in Southern West Virginia.
Shadowing is one of the best ways to learn more about a profession. It is typically a half-day or one-day observational experience that allows a student to see a typical workday within a specific field.