Northwest AHEC invites you to join us for an engaging and practical live webinar:
Are you passionate about healthy aging, supporting older adults, or advancing geriatric care? The 2026 Aging Well Conference is your opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with an incredible interprofessional community dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.
The 2026 Aging Well Conference is focused on promoting healthy aging for older adults. As our population ages, it is essential for health professionals to meet the evolving needs of this demographic.
May 14-15, 2026
In Person at Appalachian State University Boone Campus, Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.
This year’s conference brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers, community members, researchers, social service providers, and aging adults for two days of dynamic learning and collaboration.
Whether you support aging adults in a clinical setting, community program, or within your own family, you’ll walk away with practical, person‑centered tools you can use immediately. Aging Well is more than a conference, it’s a community movement. Past attendees describe it as “one of the greatest conferences I have ever attended” and praise the collaborative, uplifting atmosphere.
Come be part of meaningful conversations, innovative learning, and a mission rooted in improving the health and well‑being of older adults across our region.
What's New for 2026
- New breakout topics (LGBTQ+ aging, women’s intimacy/sexual wellness, wearable sensors, behavioral health & loneliness, planning for longevity)
- Even more interprofessional speakers
- Pre-recorded sessions for additional CEU access
- Expanded sponsorships and exhibitor hall
In Partnership with:
Appalachian State University, Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a program of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC System and The UNC Center for Aging and Health, Carolina Geriatric Education Center.
Get a strong start in your perinatal nursing career with our live webinar Fetal Monitoring Basics course, designed specifically for nurses with less than one year of experience using electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). Led by experienced educator Tammy J. Goodwin, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM, this hands-on, knowledge-based training will equip you with foundational skills in fetal heart rate interpretation, NICHD monitoring definitions, antenatal testing, and effective interdisciplinary communication. Join us at Wake Forest Biotech Place in Winston-Salem and earn 5.0 nursing contact hours while building your confidence in fetal monitoring. Group rates available, bring your colleagues and save!
This past weekend, our Northwest AHEC Scholars joined peers from across the state at the 3rd Annual NC AHEC Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Conference in Greenville, NC - a powerful three‑day experience designed to inspire, educate, and equip North Carolina’s future healthcare workforce.
Hosted by Eastern AHEC and Area L AHEC, the event focused on this year’s theme:
“Glowing Forward: Illuminating the Future of Healthcare.”
Scholars participated in sessions exploring cultural competency, behavioral health integration, trauma and resilience, social determinants of health, human trafficking awareness, art therapy, rural health innovation, and much more.
“Glowing Forward: Illuminating the Future of Healthcare.”
Scholars participated in sessions exploring cultural competency, behavioral health integration, trauma and resilience, social determinants of health, human trafficking awareness, art therapy, rural health innovation, and much more.
Our Scholars had the opportunity to:
🌟 Hear from dynamic keynote speakers and thought leaders
🌟 Engage in hands‑on breakout sessions tailored to their interests
🌟 Network with healthcare professionals, alumni, and statewide AHEC partners
🌟 Participate in group discussions that centered compassion, equity, and community impact
🌟 Celebrate together during the fun “AHEC of a Party” glow‑themed reception
Northwest AHEC was proud to see our Scholars actively engaging, asking insightful questions, and representing our region with enthusiasm and professionalism. Their dedication reminds us why investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders matters so deeply.
A huge thank‑you to NC AHEC, the event hosts, speakers, panelists, and sponsors for creating such a meaningful experience for students across the state.
We’d also like to give a special acknowledgment to our own Melanee Wheeler Mills, who served as a key contributor on the statewide planning committee. Her leadership and dedication helped make this year’s conference exceptional for all who attended.
As we continue supporting students on their journey toward healthcare careers, we encourage future professionals to keep building momentum.
Learn more about NWAHEC Scholars Program
✨Join Us for Future Health Professionals Week!
Northwest AHEC is excited to partner with NC AHEC’s statewide Future Health Professionals Week, a coordinated effort designed to inspire students and families to explore health career pathways across North Carolina.
👉 Find Out More - https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/futurehealthprofweek
Join us for two statewide NC AHEC webinars designed to help students and families navigate health career pathways. These sessions are key highlights of Future Health Professionals Week and provide practical next steps for anyone exploring a future in healthcare.
Exploring Health Careers Student Webinar Registration
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 6:30-7:30 PM ET
In this live Webinar, students from across the State of North Carolina can explore 7 health careers in breakout sessions, hear directly from professionals, and learn about pursuing careers in rural and underserved communities. Incentives will be offered for completing evaluations.
Supporting Your Student's Health Career Journey Parent/Educator Webinar Registration
Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 6:30-7:30 PM ET
In this live webinar, families, educators, counselors, and community partners from across the state of North Carolina will learn about high-demand professions, community college pathways, and resources available through NC AHEC to support students throughout their health career journey.
2026 NC Annual STI Update - Live Webinar - March 25 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Join us VIRTUALLY on March 25th for the 2026 NC Annual STI Update to explore the latest developments in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Registration now open!
Topics:
- Epi Trends
- The Injectable Era of HIV Prevention
- The ABCs of Hepatitis: Clinical Insights and Public Health Solutions for NC
- A “Rash”-ional Approach to Diagnosing Infectious and Non-infectious Rashes in Outpatient Settings
- Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infections
- The Vaginitis Spectrum: Mastering Diagnosis and Treatment
- Mycoplasma Genitalium Updates
- View Full Agenda
*Please Note - Registration closes at 10 AM (ET) on March 23*
The Wake Forest-UNC-Duke Pediatric Anesthesiology Conference is a regional meeting intended to bring together many pediatric anesthesia faculty with both regional and national reputations to provide a day long conference designed to address topics related to the best practices in the care of children during the perioperative period. Some of the topics to be discussed include: autism, transfusion practices, regional anesthesia and care of patients outside of the OR. Attendees will take away a number of various techniques, ideas and knowledge that can be applied to improve their care of children during the perioperative period.
Join Us on April 25, 2026
Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education
Winston-Salem, NC
Check out all the details and get registered today.
**Sign Up By March 1 For Discounted Rate**
Northwest AHEC is excited to join partners across the state in celebrating NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week, happening March 8–14, 2026. This statewide initiative is designed to inspire high school students and families to explore the incredible variety of health career pathways available in North Carolina. Learn all about it here.
Whether you're a student curious about the future, a parent helping guide next steps, or an educator supporting career exploration, this week offers engaging, accessible opportunities to connect with health professionals, discover in-demand careers, and learn how to get started on a meaningful path.
🎯 What Is Future Health Professionals Week?
Future Health Professionals Week is a coordinated statewide celebration led by NC AHEC to raise awareness about:
- The broad range of health careers, including both direct and non-direct patient care roles
- Emerging fields, such as health-focused artificial intelligence
- Educational pathways, from community colleges to university programs
- Opportunities and resources available to students across North Carolina
This week is designed to be informative and inspiring, offering touchpoints for students at every stage—from pre-college to early-career exploration.
📅 What to Expect Throughout the Week
Here’s a snapshot of the exciting activities planned across March 8–14, 2026:
In this live Webinar, students from across the State of North Carolina can explore 7 health careers in breakout sessions, hear directly from professionals, and learn about pursuing careers in rural and underserved communities. Incentives will be offered for completing evaluations.
💡 Why This Week Matters
North Carolina needs a strong, well-trained healthcare workforce—especially in rural and underserved communities. Programs like Future Health Professionals Week help students:
- Understand real-world career options
- Build connections to experts and mentors
- Learn about support systems available through organizations like Northwest AHEC, which provides health careers programming, student services, and pathways exposure across 17 counties in our region
By participating, students gain insights that can shape their educational and career decisions for years to come.
🚀 Ready to Explore Your Future?
Northwest AHEC invites students, families, and educators across our region to take part in this exciting weeklong celebration of health careers.
👉 Learn more and sign up here:
https://go.northwestahec.wakehealth.edu/futurehealthprofweek
Let’s empower the next generation of health professionals—starting now.
Check out our video!
Have you ever considered teaching without leaving your current role? One meaningful way to do just that is by becoming a Clinical Instructor Partner (CIP).
Start by talking with your unit manager to see whether your organization partners with a local school of nursing. If a partnership is in place, you may be eligible to attend the NCAHEC Clinical Instructor Partner (CIP) training at no cost. If your organization does not yet participate, sharing this opportunity with your unit manager and leadership could help open the door for future collaboration.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants earn 45 nursing contact hours and gain preparation for a new professional role - without leaving their current place of employment. Becoming a CIP allows nurses to support the next generation of nurses while expanding their own skills and career opportunities.
Practicing Clinical Instructors (CIs) are also welcome to complete this course to earn the 45 teaching and learning credits required by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). For CIs, the registration fee is $325.00, making this an affordable investment in professional growth.
Teaching where you work strengthens the connection between education and practice - and offers a rewarding way to shape the future of nursing.
Upcoming Dates:
Cohort 10
- Online modules open 7/1/26
- Live Webinar Day 1: 8/6/26 8:30 to 5
- Live webinar Day 2: 8/7/26 8:30 to 5
- 16-hour Shadow: 8/8/26 to 9/16/26
- Live webinar Day 3: 9/17/26 8:30 to 12pm
Cohort 11
- Online modules open 9/2/26
- Live Webinar Day 1: 10/8/26 8:30 to 5
- Live webinar Day 2: 10/9/26 8:30 to 5
- 16-Hour Shadow: 10/10/26 - 11/18/26
- Live webinar Day 3: 11/19/26 8:30 to 12pm
Northwest AHEC would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all phlebotomists for the vital role you play in health care every day. Your skill, precision, and compassion are essential to patient care and clinical decision-making. We celebrate you every week, but highlighting now since this past week was the official recognition week.
Whether you are drawing blood in hospitals, clinics, labs, or community settings, your work often happens behind the scenes—but its impact is felt throughout the entire health care system. You help ensure accurate diagnoses, guide treatment plans, and provide comfort to patients during vulnerable moments.
Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. We are grateful for all you do to support patients, providers, and communities across our region.
With appreciation,
Northwest AHEC
Your Schedule. Your Pace. Your Professional Growth.
Northwest AHEC offers self-paced, online programs designed for behavioral health professionals who want flexibility without compromising quality. Explore these enduring courses and earn continuing education credits at your convenience:
🖥 The Ethics of Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy - Gain insight into ethical considerations when integrating spirituality into psychotherapy.
CE Credit: 3.0 Contact Hours
Access Anytime » nwahec.org/73815
🖥 Experienced SUD Professionals Panel: Sharing Their Expertise, Wisdom, and Hope - Learn from seasoned Substance Use Disorder professionals through a recorded panel discussion.
CE Credit: 2.0 Contact Hours
Access Anytime » nwahec.org/77058
🖥 Addressing the Connection of Brain Injury, Public Health and the Legal System in North Carolina - Explore the intersection of brain injury, public health, and legal considerations to better serve affected individuals.
CE Credit: 1.5 Contact Hours
Access Anytime » nwahec.org/75558
Don’t miss these opportunities to strengthen your practice and earn continuing education credits.
Explore All Behavioral Health Programs »
Why Choose Northwest AHEC’s Online Programs?
✔ Learn anytime, anywhere
✔ Earn CE credits at your own pace
✔ Expert-led, practical content
Start learning today!
