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.

 

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📅 What to Expect Throughout the Week

Here’s a snapshot of the exciting activities planned across March 8–14, 2026:

🎓 Student Webinar — Tuesday, 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.  

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent & Educator Webinar — Thursday, 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.

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💡 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.

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🚀 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!

Exploring the World of Healthcare Through Virtual Camp Med 2025

In an era where healthcare careers are more vital than ever, Virtual Camp Med 2025 emerges as a beacon of opportunity for high school students. This innovative program is designed not just to inform but to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare sector, Virtual Camp Med equips students with the knowledge and insights needed to embark on a rewarding career path.

The virtual nature of the camp ensures accessibility for all, breaking down geographic and physical barriers that might have previously hindered participation. From June 1st, students can dive into an enriching learning environment from the comfort of their homes, gaining over 20 hours of programming dedicated to healthcare career exploration.

The Impact of Virtual Healthcare Camps on Career Decisions

The influence of early exposure to healthcare professions cannot be understated. Learning experiences like Camp Med play a pivotal role in shaping the career decisions of young minds. Through engaging and interactive content, students are introduced to a myriad of career paths within the healthcare sector.

This exposure is crucial in helping students navigate their future career choices, providing them with a clear understanding of what each path entails and the educational requirements needed to achieve their career goals. The structured programming of Virtual Camp Med ensures that participants leave with not only a broader perspective on healthcare careers but also with a newfound inspiration to pursue their interests.

Virtual Camp Med 2025: A Deep Dive into the Program's Unique Modules

Virtual Camp Med 2025 stands out due to its carefully curated modules, each designed to offer a unique perspective on the healthcare industry. The program includes:

• Module 1: My Career Choices - This module helps students assess their interests and align them with potential healthcare careers.
• Module 2: Explore the Health of your Region - Here, students learn about healthcare challenges and opportunities within their own communities.
• Module 3: Human Body Systems - A deep dive into the anatomy and physiology that underpin medical science.
• Module 4: Healthcare in Action - Students get a virtual front-row seat to the day-to-day workings of healthcare professionals.
• Module 5: Education Possibilities - This module outlines the educational pathways available for various healthcare careers.

These modules are designed for self-paced learning, allowing students to explore each area thoroughly and at their own convenience.

For high school students interested in exploring the dynamic world of healthcare, enrolling in Virtual Camp Med 2025 is a step towards unlocking a future filled with possibilities. Registration is now open, and the program is free, making it accessible to all who qualify.

To enroll, students simply need to visit the Northwest AHEC website and complete the registration process. 

Virtual Camp Med 2025 is more than just a camp; it's a journey into the heart of healthcare, offering insights, inspiration, and invaluable connections. For high school students at the crossroads of their educational and career paths, it presents a unique opportunity to explore, engage, and envision a future in one of the most rewarding fields. Don't miss out on this chance to shape your future – register for Virtual Camp Med today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare!

We are proud to share that Melanee Mills, MSEd, Program Coordinator for Health Careers at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), has been honored with the 2025 NC HOSA – Future Health Professionals Partnership Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations outside of NC HOSA who go above and beyond in supporting the development of future health professionals across North Carolina.

Melanee was nominated by one of her peers, and according to NC HOSA leadership, her impact and dedication made her an obvious choice for the award.

“Melanee has been an integral part of NC HOSA over the years at both the regional and state levels,” said Jennifer Epperson, BSN, RN, Executive Director and State Advisor of NC HOSA. “She and Northwest AHEC have consistently provided resources and educational opportunities to our students at the Northwest and Piedmont Triad Regional Leadership Conferences for many years.”

Melanee’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She actively supports the NC HOSA State Leadership Conference, helping secure volunteer judges and even serving as a judge herself. Her dedication, dependability, and passion for student success have made a lasting impact on countless future healthcare professionals.

At Northwest AHEC, Melanee plays a vital role in our department. She leads key programs such as AHEC Scholars and Camp Med, which provide immersive learning experiences for students exploring future careers in healthcare. Her leadership helps guide and inspire the next generation of health professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community engagement.

Melanee has been with Northwest AHEC for 11 years, and her passion for workforce diversity and health careers education continues to be a driving force in our mission.

“We are always grateful for what Melanee Mills and Northwest AHEC bring to our organization,” added Epperson. “We consider them an extremely valuable partner in our mission to promote career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.”

Congratulations, Melanee, and thank you for the incredible work you do to support and inspire the future of healthcare!

Exploring the World of Healthcare Through Virtual Camp Med 2024

In an era where healthcare careers are more vital than ever, Virtual Camp Med 2024 emerges as a beacon of opportunity for high school students. This innovative program is designed not just to inform but to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. By providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare sector, Virtual Camp Med equips students with the knowledge and insights needed to embark on a rewarding career path.

Dear Healthcare Partners, 

In an effort to better address the significant shortage of health care workers, Northwest AHEC is partnering with the NC Center on the Workforce for Health (NC AHEC, Sheps Center, NC IOM), the NC Chamber Foundation to develop and implement a plan to create the next generation of healthcare clinicians and staff.

The partnership of Northwest Piedmont Region and Piedmont Region is a valuable partnership and pathway to the future health professional in our high schools. These programs are an annual Fall Leadership and the Regional Conferences for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members in the Northwest Regional Chapter and Piedmont-Triad Regional Chapter of North Carolina.

Northwest AHEC would like to welcome Megan Mills Anderson, who joined our department in October as the Talent Pipeline Management Project Manager.

Winston-Salem State University's School of Health Sciences (SOHS) and Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC) partnered to honor groups and individuals who have made a profoundly positive impact on the health and wellness of the residents of East Winston-Salem. during the 7th Annual Healthcare Legends of East Winston event on Wednesday, October 18th.

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center recently brought back its annual summer learning program, CAMP MED, after pausing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was held July 25-27, for high school students interested in medical careers.