South Carolina AHEC News & Updates

The Mid-Carolina AHEC Health Careers Program is proud to announce its continued partnership with Midlands Technical College Department of Nursing and a new partnership with the South Carolina Office of Rural Health’s Workforce Program Manager Jessica Seel. This partnership recently enabled Mid-Carolina AHEC Health Careers Academy (HCA) students from grades nine through twelve to learn more about nursing and preparing to enter the health professions. Jessica Seel spoke to HCA students to help them prepare for seeking professional careers. She covered key tips for becoming a successful job seeker: establishing good first impressions, using social media appropriately, dressing professionally, and discussing prior job experience. She also worked with the students to understand the importance of professionalism, networking, and volunteering. After speaking with Ms. Seel, students participated in interactive patient simulations with Chaunta Simmons, RN, from Midlands Technical College

The Rural Incentive Grant Program was initiated by the South Carolina Legislature in 1989 to address the maldistribution of clinicians in rural and underserved South Carolina communities.  The program provides incentive grants to eligible providers who contract to practice for four years in a rural or underserved area of South Carolina. Eligible health professionals include: primary care physicians (Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB/Gyn); general surgeons and psychiatrists; credentialed nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants.  The amount of the incentive grant will vary—physicians are eligible for a total of $60,000-$100,000 (minimum-maximum) and advanced practice providers are eligible for a total of $30,000-$50,000 (minimum-maximum) depending upon the type of practice setting and the population of the county.  All recipients must be U.S. citizens and licensed by the State of South Carolina and board certified. Applications are encour

The South Carolina Area Health Education Consortium (AHEC) is pleased to announce it is currently accepting applications for the South Carolina Rural Dentist Program. The South Carolina Rural Dentist Program was implemented in July 2005 to assist dentists who serve in South Carolina’s Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or serve as full-time faculty at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in repaying educational loans.  During their commitment period, these dentists are expected to establish viable community practices or academic careers at the College of Dental Medicine and become involved in their respective communities, which will hopefully help retain them after the funding period is complete.  Priority for this program is given to those demonstrating need and expressing intent to remain in an underserved area or in an area of critical need at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine.  To date, 60 rural dentists and 19 faculty members at the MUSC College of Dental Medicin