Engaging our youth for the future

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.

Mentoring the future of the region

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.

Providing guidance and direction

Through the SWVAHEC, students can learn about and begin the pursuit of various career paths. We facilitate and connect students with professionals in both the clinical and academic arenas of many career pathways such as:

  • Dentistry, DDS
  • Dental Hygiene (UG)
  • Doctor of Pharmacy
  • Doctor of Psychology
  • Exercise Physiology (UG)
  • Health Informatics and Information Management (UG)
  • Medicine (Osteopathic, Family, OBGYN, etc.)
  • Master or Doctor of Occupational Therapy
  • Master of Social Work
  • Master of Public/Population Health Programs
  • Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing PhD, and Nursing (UG)
  • Nutrition/Dietetics (UG)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Radiologic Technology and Science Sonography (UG)