Northern Nebraska Area Health Education Center - AHEC

01/07/2026

Wonderful career opportunity!

New Year 🎉 New Opportunity!
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Clarkson College Professional Development now offers Surgical Technologist training!
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Surgical Technologists play a key role before, during, and after different surgical procedures. From ensuring the required equipment is in working order and patients are prepared, to providing support during procedures. Students are trained in all aspects of surgical technology practice. Completion of the program will provide student eligibility to sit for the Nationally Registered Surgical Tech (NRST) by American Allied Health (AAH).
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$3,450 for a 16-week program, completely online. Learn more and register at this link: https://bit.ly/4qj3JZG

12/23/2025

Season of Care • Day 23 • Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants are essential members of the dental care team, supporting both patients and providers to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality care.

In our region, the need for Dental Assistants is especially strong. This role is critical to keeping dental practices running smoothly and helping patients receive timely care close to home.

Dental assisting is a great option for individuals interested in health care who want hands-on work, team-based care, and a clear pathway into the dental field. For some, it can also serve as a stepping stone to other dental or health careers.

Learn more about Dental Assistant careers and training pathways in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/22/2025

Season of Care • Day 22 • Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people of all ages do the things that matter most in their daily lives — from caring for themselves and their families to working, learning, and participating in their communities.

This profession focuses on helping individuals regain skills after injury or illness, adapt to physical or cognitive challenges, and build independence. Occupational Therapy blends science, creativity, and problem-solving in meaningful, hands-on ways.

For students interested in patient-centered care, teamwork, and long-term impact, Occupational Therapy offers a rewarding career with strong demand and diverse opportunities.

Learn more about Occupational Therapy careers and pathways in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/22/2025

Season of Care • Catch-Up Spotlight • EMT / Paramedic

Season of Care — Catch-Up Spotlight

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are often the first point of care in a medical emergency. They respond quickly, assess situations under pressure, and provide lifesaving treatment before a patient ever reaches a hospital.

This career is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, value teamwork, and want to make an immediate difference. EMT and Paramedic roles also serve as strong entry points into health care and can lead to advanced careers in nursing, medicine, or other clinical fields.

Demand for emergency medical services remains strong, particularly in rural and underserved areas where these professionals are essential to community health and safety.

Learn more about EMT and Paramedic careers in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/19/2025

Season of Care • Day 19 • Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who provide anesthesia and pain management care for patients across a wide range of procedures. This role represents one of the highest levels of clinical practice within the nursing profession.

Becoming a CRNA is part of the nursing career ladder, building on experience as a registered nurse and advanced graduate education. For nurses interested in complex clinical care, autonomy, and leadership, this pathway offers both challenge and reward.

CRNAs play a critical role in surgical and procedural care, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and demand for this profession remains strong nationwide.

Learn more about Nurse Anesthetists and the nursing career pathway in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/18/2025

Season of Care • Day 18 • Public Health

Public Health focuses on protecting and improving the health of entire communities, not just one patient at a time. This field works behind the scenes to prevent disease, promote wellness, and respond to health challenges before they become crises.

Public Health careers can follow more than one path. Some individuals study public health directly, while others first become health professionals, such as nurses, physicians, dietitians, or environmental specialists, and later add public health training or a master’s degree. Both routes lead to meaningful, high-impact work.

Because Public Health is still growing and evolving in Nebraska, there are expanding opportunities for professionals who want to shape policies, programs, and systems that improve health outcomes statewide.

Learn more about Public Health careers and pathways in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/17/2025

Season of Care • Day 17 • Pharmacy

Pharmacists play a critical role in patient care by ensuring medications are safe, effective, and used correctly. Their work combines science, precision, and patient education to improve health outcomes every day.

Pharmacy is a profession with many directions. Some pharmacists focus on direct patient care, while others specialize in medication management, clinical support, research, public health, or leadership roles. This flexibility allows individuals to shape their careers based on their interests and strengths.

As health care continues to evolve, pharmacists remain essential members of care teams, helping patients manage chronic conditions, prevent complications, and understand their treatment plans.

Learn more about Pharmacy careers and pathways in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/16/2025

Season of Care Day 16 Radiological Technologist (Rad Tech)

Radiologic Technologists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients by creating medical images that guide care decisions. This is a highly popular career choice for students interested in technology, patient interaction, and hands-on health care.

One of the strengths of this career is flexibility and growth. After completing an initial degree, many radiologic technologists choose to expand their skills through additional certifications, opening doors to new specialties, responsibilities, and career advancement.

This path offers a strong job outlook, multiple advancement options, and the opportunity to build a long-term career that evolves over time.

Learn more about Radiologic Technology and advanced imaging pathways in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/16/2025

Celebrating one of our Nebraska AHEC Scholars, Dr. Stigsell, as she begins her work at Midtown Health Center in Norfolk. Honored that our program helped spark her interest in the FQHC model and connect her with this outstanding organization.

Each year the Nebraska AHEC graduate another group of AHEC Scholars poised to serve rural and underserved communities. Are you or do you know a student enrolled in a health professions program? Contact us for more information on the AHEC Scholar program, accepting application for the '26-'28 program in August '26. Visit: https://www.unmc.edu/familymed/education/ahec/programs/scholars-program/index.html for more information.

12/16/2025

Season of Care • Day 15 • Physician

Physicians play a central role in caring for individuals, families, and communities by diagnosing illness, managing treatment, and guiding patients through some of life’s most important health decisions.

Medicine is not one single path; it includes many specialties and career directions, allowing physicians to shape their work around their interests, values, and the needs of the people they serve.

Becoming a physician takes dedication, education, and commitment, but it is a goal that many students from rural, small-town, and first-generation backgrounds achieve every year. For those drawn to science, service, and lifelong learning, medicine can be a powerful way to make a lasting impact.

Learn more about becoming a physician and the many paths within medicine in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt.

12/15/2025

Season of Care • Day 14 • Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administrators are the leaders who keep healthcare organizations running effectively and efficiently. While they may not provide direct patient care, their decisions shape access, quality, staffing, finances, and long-term strategy.

Healthcare Administrators: Lead hospitals, clinics, and health systems; Manage budgets, staffing, operations, and compliance; Develop policies that improve patient care and organizational performance; Support clinical teams by ensuring systems, resources, and processes work smoothly

Examples of Roles: Hospital or health system CEO, Clinic or practice manager, Operations or department director, Health services manager
the delivery of health care
This field offers strong job growth and is well-suited for individuals interested in leadership, strategy, data, and improving the delivery of health care.

Learn more about Healthcare Administration careers in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzthealthcare

12/15/2025

Season of Care • Day 13 • Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan. This role represents an important step on the nursing career ladder, building on a foundation of registered nursing experience and education.

What Nurse Practitioners Do:
• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions
• Prescribe medications and treatments
• Emphasize prevention, wellness, and patient education
• Work independently or as part of a collaborative health care team

They work in Primary care and specialty clinics, Hospitals and health systems, Rural and community health settings, Long-term care and specialty practices, and other locations.

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner allows nurses to expand their scope of practice, leadership responsibilities, and impact on patient care — with strong demand nationwide.

Learn more about Nurse Practitioners and the nursing career pathway in the Nebraska Health Career Book https://bit.ly/4otbbzt,.