We are excited to announce that NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week is scheduled for March 8 – 14, 2026! This statewide initiative is designed to inspire high school students and families to explore health career pathways and learn about opportunities across North Carolina. 

NC AHEC Future Health Professionals Week is an NC AHEC-led, statewide celebration designed to increase awareness of the broad range of health careers and educational pathways available in North Carolina. The week highlights both direct, and non-direct care health careers, innovation, and emerging fields such as AI, alongside opportunities across our university and community college systems. We plan to offer a mix of asynchronous resources for educators and students, statewide social media features, spotlight videos, and virtual sessions tailored for pre-college, college, and early-career audiences. 

This week also offers an opportunity to engage with pathway leaders across our communities, strengthening connections with regional AHECs, schools, and local partners.

HIGHLIGHTS Planned: 

Statewide Social Media Campaign: Each day will highlight a different focus—from Pathways programs and careers experiencing shortages to student testimonials and AHEC Scholars impact.

Student Webinar (Tuesday evening): Students can explore 8 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 Webinar (Thursday evening): Families will learn about high-demand professions, community college pathways, and resources available through NC AHEC to support students throughout their health career journey. 

AGENDA:

Sunday: NC AHEC Health Careers Who we are/what we do/where we serve
Monday: Pathways Programs Highlight local Pathways programs
Tuesday: Careers with Shortages + Student Webinar from 6:30–7:30 PM ET; 8 breakout sessions
Wednesday: Testimonials
Thursday: Resources + Parent Webinar 6:30–7:30 PM ET
Friday: AHEC Scholars Mentorship, clinical exposure, long-term engagement
Saturday: Impact Graphic FY25 statewide/regional outcomes for health careers initiatives