About the AHEC Programs

What is an Area Health Education Center?
The New York State AHEC System was established in 1998 as a response to the unequal distribution of the healthcare workforce. The AHEC centers are partnerships between community-based organizations, healthcare institutions, and educational programs, established to:

• Increase the number of health professionals from under-represented groups
  
• Provide opportunities for youth and adults to explore the health professions
  
• Place health professionals where they are needed most

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Why Do We Need AHECS?
Blacks/African Americans are 15.9% of the New York State Population
But...
...in the Health Professions Workforce in New York State:
Only 5% of Physicians are Black/African American
Only 5% of Physician Assistants are Black/African American
Only 8.9% of Registered Nurses are Black/African American
Only 2% of Dentists are Black/African American

Hispanics/Latinos are 15.1% of the New York State Population
But...
...in the Health Professions Workforce in New York State:
Only 4% of Physicians are Hispanic/Latino
Only 5% of Physician Assistants are Hispanic/Latino
Only 2.2% of Registered Nurses are Hispanic/Latino
Only 4% of Dentists are Hispanic/Latino
Data source: Health Resources and Services Administration, 2000 and Bureau of the Census 2000.

To learn more about our internships, and to apply, please choose from the Internship links at the left or click here:
summer internships
academic year/anytime internships
social work internships

You may also visit the Web sites of the three AHEC programs that offer summer internships:

Brooklyn-Queens-Long Island AHEC
Bronx-Westchester AHEC
Manhattan-Staten Island AHEC