As the pool of qualified workers shrinks and populations age, the healthcare industry faces a critical workforce shortage. Additionally, as the job market becomes more competitive, hospitals, healthcare providers and educational institutions are realizing the need to market health professions to young people who are making decisions about their future.

Eastern AHEC, along with many other agencies across the region, has established early workforce development programs to encourage today's youth to consider health careers. Five such programs in the Eastern AHEC region include:

Health Careers Awareness Programs
A Health Careers Awareness Programs are held to increase the awareness among educators of opportunities and changes in health careers. Practical information to guide students in making appropriate educational decisions is provided. The program targets public school administrators, educators and counselors representing middle and high schools. For more information on the above three programs, please contact Eastern AHEC, 252.744.5231.

The Health Science Academy
A new public-private partnership will explore the development of a health science academy in Pitt County. The partnership includes the Pitt-Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Pitt County Schools, University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, East Carolina University and its Division of Health Sciences, Pitt Community College and Eastern AHEC.

The initial focus is to help students by enhancing their math and science skills along with increasing their exposure to health careers. The academy will spark interest in health careers through enhanced mentoring, shadowing of health professionals, apprenticeship and internship programs. For more information, please contact Randy Collier at the Pitt County Schools, 252.830.4200 or visit the Health Sciences Academy web site.