PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) 2023 application now open
PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program), an initiative of the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, introduces WVU undergraduate students to pathways into the rural healthcare professions.
All rising undergraduate juniors and seniors in the listed majors are invited to apply. $500 participation award at the completion of the program. There are ten stops available. Participants will be chosen in Fall 2023. Application closes on November 6, 2023.
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is deeply committed to the principles of diversity and inclusiveness and values the perspectives and experiences of students from all backgrounds.
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Child Development and Family Studies
- Communication Sciences Disorders
- Dental Hygiene
- Engineering
- Exercise Physiology
- Forensics
- Health Informatics & Information Management
- Health & Well-Being
- Human Nutrition & Foods
- Immunology & Medical Microbiology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Physics
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Social Work
PREP Purpose
According to the RHI (Rural Health Information) Hub, maintaining healthy rural communities depends on a robust rural health workforce. However, provider shortages are more common and oftentimes more severe in rural areas. Rural communities need physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers and other healthcare professionals that are well-educated, well-trained and have had experiences that expose them to and prepare them for rural practice. Minorities have also systematically experienced a greater number of health disparities based on their racial or ethnic group. To combat the shortage of rural healthcare providers, the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health has created PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program). Creating more opportunities for undergraduate students to be exposed to rural experiences will bridge the gap much sooner.
Program Description
PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) invites rising WVU juniors and seniors interested in exploring rural healthcare to apply. Participants must complete the program in full to receive a $500 participation award.
- Attend 1 Rural Health Interest Group Meetings – fall or spring
- Attend 1 ProjectReach event - fall or spring
- Attend 1 Rural Immersion – fall or spring
- Meet with the Pre-Health Office – any point before graduation.
- Poster session – spring (include a subject or concept from RHIG meeting and/or their experience(s) in PREP
- Must attend WVU Rural Health Day - spring
- April - PREP graduation
To apply: https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/icrh/students/prep-program/
Questions? icrh@hsc.wvu.edu