11-10-23 Friday News 12 A.M. E-1
Two Marian University’s Ancilla College students have been selected for the competitive Indiana Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars Program, a two-year program designed to improve a health professions student’s skills and prepare them to provide care to those living in rural and medically underserved communities across Indiana.
Ancilla nursing majors Amy Bales from Monterey and Katherine Ford from Lebanon are two of only 15 scholars selected for their region for the program’s class of 2025.
The Indiana AHEC Scholars program is a part of a national initiative to prepare tomorrow’s health professionals to become leaders in interprofessional, transformative practice who serve those who need it the most. The competitive program is designed specifically for individuals with a solid drive to care for those living in Indiana’s rural and medically underserved communities.
“Students of our first class in Bachelors of Nursing being selected for the Indiana AHEC Scholars Program is a testament to their dedication and passion. Amy Bales and Katherine Ford’s commitment to serving rural and medically underserved communities is commendable. This program will enhance their skills and prepare them to become transformational leaders in their field,” said Natalie Tucker, Ph.D., Vice President and Dean of Marian University’s Ancilla College.
During the two-year program, Bales and Ford will participate in 40 hours of online training and 40 hours of community-based experiences each year, focusing on rural and urban health care and caring for underserved populations. Community-based experiences will occur in clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. Each scholar receives a stipend of $1,800 to help offset travel and related expenses.
Indiana AHEC scholars also build relationships and networks with healthcare professionals, explore career opportunities, and gain valuable experience working in team-based environments. Previous Indiana AHEC Scholars serve in rural and medically underserved communities throughout Indiana in positions such as physicians, physician assistants, nurses, public health practitioners, respiratory and physical therapists, and other allied health occupations.
