2026 PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) application opens Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Discover Your Pathway to Rural Healthcare: Apply for PREP!

Are you a West Virginia University junior or senior looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare? The Pipeline Rural Education Program (PREP), an initiative of the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, introduces undergraduate students to vital pathways in rural healthcare professions.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences from all backgrounds. If you are passionate about serving rural and medically underserved communities, we invite you to apply for this unique cohort-based opportunity.

Important Dates for Fall 2026

Applications Open: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026

Selection Decisions: End of September 2026

Note: Enrollment is strictly limited to 15 individuals for the 2026–2027 cohort.

Program Perks & Incentives

Earn a $500 Participation Award: Participants who fully complete all program milestones will receive a $500 stipend upon graduation from the program.

Professional Networking: Build relationships with rural healthcare practitioners, pre-health advisors, and like-minded peers.

Program Requirements & Milestones

To successfully complete PREP and earn your participation award, cohort members must complete the following experiences over the academic year:

Attend Rural PRO in the fall semester.

Attend 2 Rural Health Interest Group (RHIG) meetings (fall or spring semester).

Attend 1 Project REACH event (fall or spring semester).

Attend 1 Rural Immersion experience (fall or spring semester).

Meet with the Pre-Health Office at any point prior to graduation.

Attend WVU Rural Health Day in the spring semester.

Present at the PREP Poster Presentation and Graduate in May.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Standing: Rising undergraduate junior or senior.

GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Career Interests: A demonstrated interest in rural and/or medically underserved healthcare.

Eligible Majors:

• Biochemistry • Engineering • Pre-Medical Biology • Biology • Exercise Physiology • Psychology • Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics • Forensics • Public Health • Chemistry • Health Informatics & Info Management • Social Work • Child Development & Family Studies • Health & Well-Being • Communication Sciences Disorders • Human Nutrition & Foods • Counseling and Mental Health • Immunology & Medical Microbiology • Dental Hygiene • Neuroscience • Nursing • Pharmacy • Physics

Don't see your major listed? If you have a strong interest in rural healthcare and want to participate, please reach out to us!

Ready to Apply or Have Questions?

Apply: https://health.wvu.edu/rural-health/students/pipeline-rural-education-program/

Questions?: Contact us: icrh@hsc.wvu.edu.