PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) 2024 application now open
WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health program open to rising juniors and seniors
The Pipeline Rural Education Program application is open now through Nov. 1. PREP, an initiative of the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, introduces WVU undergraduate students to pathways into rural healthcare professions.
All rising undergraduate juniors and seniors in health-based majors, listed below, are invited to apply. Enrollment is limited to 10 individuals, and participants will be chosen in fall 2024 following the application deadline of Nov. 1. Participants receive a $500 award upon completion of the program. 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.
Eligible majors:
- 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 Rural Health Information (RHI) 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 developed PREP. Creating more opportunities for undergraduate students to be exposed to rural experiences will bridge the gap much sooner.
Program Description
PREP invites rising WVU juniors and seniors interested in exploring rural healthcare to apply. Participants must complete the program in full to receive a $500 award.
- Attend two Rural Health Interest Group meetings (fall or spring)
- Attend one Project REACH event (fall or spring)
- Attend one Rural Immersion (fall or spring)
- Meet with the Pre-Health Office at any point before graduation
- Participate in poster session; include a subject or concept from RHIG meeting and/or experience(s) in PREP (spring)
- Attend WVU Rural Health Day (spring)
- Participate in PREP graduation (May)