Southern Vermont AHEC

On #NationalRuralHealthDay, Southern Vermont AHEC is proud to continue advancing our mission of inspiring the next generation of health professionals in our rural communities. Today, our Health Careers Exploration Team — Alysia Straw and Carol Knight — launched a five-week Health Careers Occupations Series with students from Lara Peck’s Health Sciences class at River Valley Technical Center and Springfield High School, joined by their Work Based Learning Coordinator Michelle Pinter-Petrillo. The series kicked off with our signature “Potato Head” team-building program, designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. In the weeks ahead, students will explore oral health and a range of other health-related career pathways. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and empower Vermont’s future healthcare workforce. #RuralHealth #WorkforceDevelopment #HealthCareers #VermontAHEC #FutureHealthProfessionals New England Rural Health Association North Star Health Vermont State University VSAC National AHEC Organization

Rural America: Community & Opportunity Did you know that nearly 61 million Americans call #rural communities home? These areas combine a strong sense of community with fulfilling work opportunities! Join us in celebrating the #PowerOfRural TODAY, November 20 for #NationalRuralHealthDay. Learn more at powerofrural.org. Community Health North Star Health Rutland Regional Medical Center Springfield Hospital, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Grace Cottage Hospital The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

Important Notice for Skilltrade CCMA Program Applicants If you are experiencing technical issues while submitting information to the skilltrades.com website for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program, support is available. Please contact Alysia Straw, Acting Director of Programs at Southern Vermont AHEC, at astraw@svtahec.org for assistance with completing your sign-up. Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to share this update with others who may be affected.

Ready for a career change in 2026? Launch your future in healthcare with Skilltrade’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Program, beginning January 2026. In just 20 weeks, you’ll develop the clinical skills, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to enter one of today’s most in-demand healthcare roles. Program Highlights: Hybrid learning format Local labs at North Star Health Multiple funding options available Seats are limited—secure your spot today! View the flyer below and scan the QR code to register for upcoming webinars and learn more about the program. If you know someone who may benefit from this opportunity, please consider sharing. VSAC • Vermont Department of Health • Vermont Department of Labor • River Valley Tech Windham Regional Career Center (WRCC) Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Springfield Area Parent Child Center Springfield Town Library

Coming to you from Stowe, Vermont! On Friday, November 14th, Acting Director of Programs Alysia Straw traveled north for the 2025 Vermont Nurse Practitioners Association Annual Conference — a gathering centered on this year’s powerful theme: “Collaboration & Connection.” Alysia was proud to stand alongside our Vermont AHEC partners — Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center and the The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Office of Primary Care AHEC Program — to support a strong, connected healthcare workforce in Vermont. The conference delivered a robust agenda and valuable conversations. Alysia also had the opportunity to meet Vermont figure and keynote speaker Rusty DeWees, following his address, “Flexibility, A Patient’s Journey.” We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated partners and to continue strengthening healthcare access and education across the state. ANA Vermont Vermont State University

National Rural Health Day is coming up on November 20, 2025 — and we’re excited to celebrate early by releasing our newest Let’s Talk Podcast episode: “National Rural Health Association: The Power of Rural” We had the privilege of speaking with Andy Lowe, Executive Director, and Ann Marie Day, Chief Operating Officer of the New England Rural Health Association. They offered thoughtful insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping rural healthcare today and shared exciting news about their recent $1.6M HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Grant. Their leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening rural health shine through in this rich conversation. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e--cRJtH If you tune in, we’d love to hear your reflections in the comments. Let’s elevate the Power of Rural together. National AHEC Organization North Star Health Community Health Rutland Regional Medical Center Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Vermont Department of Health Vermont State University The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont National Rural Health Resource Center

Back by popular demand! Our dedicated Health Careers Exploration team, Alysia Straw and Carol Knight, returned to Nicole Awward’s Career Foundations class at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, VT, for another inspiring day of hands-on learning. They visited three classes, each filled with engaging health career activities — from suturing practice and the Glo Germ handwashing station (revealing hidden germs under UV light) to immersive VR healthcare simulations and using real stethoscopes to measure vital signs. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore the world of healthcare, develop practical skills, and envision their future in this rewarding field. #HealthCareers #CareerExploration #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #FutureHealthcareProfessionals Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Brattleboro Retreat BDCC (Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation) VSAC Brattleboro Union High School Vermont State University Vermont Agency of Education

Ready to take your career in a new direction? A future in healthcare may be closer than you think. Beginning January 2026, Vermont residents can train to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through Skilltrade’s 20-week hybrid program—combining online learning with hands-on labs at North Star Health’s Springfield campus. Gain the skills, clinical experience, and real-world externship you need to launch a rewarding healthcare career. Grant funding may be available for eligible participants. Learn more and secure your spot today! See flyer below for more information. Please share out if you can. Scan QR code to join upcoming webinars to learn more. VSAC River Valley Technical Center Vermont Department of Labor BDCC (Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation)

Exciting collaboration in Burlington this week! Alysia Straw, Acting Director of Programs at Southern Vermont AHEC, and Lanie Billings, Health Careers Program Director at Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center presented an engaging workshop at the Vermont School Counselor Association 2025 Conference. Their interactive session equipped school counselors with practical tools and resources to guide students toward meaningful health career pathways—from short-term training and certifications to rigorous college programs. They even role-played interview “don’ts” to make it fun and memorable! Together, we’re building awareness, confidence, and readiness for Vermont’s future health workforce. #VTAHEC #HealthCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Education #VSCA2025 Vermont Agency of Education VSAC VERMONT SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION Vermont State University University of Vermont

Our Southern Vermont AHEC staff are everywhere this week, including our Executive Director Jennifer Scott, who was on campus at the Vermont State University Castleton for a health careers event with Vermont CARES. Lots of inspirational stories shared by clinical and non clinical prevention professionals. #vermontcares #vtsucastleton #mentalhealth