R-AHEC has created direct student aid programs to overcome some of the barriers associated with rural educational placements. Students seeking such placement in medical and health profession education programs can be assisted in obtaining housing, reimbursement of travel expense, and other related items.

R-AHEC sponsors a six-week summer Rural Interdisciplinary Geriatric Rotation externship for one student each from Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physical or Occupational Therapy.  The goals of the program are to expose students to life and work in a rural community, experience hands-on clinical work within the specific discipline, and interact with students from the other disciplines to learn advantages of the health care team.