North Central

About Our Region

North Central Wisconsin remains the heart of “America’s Dairyland,” as well as the cranberry, potato, and ginseng growing areas. It also includes major papermaking, insurance and pre-fabricated home building industries. The region is mostly rural and is abundant with fields, lakes, forests, and trails.

The North Central AHEC region served by two Community Health Centers (Family Health Centers of Marshfield and Bridge Community Health Clinic in Wausau) with eleven service delivery sites. The many small communities in the region are also served by numerous rural health clinics and Critical Access Hospitals.

The North Central AHEC region is home to the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin campus, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Physician Assistant Community-based Track (wisPACT) program, four University of Wisconsin Schools (UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout) and three technical colleges (Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mid-State Technical College, and Northcentral Technical College). Collectively these educational institutions offer a variety of health professions programs to meet with workforce needs within the region. North Central AHEC also supports a number of students who visit the region for clinical rotations and other community based experiential learning programs, such as UW Madison Medical and Pharmacy students in addition to students from other academic programs housed outside of the region.

News

April 9, 2025:
AHEC Scholars Spotlight: Talia Brach

January 7, 2025:
An Interview with Emily BonoAnno

December 1, 2024:
Another Successful “Future Oral Health Workforce Day”

October 2024:
The Path to Medical School

September 2024:
Future Physician’s Day to be Held at MCW-CW on October 25th

August 1, 2024:
Aspiring Physicians are One Step Closer to Medical School Thanks to Collaborative Program

July 30, 2024:
CVTC Nursing Student Couples Passion for Care with AHEC Scholars Program

At a Glance

Population

646,889 (12.47% of state)

Serving 11 Counties

Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Portage, Taylor, Waupaca, and Wood

Health Professional Shortage Areas

All 11 counties contain Primary Care HPSAs

10 counties contain Dental HPSAs

9 counties are Mental Health HPSAs

Programs

High School Students

Future Physician’s Day
This free, one-day event offers students a glimpse into medical school and a career in medicine. Students will explore key topics and experiential practices studied in medical school and graduate medical residency, engage with medical school faculty and current medical students, and learn how to prepare to be an optimal candidate for acceptance into medical school. Future Physician’s Day will be held on October 25, 2024 at Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin. The deadline to apply is October 3rd. Learn more here.

Virtual Reality Simulations
Explore health careers and participate in healthcare skills workshops through the use of hands-on virtual reality simulations. Learn more here.

Future Oral Health Workforce Day
With large dental workforce shortages in northern Wisconsin counties, this program is designed to introduce dental health careers to high school students and explore education and workforce opportunities in our rural area. Wisconsin AHEC is partnering on this grant funded program with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to offer FREE events throughout the state. Learn more here.

HOSA Chapter Support
HOSA-Future Health Professionals empowers students to become leaders in the global community through education, collaboration, and experience. Learn more about HOSA.

College Students

AHEC Scholars
A two-year program designed to enhance and broaden your health training with a combination of didactic education and community-based field placement in a Wisconsin community. Learn more on our program page.

AHEC Community Health Immersion
A unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate health profession students to connect with communities and cultures of Wisconsin, exploring health care delivery and public health in areas across the state. This well-known experience is integrated into our AHEC Scholars program, and we invite students outside of the program to join our sessions as room allows. Learn more on our program page.

Community Health Internship Program (CHIP)
College students who have an interest in community health, public health, and population health can apply for a paid 8-week summer internship. Students will have the opportunity to work with local health departments, tribal health centers, community health centers, and community service organizations throughout Wisconsin. Learn more on our program page.

Advocates in Medicine Pathway (AMP)
A year-long program designed to prepare students for medical school. Students who are 1-2 years away from applying to medical school are eligible to apply. Application opens in February. Learn more on our program page.

WeCOPE
A free evidence-based program that explores emotional awareness, gratitude, mindfulness, self-compassion and more. WeCOPE has been shown to reduce stress and depression, increase positive affect, and improve health behaviors. AHEC partners with the UW Extension to provide an opportunity for you to take some time to care for yourself! Participants will meet virtually for an hour a week for six weeks. Learn more here.

Currently Practicing Healthcare Professionals

WeCOPE Provider Resiliency Training
A free evidence-based program that explores emotional awareness, gratitude, mindfulness, self-compassion and more. WeCOPE has been shown to reduce stress and depression, increase positive affect, and improve health behaviors. AHEC partners with the UW Extension to provide an opportunity for you to take some time to care for yourself! Participants will meet virtually for an hour a week for six weeks. Learn more here.