Health Professions Student (HPS) Program
Health Professions Student (HPS) Program Overview
The Health Professions Student (HPS) Program connects undergraduate and graduate health professions students with meaningful, community-based learning experiences across South Carolina’s rural and medically underserved areas. Through coordinated clinical rotations, interprofessional learning opportunities, and exposure to real-world community health challenges, the HPS Program equips students with the skills, insight, and confidence needed to serve diverse populations.
Whether you’re preparing for clinical practice or exploring future career pathways, HPS provides mentorship, hands-on training, and community engagement experiences that strengthen your understanding of health care delivery—and help you make a lasting impact.
The HPS Program’s Core Service Goals are to:
- Provides community-based training experiences that expose students to careers in rural and underserved areas of South Carolina.
- Collaborates with health professions programs statewide to support undergraduate and graduate students.
- Introduces students to the realities of clinical practice and community-focused health improvement.
- Facilitates student placements, community orientation, and student-led projects.
What Students Gain
Clinical Exposure
Opportunities to observe real healthcare settings and experience day-to-day responsibilities of medical professionals.
Skill Development
Development of essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and professional readiness.
Academic Support
Guidance with selecting health professions pathways, preparing for training programs, and planning next steps.
Networking
Connections with practicing healthcare providers, mentors, and students pursuing similar health career paths.
Community Engagement
Hands-on community experiences that promote healthcare awareness, leadership, and service in local communities.
Clinical Exposure
Opportunities to observe real healthcare settings and experience day-to-day responsibilities of medical professionals.
Skill Development
Development of essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and professional readiness.
Academic Support
Guidance with selecting health professions pathways, preparing for training programs, and planning next steps.
Networking
Connections with practicing healthcare providers, mentors, and students pursuing similar health career paths.
Community Engagement
Hands-on community experiences that promote healthcare awareness, leadership, and service in local communities.
Program Opportunities
Clinical Rotations
Lowcountry AHEC strengthens South Carolina’s health care workforce by coordinating clinical rotations throughout rural and underserved Lowcountry communities. Our team builds strong partnerships with academic institutions, clinical sites, and community organizations—ensuring students gain hands-on learning experiences while contributing to local health care needs.
South Carolina AHEC Scholars Program
A statewide initiative for students committed to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
Interprofessional Programs
The Interprofessional Team Case Conference (ITCC) brings together students from multiple disciplines to collaboratively analyze patient scenarios based in rural, underserved South Carolina communities. Participants learn from one another, discuss complex challenges, and develop comprehensive care plans that reflect real interdisciplinary practice.
Participating disciplines include:
Nurse Practitioner • Physician Assistant • Social Work • Physical Therapy • Medicine • Public Health • Pharmacy • Community Health Workers • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Nurse Anesthetist
Explore Housing Options
Lowcountry AHEC provides housing to Lowcountry students. Housing is not guaranteed, however we try to accommodate as many students as possible. To inquire about housing please contact Emily or Kim at (843) 782-5052
Explore Our Housing
Lowcountry AHEC provides co-ed housing for health professions students placed within the Lowcountry.
- Bamberg, SC – House
- Walterboro, SC – House
- Orangeburg, SC – House
- Beaufort, SC – Apartment
Emily Warren, LMSW
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052, ext. 105
warrene@lcahec.com
Kim Stephens, M.S.Ed.
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052, ext. 106
stephensk@lcahec.com
If a fax is needed, please send any documents to (843) 782-5053.
Explore Our Housing
Lowcountry AHEC provides co-ed housing for health professions students placed within the Lowcountry.
- Bamberg, SC – House
- Walterboro, SC – House
- Orangeburg, SC – House
- Beaufort, SC – Apartment
Emily Warren, LMSW
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052, ext. 105
warrene@lcahec.com
Kim Stephens, M.S.Ed.
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052, ext. 106
stephensk@lcahec.com
If a fax is needed, please send any documents to (843) 782-5053.
Explore Opportunities
For more information please contact:
Emily Warren, LMSW
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052
warrene@lcahec.com
Kimbley Stephens, MSEd
Health Professions Student Coordinator
(843) 782-5052
stephensk@lcahec.com