Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)

AHEC Clerkships


The UToledo AHEC program was established to provide community-based, one-on-one clerkships with practicing physicians, traditionally in rural and disadvantaged settings. The AHEC mission includes emphasis on educational experiences in medically underserved areas.

Eight weeks of AHEC education are required for graduation. Students can meet this requirement by completing AHEC rotations in the 3rd and 4th year. Clerkships are available in all of the required third year courses as well as a variety of specialty and sub-specialty departments for electives. The AHEC scheduling requests are handled through the UToledo AHEC Program Office.

The UToledo AHEC program is organized through three regional centers, staffed with local health and education professionals who recruit preceptors, place students, and manage the arrangements of the clerkship, including housing and orientation to the community and the clerkship site. The regional centers each cover a designated geographic area maintaining relationships within the community of physicians and hospitals.

The centers are Bryan Area Health Education Center (BAHEC), Lima Area Health Education Center (LAHEC), and Sandusky Area Health Education Center (SAHEC). 

AHEC's volunteer preceptors hold community-based faculty appointments in the respective UToledo clinical departments. AHEC preceptors have a demonstrated commitment to teaching, providing the student an enriching educational experience and sharing the satisfaction of professional practice in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Contact the UToledo AHEC Office at (419) 383-4272 for additional information.

Last Updated: 7/15/25