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PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) 2025 Application Now Open

The PREP (Pipeline Rural Education Program) application is open now through October 1, 2025. PREP, an initiative of the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, introduces WVU undergraduate students to pathways into rural healthcare professions.

All rising undergraduate juniors and seniors in health-based majors listed below are invited to apply. Enrollment is limited to 15 individuals, and participants will be chosen in Fall 2025 following the application deadline of October 1, 2025. Participants receive a $500 award upon completion of the program. The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health values the perspectives and experiences of students from all backgrounds.

Eligible Majors:

  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Child Development and Family Studies
  • Communication Sciences Disorders
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Engineering
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Forensics
  • Health Informatics & Information Management
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Human Nutrition & Foods
  • Immunology & Medical Microbiology
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Nursing
  • Physics
  • Public Health
  • Pre-Med Biology
  • Psychology
  • Social Work

PREP Purpose:

According to the Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub, maintaining healthy rural communities depends on a robust rural health workforce. However, provider shortages are more common and oftentimes more severe in rural areas. Rural communities need physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers and other healthcare professionals that are well-educated, well-trained and have had experiences that expose them to and prepare them for rural practice. Minorities have also systematically experienced a greater number of health disparities based on their racial or ethnic group. To combat the shortage of rural healthcare providers, the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health developed PREP. Creating more opportunities for undergraduate students to be exposed to rural experiences will bridge the gap much sooner.

Program Description:

PREP invites rising WVU juniors and seniors interested in exploring rural healthcare to apply. Participants must complete the program in full to receive a $500 award.

  1. Attend 2 Rural Health Interest Group Meetings – fall or spring
  2. Attend 1 Project REACH event - fall or spring
  3. Attend 1 Rural Immersion - fall or spring
  4. Participate and complete WVU Rural PRO (Professional Readiness Opportunity) Program
  5. Must attend WVU Rural Health Day - spring
  6. Meet with the Pre-Health Office – any point before PREP graduation.
  7. Poster Presentation/PREP Graduation – spring 

To apply: https://hsc.wvu.edu/rural-health/students/prep-program/
Questions?: icrh@hsc.wvu.edu