Why Choose Us

Training built for
Appalachian communities.

Not adapted from somewhere else. Purpose-built for the workforce serving this region for 50 years.

The region needs a workforce that understands it.

Western Maryland, southwestern Pennsylvania, and West Virginia share a distinct set of health challenges — behavioral health crises, rural geography, workforce shortages, and communities navigating generational poverty and recovery. Training that was built for urban systems doesn't translate.

AHEC West has been operating in this region since 1974. Our instructors have trained over 1,000 Peer Recovery Specialists in health departments, hospitals, community-based agencies, and FQHCs across this tri-state area. That depth of experience shows up in every course we build.

  • MABPCB Accredited — approved for initial certification and CE renewal
  • Regionally relevant — curriculum designed for Appalachian care settings
  • Practitioner-taught — instructors with 1,000+ trainees in field settings
  • Flexible formats — self-paced and hybrid depending on course requirements
What every course includes

Accreditation & CE credit

All courses approved for initial training or renewal

Certificate upon completion

Issued automatically when you finish the course

24/7 access

Self-paced courses available any time, any device

Group pricing available

For agencies and departments enrolling multiple staff

Six Reasons

What sets AHEC West apart.

Each one matters. Together they make the difference.

Curriculum Built for This Region

Every module reflects the workforce challenges and community needs of Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia — not adapted from urban curricula.

Accredited & Credit-Bearing

MABPCB accredited and approved for both initial and continuing education. Complete your training knowing it counts — certificate issued upon completion.

Learn on Your Schedule

Self-paced modules with 24/7 access. No deadlines on self-paced courses — pause, resume, and revisit content as often as you need.

Expert Instructors

Taught by practitioners who have trained 1,000+ Peer Recovery Specialists in health departments, hospitals, CBOs, and FQHCs across Appalachia.

Competitive Group Pricing

Flexible pricing for organizations enrolling multiple staff. Health departments, CBOs, and agencies can contact us to discuss group options.

Rooted in Health Equity

AHEC West was founded to reduce health disparities. Every course we offer reflects that commitment — equipping the workforce to deliver culturally responsive, equitable care.

What AHEC West training delivers.

What you get when you train with a regional specialist versus a generic platform.

FeatureAHEC WestGeneric Platforms
Regionally relevant curriculum
MABPCB accreditationVaries
Peer Recovery Specialist focus
Instructor field experience in Appalachia
Certificate upon completionVaries
Group pricing for teamsVaries
50 years of community relationship

Ready to start your training?

Join the community of health professionals advancing care in Appalachian communities.