The week of March 25-29, 2024, marks National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) week, during which Northern Marianas College will highlight its AHEC scholars. These scholars are currently pursuing studies to become registered nurses, aiming to bolster the local healthcare workforce and contribute to the community of CNMI.
Northern Marianas College (NMC) proudly presents Kimberly Babauta Hofschneider, a second-year Nursing student, as the featured Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholar for 2024 National AHEC Week.
Through the AHEC Scholars Program, Kimberly has broadened her skillset and gained a deeper understanding of rural healthcare. On top of immersing herself in 80 hours of clinical rotations, she has strengthened her theoretical knowledge through 80 hours of engaging coursework centered on AHEC Scholars core topic areas. These topics encompass Interprofessional Education, Behavioral Health Integration, the Social Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency, Practice Transformation,Virtual Learning and Telehealth, Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals, and keeping abreast of the latest health concerns.
With an expected graduation in May 2024, Kimberly's remarkable journey at NMC is characterized by her unwavering dedication to healthcare and her profound commitment to serving the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Kimberly's transformative experience at NMC has been instrumental in shaping her passion for nursing. Originally an Accounting major at the University of Portland, Kimberly's career trajectory took a pivotal turn when she had the opportunity to work at Kaiser Permanente. Her subsequent roles as a Cardiology Scheduler and Imaging Assistant at Kaiser Westside Hospital exposed her to the intricacies of healthcare and ignited her passion for serving others.
Reflecting on her time at NMC, Kimberly shared, "Northern Marianas College has been the cornerstone of my journey into nursing. The supportive environment and quality education provided by NMC have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue my passion for healthcare."
Kimberly's commitment to nursing extends beyond the classroom as she envisions making significant contributions to healthcare in the CNMI. With a particular interest in dermatology, Kimberly aims to provide specialized care focusing on integumentary health and treatments, addressing a critical aspect of healthcare often overlooked in the region.
Despite the rigorous demands of the nursing program, Kimberly has demonstrated resilience and determination in managing her workload while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. From planning childcare arrangements to prioritizing her physical and mental well-being, Kimberly's dedication to self-care serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
"My journey at Northern Marianas College has prepared me to provide the best quality nursing care for the people of the CNMI," Kimberly affirmed. "I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received throughout my time at NMC."
When asked about the importance of supporting our nursing workforce, Hoschneider shared, “Our islands are isolated and our medical services are very limited. It's crucial that we have a strong, knowledgeable, and professional group of nurses who will be caring for the people of the CNMI. Nurses are usually the first point of care. The initial encounter with a client is crucial in building rapport and trust. Building a trusting relationship between healthcare professionals and clients is so important when it comes to providing medical treatments, health education, and client adherence to new healthcare regimes.”
As Kimberly continues her journey towards becoming a registered nurse, her exemplary dedication and passion for healthcare exemplify the values of Northern Marianas College and that of the AHEC Scholars Program. Her story serves as an inspiration to her peers and underscores the transformative impact of education in shaping the future of healthcare in the CNMI.
For more information about NMC Area Health Education Center (AHEC) or the AHEC Scholars Program, please contact (670) 237-6802/6810 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About the Area Health Education Center Program
Created by Congress in 1971, the Area Health Education Centers program was developed to recruit, train and retain a health professions workforce committed to underserved populations. The AHEC program helps bring the resources of academic medicine to address local community health needs. It is an important part of the nation’s health workforce development infrastructure.