Chadron State does the initial screening of applicants. Those who meet the qualifications undergo an interview process involving SAHP and CSC faculty. The School of Allied Health Professions relies heavily on the efforts of the undergraduate college faculty recruiters and works closely with the college in student selection and retention as well as curriculum planning and implementation. A federal grant initially supported the development of the allied health effort at CSC, including faculty and staff salaries, computer hardware, and the development and transmission of courses from UNMC via satellite. In 1989 the Medical Center formed a Rural Health Task Force made up of faculty members and administrators.
Health professionals tend to locate in the geographic region where they received their training.
Health science students need early and frequent exposure to primary care health professionals who can serve as mentors and role models. Health professionals should be educated in an interdisciplinary environment. A Comprehensive State-wide Plan To carry out its charge, the Rural Health Task Force turned to rural communities for input. The network was established, and all rural communities were invited to become members. The purpose of RHEN is to change how and where health science students are educated.