AIDS Education and Training Centers Context
Program Background
The AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs) of The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program currently supports a network of 11 regional centers (and more than 130 local performance sites) that conduct targeted, multi-disciplinary education and training programs for health care providers treating persons with HIV/AIDS. The AETCs serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the six U.S.-affiliated Pacific Jurisdictions.
The mission of the AETCs is to improve the quality of life for patients living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of high quality professional education and training. AETCs focus on training a diverse group of clinicians including physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, oral health professionals, and pharmacists. Training activities are based upon assessed local needs. Emphasis is placed on interactive, hands-on training and clinical consultation to assist providers with complex issues related to the management of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Local and national AETCs are available for both case-based and organizational consulting and technical assistance.
Since 1991, the AETC program has sponsored more than 700,000 training interactions for providers. Clinicians trained by AETCs have been shown to be more competent with regard to HIV issues and more willing to treat persons living with HIV than other primary care providers.
Regional Map
