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Community Health Worker Certificate (0020)

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Community Health Worker Certificate - Non-Credit (0020)

Do you have a passion for helping people improve their health and well-being? Would becoming an integral part of improving your community’s overall health and wellness be of interest to you? If so, then becoming a Community Health Worker (CHW) may just be the perfect career choice for you!  A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted individual who contributes to improved health outcomes in the community. As a CHW, you have the opportunity to serve the community you live in which you may share ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, or life experiences.

Completion of this 120-hour online course meets the education requirements of the PA Certification Board CCHW credential. See complete certification information from the Board at https://www.pacertboard.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/PCB_CCHW_Application_19.pdf. (pdf)

What can I do with this in the workforce?

Community Health Workers, which may also be referred to as Outreach Worker, Patient Navigator and Promotors de Salud, may see patients in:

  • Office settings
  • Clinics
  • Individual residences
  • Health facilities

Individuals who perform well in this occupation have:

  • Exercise good judgment
  • Able to solve problems within the application of professional service
  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Computer skills in MS word and data-entry

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Our certificate prepares you to enter the workforce as a Community Health Worker (CHW) to enter the workforce to promote health within their community. As a CHW, you would:

  • Serve as a liaison between communities and health care agencies
  • Enhance community residents’ ability to effectively communicate with healthcare providers
  • Discuss the fundamental background about biological function of the human body
  • Assess basic vital signs
  • Provide referral and follow-up services or otherwise coordinates care
  • Identify and help enroll eligible individuals in federal, state, and local private or nonprofit health and human services programs

Our curriculum is delivered over a 12-week period through lecture and clinical practice in the role of a CHW. Our study includes six major areas:

  • Healthcare
  • Health education
  • Social services
  • Communication skills
  • Individual and community advocacy

Bi-weekly zoom and remote (online) lecture, group-work, discussion, written assignments and quizzes. Classes begin each Spring and Fall semesters.

Completion of this 120-hour online course meets the education requirements of the PA Certification Board CCHW credential. See complete certification information from the Board https://www.pacertboard.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/PCB_CCHW_Application_19.pdf. (pdf)

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

  • Obtain an introduction to the role and life of a Community Health Worker
  • Build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy
  • Identify health promotion, disease prevention, and behavioral strategies as a part of primary health care
  • Examine career paths and options for continuing education and career development.
  • Serve as a liaison between communities and health care agencies
  • Enhance community residents’ ability to effectively communicate with healthcare providers
  • Discuss the fundamental background about biological function of the human body
  • Assess basic vital signs
  • Demonstrate knowledge of barriers to primary health care and the importance of health equity/equality
  • Provide guidance and social assistance to community residents
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship of culture and individuals’ health practices, beliefs.
  • Discuss basic effective communication techniques and barriers to effective communication.
  • Introduce the guiding principles (CHWs) use in their practice.
  • Provide referral and follow-up services or otherwise coordinate care
  • Identify and help enroll eligible individuals in federal, state, and local private or nonprofit health and human services programs

  • View summaries of our noncredit courses at HACC by browsing our schedule.
  • Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Our certificate is designed to lead you directly into the workforce as a Community Health Worker (CHW).

For your convenience, our certificate can be completed entirely through Virtual Learning.

Yes! Through the HACC Foundation, there are approximately 200 scholarships available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships for details and deadlines.

You can enter this certificate each spring and fall classes at HACC. Please use the information listed in the "How Can I Learn More" section to contact us to learn start dates and enrollment deadlines.

We are passionate about providing you with a high-quality education and an opportunity for you to pursue your educational and/or career goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact Nina Kottcamp, program coordinator, or 717-221-1386