Community Health Worker (CERT)

Summary

A community health worker (CHW) works directly with communities. CHWs are trusted members of the community and/or have a close understanding of the community they serve. As community liaisons, CHWs work to increase access to and improve the quality and cultural competence of the health and social services offered. CHWs also build individual and community capacity through outreach, education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. CHWs work in communities holding events, promoting health, and collecting data as part of their role with local organizations, clinics, and health departments. Completion of this program can lead to a certificate for employment as a Community Health Worker. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Certificate

Major Credits

16

Total Credits

16

Locations

Mankato

Online

Career Cluster

Human Services

This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.

Licensure/Certification Disclosure

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

Focuses on the role of the Community Health Worker in health promotion and disease prevention and/or management, including cultural navigation, social determinants of health, connections to resources, and educating and supporting clients and families.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101

Defines the role of the Community Health Worker (CHW) as a liaison, connecting clients and appropriate community resources, based on familiarity with health-related needs of the communities and cultural considerations for which they serve. Explores strategies for personal safety in relation to home visits, and an understanding of the value of self-care, and personal wellness.

Prerequisites: none

Introduces concepts of verbal and non-verbal communication required for the Community Health Worker (CHW) to effectively interact with clients, their families, and healthcare providers of all backgrounds. Students apply skills such as active listening and motivational interviewing, to empower clients to become self-sufficient in achieving personal health goals. This course also focuses on the CHW's role as a teacher to increase the capability of the community and the client to access health and social services.

Prerequisites: none

Focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions of the Community Health Worker's (CHW) role. Included are boundaries of the CHW position, agency policies, confidentiality, liability, mandatory reporting, and cultural issues that can influence legal and ethical responsibilities. This course also focuses on the importance and ability of the CHW to gather, document, and report client visits and other activities. The emphasis is on appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation considering legal and agency requirements.

Prerequisites: none

Supervised practical experience (80 hours) that allows opportunities for the student to prepare for independent work in the Community Health Worker (CHW) role.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101, HLTH 201, HLTH 202, HLTH 203

*Certificate program requires 2 credits of internship.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 12 Credits

An introduction to the dimensions of wellness; physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, financial, interpersonal, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health of the individual.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

Defines the role of the Community Health Worker (CHW) as a liaison, connecting clients and appropriate community resources, based on familiarity with health-related needs of the communities and cultural considerations for which they serve. Explores strategies for personal safety in relation to home visits, and an understanding of the value of self-care, and personal wellness.

Prerequisites: none

Introduces concepts of verbal and non-verbal communication required for the Community Health Worker (CHW) to effectively interact with clients, their families, and healthcare providers of all backgrounds. Students apply skills such as active listening and motivational interviewing, to empower clients to become self-sufficient in achieving personal health goals. This course also focuses on the CHW's role as a teacher to increase the capability of the community and the client to access health and social services.

Prerequisites: none

Focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions of the Community Health Worker's (CHW) role. Included are boundaries of the CHW position, agency policies, confidentiality, liability, mandatory reporting, and cultural issues that can influence legal and ethical responsibilities. This course also focuses on the importance and ability of the CHW to gather, document, and report client visits and other activities. The emphasis is on appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation considering legal and agency requirements.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 4 Credits

Focuses on the role of the Community Health Worker in health promotion and disease prevention and/or management, including cultural navigation, social determinants of health, connections to resources, and educating and supporting clients and families.

Prerequisites: HLTH 101

Supervised practical experience (80 hours) that allows opportunities for the student to prepare for independent work in the Community Health Worker (CHW) role.

Prerequisites: none

Policies

Grade Requirements: All required courses require a “C“ or better.

Internship Prerequisites and Requirements: Students must successfully complete HLTH 101, 201, 202, and 203 prior to enrolling in HLTH 296.  Some internship sites require a background check prior to acceptance.  Students are responsible for the fees associated with the background checks.