Community Health Workers help families and communities improve their health by helping them navigate the healthcare system and providing access to needed resources. To complete this certificate, students must exhibit great self-discipline, motivation, and time management skills. Candidates need to be able to read and write in English. This program will prepare students to serve as community health workers by utilizing videos, case studies, disease reviews, discussions, and reading material. The skills lab portion allows students to learn, practice, and demonstrate CHW core competencies and develop stronger relations with community partners. The most common duties of a community health worker include health promotion education, outstanding culturally-based mindful communication, social support, mentoring, and resource management.

The State of California has revised the reimbursement schedule for MediCal and now will provide payment to clinics and clinicians who utilize certificated Community Health Workers.  The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will oversee the State’s certification for both CHW and training facilities.  As the change in reimbursement is in effect January 2024, there will be great need for CHW training programs to facilitate those who want HCAI certification by early 2024.  This program is aimed at serving students who want to pass the State’s CHW certification exam.

To earn the certificate, students must complete all content modules with a passing mark.  Individuals currently working as CHWs but do not meet the requirements of the legacy pathway may advance through the modules at their own pace. 

Program Outcomes

1. Students will be able to communicate effectively with clients, demonstrating cultural humility and relationship building, to assist community members in understanding the benefits of health behaviors.
2. Students will be able to assist community members in navigating health systems, including health advocacy and capacity building.
3. Students will develop a knowledge base in public health principles, chronic disease correlates, and social determinants of health.
4. Students will develop the competencies and knowledge to fulfill their role as community health workers.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate leading to improved employability or job opportunities.

For more information regarding noncredit, please visit https://orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/adult-education/index.html

Course List Hours

Course	Title	Hours
Required Courses
PUBH A001N	Community Health Worker I	72
PUBH A002N	Community Health Worker II	54
PUBH A003N	Community Health Worker III	144
Total		270