Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential healthcare workers who serve as navigators, educators, and informal counselors who connect community members and patients in hard-to-reach populations with clinical and governmental services to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. CHWs often share similar life experiences, values, and language with the populations they serve, which in turn develops relationships based on a foundation of trust and connection. The Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Worker trains students to be frontline agents of change who serve as advocates for issues related to social determinants of health to reduce health disparities within the communities they serve. Students will learn skills required to help individuals and communities adopt healthy behaviors, access resources, and navigate complex governmental systems.
The HLTH 21 course averages 41 students per course offering. Aiming for 15 students to complete the first year but it is reasonable that the first year will have an annual completion of 8 students, with an increase in subsequent years, especially if students who are already completing their Associate Degree for Transfer in Public Health Science also complete the Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Worker. This figure may be higher if interest in the certificate program exists for students already in the Associate in Science in Public Health Science for Transfer degree program. Recruitment in vulnerable communities is required as the ideal community health worker is already an established and trusted member of their community.
Course # | Course Title | Annual Sections (Y1, 2020/21) | Annual Enrollment(Y1 2020/21 | Annual Sections (Y2, (2021/22) | AnnualEnrollment(Y2, 2021,22) |
HLTH 21 | Contemporary Health Concerns | 11 | 474 | 11 | 439 |
HLTH 101 | Introduction to Community Health Work | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
ITRN 50 | Internship | 13 | 120 | 14 | 137 |
CNSL 6 | Exploring Leadership | 2 | 49 | 3 | 98 |
The Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Worker provides a foundational framework in public health, health education, and entry-level skills needed to bridge the gap between clinical care, patient adherence, and improvement of health outcomes. Upon completion of the certificate program, students will be prepared to enter the public and community health field as community health workers serving as navigators, educators, and informal counselors who connect community members and patients in hard-to-reach populations with clinical and governmental services to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Many community health workers will be integral components of a healthcare team often serving as a liaison between clinicians and patients providing informal counseling, case management, and healthcare system navigation.
As healthcare shifts towards patient-centered and cost-effective care, community health workers ensure that clients receive culturally relevant healthcare reducing both emergency departments visits and hospitalizations while increasing the use of primary care. Community health worker services will be included as a Medi-Cal benefit starting July 1, 2022, thus expanding the opportunities and need for community health workers. This certificate program will provide opportunities to improve health disparities and health outcomes within individuals through coursework, as well as serve as a route to employment opportunities for individuals typically underrepresented in the healthcare industry. The vocational goals include a direct pathway into a career serving as a community health worker within an array of organizations, including local government, clinics, insurers, health maintenance organizations, non-profit community-based organizations, etc.
Program Learning Outcomes:
· Students will be able to apply informal counseling and motivational interviewing techniques when communicating with individuals, groups, and communities, related to patient goals and outcomes
· Students will be able to accurately disseminate culturally competent health education to individuals, groups, and communities
· Students will be able to help patients navigate complex government applications for social services
· Students will be able to apply written, verbal, and active listening communication strategies that are professional, courteous, and culturally competent
Students will be required to take four classes.
Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
---|---|---|---|
Health 21 | Contemporary Health Concerns | 4 | Y1 Fall |
Health 101 | Introduction to Community Health Work | 5 | Y1 Winter |
ITRN 50 | Internship | 1 | Y1 Spring |
CNSL 6 | Exploring Leadership | 4 | Y1 Any Quarter |
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