Certification in Community Health Worker

Program Description

Community health worker fundamentals prepares students for employment as community health workers (CHWs), with a focus on cultural responsiveness and local workforce needs. It is designed both for individuals entering the field and for those already working in health-related roles who are seeking to deepen their skills and expand their formal qualifications. The course adapts Montana AHEC’s CHW curriculum to reflect Indigenous knowledge and community context, and includes training in outreach, health education, care coordination, and client motivation. A 25-hour supervised practicum allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills required for CHW practice, including communication, advocacy, and education.
• Apply culturally responsive approaches to client interaction and community outreach.
• Identify common health conditions and strategies for supporting clients in navigating health systems.
• Demonstrate “durable” skills in listening, motivation, and resource connection.
• Complete a supervised practicum to apply classroom learning in a community-based setting.

 

Certification Requirements

Required Courses

HLTH139

Community Health Worker Fundamentals

9

Total Credit Hours: 9