Community Health Worker Certificate:
General Information:
The Community Health Worker Certificate in Minnesota is a 16 Credit academic certificate comprised of five courses:
- Community Health Worker Role, Advocacy, Outreach and Resources (3 credits)
- Health Communication, Teaching and Capacity Building (3 credits)
- Documentation, Legal and Ethical Issues in Community Health Work (3 credits)
- Health Promotions (5 credits)
- Community Health Worker Internship (2 credits)
Programs typically take two semesters to complete, but different schools who offer the certificate may have different schedules and structures. Some programs are fully online, and others are hybrid. Regardless of where a CHW completes their Certificate, it is the same credential. There are things that differentiate the programs, for example, some schools offer the CHW Certificate as part of a four-year degree, others have articulation agreements with four-year schools, the schedules may vary, and each school has a different cost for the program. Email Scholarships@mnchwalliance.org if you have questions about which program may be the best fit for you.
CHW Certificate Programs:
There are four schools that current offer the CHW Certificate Program. Reach out to individual schools for information about cost and course schedule:
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College (fully online)
- Normandale Community College (hybrid)
- Northwest Technical College (fully online)
- St. Catherine University (fully online)
Preparing for the CHW Certificate Program:
In order to be successful with the CHW Certificate Program, you need to have access to a computer with a webcam, reliable internet access and dedicated time for coursework. The first semester is 9 credit hours and you should anticipate dedicating at least 45 minutes per day for coursework. Some programs are synchronous, meaning there are online classes at a specific time that you must attend, and some do not require specific class time. Either way, these are college courses and require ample time. The second semester includes an internship course which requires an 80-hour internship. If you are employed in a CHW or similar role you may be able to complete the 80-hour internship with your employer. If you are not employed in a CHW or similar role you will need to find an organization where you can complete your internship. Internship course instructors can offer some support in finding an internship site, but because the programs are mostly online and statewide, your instructor may not have a connection to an organization in your area. Before you begin the program, you should consider where you may complete your internship and if you hope to complete it with your employer, you should check-in with your employer.
Cost of the CHW Certificate Program and Tuition Assistance:
Cost varies by college and changes every semester; broadly speaking, the certificate costs between $3,700 and $8,500. For the most up-to-date cost estimates, reach out directly to the programs linked above. The program courses are for college credit and the cost per credit is similar to other programs at the college or university. We encourage all students who plan to complete the certificate to apply for financial aid and/or scholarships and we encourage CHW employers who are sending employees to get their CHW Certificate to seek funding to cover the cost. If you are interested in hearing about funding opportunities for the CHW Certificate, click the button below:
Other Certificate Programs:
Gerontology & Aging Care Program (Fully ONLINE)
Beginning in spring 2021, Northwest Technical College will address unprecedented growth in life expectancy and aging populations with a new online Gerontology & Aging Care program. Students who complete the program will be well-trained eldercare specialists with knowledge and expertise in the field of aging and associated issues. Graduates of the program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide seamless quality service to the aging population and their families. Career pathways include a wide variety of service and leadership opportunities related to psychology, economics, health and wellness, public policy and advocacy and service.
The course is intended for CHWs and CHW Supervisors. Learners will have the ability to access and download videos, reading materials, and reflection exercises on the following topics:
Northwest Technical College is now offering an 18 credit, 2-semester Certificate program in Gerontology. Click here to learn more.
Professional Development and Additional Training Opportunities
Advocacy Training for CHWs with a Global Perspective
- The history and background of CHW programs.
- How to advocate for improved health care and working conditions.
- How to use technology tools to participate in global conversations.
- How to tell personal stories to advocate for change.
Minnesota Department of Health Learning Center
The learning center is designed to support local public health agencies, hospitals, clinics, communities, institutions, and others by providing access to both in-person and online educational opportunities on a broad array of topics. There are several modules that have been developed recently specifically for CHWs including Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Health, and Stroke Care for CHWs. More modules are currently in development; create and account by clicking the link below to access the training modules.
Advancing Research Best Practices Course for CHWs and Promotoras
Designed for Community Health Workers and Promotoras to learn about the basics of research and how to best support research in communities. Take the online course or organize a group training with your organization.
Community Health Worker Diabetes Education Program
Course from the American Diabetes Association is available in English or Spanish and includes four modules.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Identify the different types of diabetes and risk factors associated with diabetes.
- Recall gestational diabetes (GDM) screening best practices.
- Describe signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress.
- Identify both predisposed and modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes in youth.
BENEFITS & CREDITS
- 1 Free CE (CME, ACPE, ANCC, AAPA, CDR, COP)
- Quick, 15-minute modules
- Engaging and interactive online modules with reading points, videos, knowledge checks, and testing
- Downloadable resources
Community Advancement and Resources
Asthma Podcast: Health Chatter
Health Chatter podcast hosts Stan Shanedling and Clarence Jones chat with Dr. Gail Brottman about asthma. Dr. Brottman is the Director of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Brottman has been involved in pediatric asthma since 1992, as a clinician, researcher and program facilitator at Hennepin Healthcare. In addition to these roles, she has been a member of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Asthma Advisory Committee since 2018, and serves on the Camp Superkids Medical Board, and the American Lung Association in Minnesota. Dr. Brottman is a physician champion and is committed to Patient-Centered Care. “I work with patients and families to help them understand what is happening with their lungs and feel confident in controlling their asthma.”