Menu Close

Education Opportunities

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:

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

Advocacy Training for CHWs

  • 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.

Click here to access the course. 

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.

If you don’t already have a free account, click here.

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.”

Training and Other Resources

Community Health Worker Training: Insurance & Finances 101
Join us for a free training on June 25 for community health workers (CHW), promotores, patient navigators, and other front line public health workers. Get an introduction to choosing and using health insurance, workplace rights to take time off to access health care, disability insurance, and strategies for managing medical bills.
Register

7/15-7/16: National Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course

Sponsored by: University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Join leading experts in maternal and infant health for an engaging continuing education program. Learn how to improve nutrition services for preconceptual, pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, children, and families. Our online webinar will be on July 15 & 16 and registration is $35.00. Group registration and student discounts are also available. Questions? Email cpheo@umn.edu. Registration opens May 1.

Audience: This continuing education program is designed for dietitians, nutritionists, certified nurse midwives, registered nurses and nurse practitioners, physicians and public health professionals who serve preconceptual, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, children and families.

Improving Health Outcomes for People with Prediabetes and Diabetes: Evidence, Challenges, Opportunities and Resources
If you work with people experiencing prediabetes or diabetes, please view this MDH-sponsored webinar from March 27, 2025.

OVERVIEW:
Those at risk for or living with diabetes often face many challenges in preventing and managing their health conditions. Learn how unique barriers to health such as reduced access to care, unemployment, low incomes, housing cost burdens, or lack of health insurance can make managing chronic conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes more difficult. We will also discuss ways to address those barriers.

PRESENTER: Lorena Drago, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES
Lorena Drago is a registered dietitian, speaker, author, consultant, and certified diabetes care and educator specialist. She specializes in the multicultural aspects of diabetes self-management education and is an expert in developing culturally and ethnically oriented nutrition and diabetes education materials.

OBJECTIVES: Discuss the concept of all people having opportunities to receive the care they need to achieve their best possible health, regardless of factors such as race, ethnicity, income, education, or zip code. Explain how various barriers to health significantly influence diabetes-related health outcomes. Use principles of fair health access and barriers to health to analyze data and evidence, identifying and prioritizing health needs and disparities.
View the recording here

It is approximately 1 hour in length. This webinar was funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).