Community Health Worker

This course is designed to provide individuals with the required knowledge, tools, and resources to become recognized as a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) in North Carolina working in a variety of healthcare and community settings (Health Departments, Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Clinics, Faith-based Organizations, etc.).

Instruction covers the nine core competencies essential to working as a certified CHW, including communication, capacity building, service coordination, interpersonal, advocacy, outreach, and personal/professional skills. The knowledge base competencies cover health and social issues that disproportionately impact clients, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer, as well as social issues like safety, emergency preparedness, social isolation, and adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Students will also learn about the changing healthcare landscape in North Carolina and how to connect clients to resources through NCCARES 360 and other platforms. Upon completion, students will be eligible for listing as a NC Certified Community Health Worker.

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Admissions Requirements

To take the course, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Must be a North Carolina resident.

Course Schedule & Delivery

The Community Health Worker program requires a total of 106 contact hours.

Spring/Fall Semesters
  • Duration: 16 Weeks
  • In-Person: Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Location: Downtown Campus
  • Additional: Remaining hours completed via online instruction and experiential learning.
Summer Semester
  • Duration: 10 Weeks
  • In-Person: Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Location: Downtown Campus
  • Additional: Accelerated format with online and experiential learning components.

Course Fees & Textbook Information

Estimated Course Fees
  • $180.00 — Registration Fee
  • $5.00 — CE College Access / Parking Fee
  • $5.00 — CE Technology Fee
  • $15.00 — CE Student Malpractice Insurance
  • $25.00 — CHW Material Fee
  • $230.00 — Total Estimated Fees
Required Textbook

Foundations for Community Health Workers
Editors: Timothy Berthold and Darouny Somsanith
3rd Edition, 2024, Jossey-Bass.

Course Technical & Physical Requirements

To be successful in this course, students must be able to:

  • Students must be able to effectively communicate in verbal, nonverbal, and written forms with individuals, families, and communities.
  • This includes active listening, conveying health information clearly, and serving as a liaison between individuals and health/social service providers.
  • Students must be able to collect, analyze, and apply information to support individual and community health needs.
  • This includes recognizing barriers to care, problem-solving, and making appropriate referrals to health and social services.
  • Students must be able to manage emotionally challenging situations, demonstrate resilience, and adapt to changing environments and individual and community needs while maintaining professional effectiveness.
  • Professional behavior, ethical conduct, and maintaining patient confidentiality are required at all times.
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