Community Health Worker

Program Overview

This Community Health Worker program provides comprehensive training in health promotion, disease prevention, and community engagement. Through coursework, clinical practice, and a capstone project, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in community health, including roles such as Community Health Worker, Case Manager, and Health Educator. The program emphasizes cultural competence, advocacy, and ethical considerations in community health practice.

Program Outline

Outline:

Course Schedule:

Semester I

• CHW 101: Introduction to Community Health Worker (4 credit hours)
• PSY 201: Lifespan Psychology (3 credit hours)
• CHW 105: Healthcare and the Community (2 credit hours)

Semester II

• CHW 102: Advanced Topics for the Community Health Worker (3 credit hours)
• CHW 103: Directed Clinical Practise in Community Health (2 credit hours)
• CHW 104: Community Health Worker Capstone (2 credit hours)

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

CHW 101: Introduction to Community Health Worker

• Overview of the role and responsibilities of a Community Health Worker (CHW)
• Core principles and values of community health
• Health promotion and disease prevention strategies
• Cultural competence and working with diverse populations
• Community assessment and needs identification

CHW 102: Advanced Topics for the Community Health Worker

• Advanced skills in health education and counseling
• Case management and care coordination
• Advocacy and policy development
• Ethical and legal issues in community health
• Trauma-informed care

CHW 103: Directed Clinical Practise in Community Health

• Supervised clinical experience in a community health setting
• Application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom
• Development of professional skills and competencies

CHW 104: Community Health Worker Capstone

• Culminating project that demonstrates the student's understanding of the CHW role
• Development of a community health plan or intervention
• Presentation of findings and recommendations

CHW 105: Healthcare and the Community

• Overview of the US healthcare system
• Health insurance and financing
• Access to healthcare for underserved populations
• Role of CHWs in healthcare delivery

PSY 201: Lifespan Psychology

• Human development across the lifespan
• Physical, cognitive, and emotional changes
• Theories of development and socialization
• Psychosocial issues and challenges faced at different stages of life

Assessment:

• Classroom participation
• Assignments and projects
• Quizzes and exams
• Clinical practicum performance
• Capstone project

Teaching:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group projects
• Role-playing
• Guest speakers
• Field trips

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in community health, social work, and nursing.

Careers:

• Community Health Worker
• Case Manager
• Health Educator
• Patient Navigator
• Health Policy Analyst