Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers are trusted frontline public health workers with a close understanding of the communities they serve. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through various activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program at Mineral Area College is a 10-credit hour, fully hybrid, 16-week course. The CHW program is designed for entry-level healthcare workers and those already working in healthcare who are seeking a career change and/or advancement. This program consists of 188 program hours (128 classroom (online) hours & 60 clinical hours).

Upon successful course completion, students will be eligible for a state credential as a Community Health Worker and become job-ready. Current healthcare providers (EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses, etc.,) completing the course will find a greater understanding of patient navigation and the availability of health and community-related resources.

If you have any questions, please direct them to the Office of EMS Education Programs by calling (573) 518-2123.