Empower Your Community with Health and Wellness
Turn your interest in helping others into a meaningful career with STLCC’s community health worker (CHW) short-term training program. This program combines hybrid classes with hands-on service learning to help you build real-world skills.
You’ll learn about public health, chronic disease management and client-centered counseling while gaining experience supporting individuals and communities. By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to help people navigate local health care systems and promote healthier outcomes in your community.
What is Community Health Worker Training at St. Louis Community College?
Community health workers are trusted members of their communities who help people improve their health and access care. At STLCC, this short-term training program prepares you to support individuals and communities through education, advocacy and connection to local resources.
The program combines classroom learning with real-world experience and is aligned with Missouri CHW core competencies.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand public health, health equity and the role of community health workers.
- Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Support clients through care coordination and client-centered counseling.
- Recognize mental and behavioral health needs, including trauma and substance use.
- Engage communities through outreach, education and facilitation.
You’ll also apply what you learn through hands-on service learning. This includes completing a workplace learning project or internship, creating a community resource manual, networking with local organizations and attending community health events.
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the Community Health Worker credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board.
What Can You Do as a Community Health Worker?
After completing the CHW training program, you’ll be prepared to support individuals and communities through work in health care and social service settings.
CHWs work under many job titles, depending on the setting. These may include:
- Community health advocate.
- Outreach worker.
- Patient navigator.
- Promotora.
- Health outreach specialist or coordinator.
- Case manager.
- Family support specialist.
Community Health Worker Short-Term Career Training
- Location: Florissant Valley
- Duration: 20 Weeks
- Schedule: Days
- Formats: Face-to-face, Live Virtual Lecture (LVL)
- Student cost: $2,500. Grant funding available.
- Award: Certificate of Completion
- Industry Credentials: Graduates may apply for the Missouri Community Health Worker credential
- Questions? Contact acceleratedjobtraining@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7777.
Enrollment in the CHW program is selective. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered. Only top candidates will be chosen to interview.
To be considered:
- Submit your CHW training application.
- Watch your email and then follow instructions to:
- Submit an updated resume that includes any relevant experience.
- Tell us about your interest in the CHW program and passion for serving the community.
- Select your class preference.
- Tell us if you were referred by your employer.
Eligibility Requirements
Enrollment in the community health worker (CHW) program is highly selective and seats fill quickly. All candidates that apply will be required to:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrate academic and career readiness.
- Demonstrate passion for community health work.
- Commit to working as a CHW.
Applicants may also be required to:
- Register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry if required for service learning.
- Submit an employer commitment letter if completing as part of employment.
- Demonstrate interest in and intent for employment within the behavioral heath workforce.
Technology Requirements
This is a hybrid training program. To participate, you will need:
- A computer with an external keyboard.
- Reliable internet access.
- The ability to operate a computer and work with files.
- The ability to navigate the internet and use online applications.
A limited number of devices are available for check-out and free internet is available
to students while on STLCC’s campus.
Clinical and Field Work
Students must complete 60+ hours of service learning in the CHW program. Some organizations may mandate that a criminal background check, immunization(s) and/or drug screening be conducted prior to placement. Students not passing these checks may be prohibited from participating in the community health service learning experience, thus making them ineligible to meet the program completion requirements.
Class Schedule
Upcoming Classes
20 weeks | Feb. 10 – June 28, 2026
Classroom
- Face to face instruction at STLCC-Florissant Valley, Center for Nursing & Health Sciences, 900 Archer Dr. Ferguson, MO 63135
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Service Learning
- 60+ hours completed independently within the community
Online Coursework
- 10+ hours weekly
Why Should You Choose STLCC’s Community Health Worker Program?
Gain Real-World Experience
Immerse yourself in hands-on learning within your community that’s customized to your goals and interests. You may leverage an existing job or volunteer role or may work with staff to arrange an internship or project in their area of interest.
Meet State Requirements with Confidence
STLCC is a certified CHW training provider, and the program fully satisfies Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service’s requirements to apply for the CHW credential.
Leadership Development
STLCC’s CHW graduates are at the forefront of the CHW movement. They established the nationally recognized St. Louis CHW Coalition, serve as top officers for the CHW Association of Missouri, represent CHWs on the Missouri Credentialing Board, sit on the National Association of Community Health Workers Board of Directors.
Quality
STLCC has the highest completion rate (85+%) of Missouri’s certified training programs. The program’s success is due to the dedicated team, key partnerships, networking opportunities, and curriculum that is tailored to the needs of our community.
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