Community Health Worker
Accelerated Job Training,
Professional Development
Offered through Accelerated Job Training
@ William J. Harrison Education Center
Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted members of the community they serve who assist individuals and communities in their adoption of healthy behaviors. Community health workers may conduct outreach for community or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health.
Additionally, community health workers may also provide: information on available resources, social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, services such as first aid and blood pressure screening and collect data to help identify community health needs.
This 16-week, non-credit program combines 128 hybrid classroom hours with 60 service learning hours. The classroom instruction covers topics such as the role of community health workers, public health, chronic disease management, mental health, health outreach, community organizing and advocacy, client-centered counseling, conducting client interviews, care management and home visits. The service learning experience provides individuals with the opportunity to learn and participate in resource gathering, networking and outreach, and job shadowing.
Upon successful completion of the CHW training program, candidates are eligible to apply for the Community Health Worker credential through the Missouri Credentialing Board.
The next CHW class will begin fall 2021. The application period will begin on June 15. Please visit the CHW web page after that time to submit your application.
How to Get Started
The next application period begins on June 15. At that time, candidates interested in the Community Health Worker training program should complete an online application then follow the instructions to submit their resume and cover letter.
Who Should Attend This Program?
Any community-oriented individual, at least 18 years of age, interested in helping others navigate local healthcare systems and learn advocacy strategies.
Eligibility Requirements
Enrollment in the 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
Class Schedule
The classroom instruction is held at the William J. Harrison Education Center. Students must be available during daytime hours on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings for the classroom instruction and at other times as needed to complete service learning hours. Virtual classroom instruction may be used to meet COVID-19 restrictions.
Upcoming Classes
These are the anticipated start dates for this training:
Start Date |
End Date |
Application Period |
| Feb. 23 | June 12 | CLOSED |
| Fall 2021 | TBD | Begins Jun. 15 |
Program Cost
The cost for the Community Health Worker training program is $1,800. Cost includes the program textbook.
Technology Requirements
The CHW program is currently being delivered in a hybrid format. Students will need the following technology to participate in the program.
- Desktop or laptop computer with an updated operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac, Linux). NOTE: Cell phones will not be sufficient for completing the coursework requirements in this program.
- Minimum processor speed of 1 GHz or higher.
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection, DSL or Cable preferred.
- Updated Internet browser (Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
- Adobe Reader or alternative PDF reader (free).
- Microsoft Office. NOTE: Students have access to MS Office 365 with their student email.
Community Health Experience
Some degree and certificate programs offered by the College require students to obtain community health service learning experience as part of their course work. Hospitals and health facilities may mandate that a criminal background check and/or drug screening check be conducted prior to placement in a clinical setting and as part of an employer’s screening process. Students not passing these checks may be prohibited from participating in the community health service learning experience thus rendering the student ineligible to satisfactorily meet the course/program requirements, and/or ineligible for hire.
Contact Us
Questions? Please contact a member of the Healthcare Workforce Training team at nmcmeans@stlcc.edu.
Want to stay in-the-know as new class offerings become available?
Text STLCCaccelerated to 22828 and provide your email address. At the beginning of each month, you'll receive an emailed list of upcoming accelerated training programs. Easily unsubscribe at any time. Text message and data rates may apply.