Community Health Worker

Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted members of the community who empower others through education and connections to health and social resources. CHWs serve as frontline public healthcare advocates who have a deep understanding of the community’s culture, language, and priorities. This introductory course is designed to prepare learners for employment as community health workers by understanding essential public health concepts, the role and scope of community health work, and core competencies for working with diverse individuals and communities.

Healthcare Support Administrators (medical secretaries) are essential staff members of all hospitals and medical centers. The main responsibilities include handling administrative and clerical tasks at a hospital or clinic such as accepting calls from patients and either answering their questions or directing their call, coordinating appointments for patients based on doctor's availability, and processing invoices and payments. 

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental skills necessary to become a successful community health worker. Participants will gain an understanding of the social determinants of health, develop communication, outreach, and advocacy skills, and explore conflict resolution tools. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to work collaboratively with individuals, families, communities, and organizations to promote healthy lifestyles.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced concepts and skills related to community health workers. Students will gain knowledge and practice in program planning and management, evaluation and assessment techniques, research methods, care coordination, and effective outreach and advocacy strategies. Additionally, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and how to use that knowledge to create positive change for vulnerable populations.

Using an anatomy and physiology systems approach, this course reviews common terms associated with medical practice, research, and different healthcare settings. The goal: to better prepare individuals to be productive in healthcare work environments. Students should be able to decipher an entry in a medical chart or record and know how to approach and read unfamiliar terms. Students complete this structured asynchronous course within the 4 week section in which they are enrolled.