I have never taken college classes before. Am I eligible to become a Community Health Worker (CHW)?
YES! Participants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent as the minimum requirement to become certified CHWs and to complete our program.
How long does the program take?
The class takes one semester (15 weeks) to complete. Once participants successfully complete the classroom portion, they will complete 130 hours of experiential learning at a community-based health-care or social services organization. We recommend that they complete the field portion in 15 weeks, as well, but there is flexibility for participants who need longer.
What is the class format?
Cohorts meet online two times each week for two hours each class, in synchronous groups. This means that all participants attend class at the same time, with an instructor in live, real-time sessions over TEAMS or Zoom. They will also meet three to four times in-person for MANDATORY classes on an Ohio University campus, where they receive their class supplies, meet each other in person, complete vitals training and check-offs, Basic Life Support training, and more.
How much does the program cost?
Thanks to grant and university funding, the CHW training program is available at no cost to participants. The only expenses that participants will pay for is the background check (approximately $65) and the application cost for certification ($35).
What’s included in the training?
All participants will receive a textbook, a vitals kit (blood pressure cuff and stethoscope), 100 hours of classroom/didactic training, and 130 hours of experiential learning in the field.
What will I learn in the training?
Participants learn how to take vitals and become certified in Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association. They learn about basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, human development, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. They learn about home visit and field safety, cultural humility, and how to administer Narcan. Finally, they learn about resources and build a network of other CHWs to access as resources.