Imagine trying to set up a doctor’s appointment, but you don’t understand English. Or finding out you’re pregnant, but your family support system is in another country. You’re completely on your own. Where do you turn?
That’s where community health workers come in. Community health workers are on the front lines to promote public health in their communities. They guide individuals to help them navigate complex healthcare and social support systems.
Above all else, community health workers are advocates for individuals in their communities.
What Is a Community Health Worker?
Community health workers are closely tied to the communities they serve. They’re dedicated to making a difference and improving public health in their communities. Through advocacy, education, and informal counseling, they provide support to individuals and families.
Today, with the rising costs of healthcare and the need for health interventions, CHWs are in high demand. Their work directly impacts community health initiatives and individual health outcomes.
Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Curious about how to become a community health worker? Find out more about the career below.
How Do I Become a Community Health Worker?
The steps to becoming a community health worker depend on a variety of factors. What type of position are you looking for? Where do you live? Are you looking to work for a nonprofit, government, or hospital role?
At a minimum, entry-level positions usually require a high school diploma or associate degree. However, most CHW positions require a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field. And if you’re interested in working in the federal government or a public health agency, you’ll likely need a master’s or doctoral degree.
Step One: Obtain a health-related bachelor’s degree
The first step to starting your CHW career is getting a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. A bachelor’s degree in health services coordination prepares you to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. You’ll use your knowledge to support individuals and families and connect them with resources.
Step Two: Get on-the-job training or a certification
While you’re pursuing your bachelor’s degree, consider finding an internship or mentorship program to get some experience working with individuals in the community. After you graduate, you can either pursue a CHW certificate or start applying to jobs, depending on your goals.
Step Three: Find your specialization
Between managing caseloads and monitoring health progress, CHWs are well equipped for healthcare services. Some CHWs use the role as a starting point for their healthcare careers. They may decide to shift into nursing, public health, or another role in medicine.
Others specialize or dive deeper into community health work. On the community-facing side, you could focus on mental health, diabetes education, drug and alcohol counseling, or health education.
For CHWs interested in the administrative side of things, one option is to pursue a role as a program coordinator. Program coordinators oversee public health programs and are deeply involved in planning, implementation, and assessments. Another option is becoming a director of family health services. Unlike a standard CHW role, directors don’t usually work directly with the community. Instead, they help manage projects, hire and supervise CHW staff, and oversee program budgets.
Do I Need a Community Health Worker Certification for This Position?
For many states, certification is voluntary; however, some states require a community health worker certification. Many organizations require a bachelor’s degree and may require on-the-job training, certifications, or an advanced degree.
