Build Healthier Communities Through Connection
Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted members of the communities they serve. You’ll help people adopt healthy behaviors, connect with services, and improve their overall well-being.
You’ll learn to:
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Provide outreach and health education in the community
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Support individuals in accessing care and social services
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Offer informal counseling and social support
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Advocate for community health needs
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Collect data to help identify and address health trends
CHWs play a vital role in bridging gaps between patients and healthcare or social service organizations, improving both access and outcomes.
Training Options
ALHS 110: Community Healthcare Worker
Duration: 16 Weeks
Credits: 0
Lec 0 Lab 0 Practicum 0
Cost: $1595
Short-Term Course Credits: 0 Community Healthcare Workers explain how lifestyle changes can reduce the probability of contracting illnesses such as lung cancer, HIV, heart disease, and skin cancer. Health educators and community health workers also help people understand how to manage their condition and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Prerequisite(s): Instructor Consent.
Course Details and Requirements
Certifications: Community Healthcare Worker
This 16-week, non-credit program combines 100 classroom hours with 40-60 service-learning hours. If you are currently employed as a CHW, you only need to complete 40 hours. Classroom instruction covers topics that include 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.
Students will also present a final presentation on a topic that would benefit fellow students and their clients. Upon completion of 100 hours of class attendance, 40-60 service-learning hours and final presentation, students will receive a certificate of completion from the college. At this time, students will also be able to receive their credentials from the Missouri Board of Credentialing.
This class is hybrid format – synchronous and asynchronous class hours. Synchronous class will be either attending class on campus or by remote using Microsoft Teams. Additional information can be accessed when enrolling in this class. The Asynchronous portion will be online only for that week.
Allied Health FAQs
Submit the Ozarks Tech Application to get started.
You will also be required to complete a background check and submit documentation of immunizations.
All applicants accepted into a Health Sciences program will have a criminal background check performed. This is necessary because of our affiliations with numerous clinical education sites. This will be done through a contracted agency. At the present time, if the program you are planning to enter requires licensure or certification by a national or state organization, it will be the decision of that agency as to your qualifications to apply for licensure or certification. Your acceptance into an OTC Health Sciences program or the completion of the program does not guarantee the eligibility to apply for licensure or certification. Students with a felony or a significant criminal history may not be able to participate in clinical experiences at some of our sites and may not be able to apply for a license to
practice.
For more information, check the Health Sciences admissions requirements page.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are not a current student, you will need to apply prior to registering for courses.