Community Health Worker
Save
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of communities. They work with individuals, families, and communities to address health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and connect people to needed resources.
What CHWs Do
CHWs typically work in underserved communities and focus on addressing the social determinants of health, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and poor housing. They provide a variety of services, including:
- Health education and counseling
- Disease screening and prevention
- Case management and care coordination
- Advocacy and community organizing
CHWs often work with specific populations, such as low-income families, people with chronic diseases, or those who are uninsured. They may also specialize in a particular area of health, such as maternal and child health or mental health.
Education and Training
CHWs typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive specialized training in community health. This training may be offered through community colleges, universities, or non-profit organizations. Some states require CHWs to be certified or licensed.
Read more
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of communities. They work with individuals, families, and communities to address health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and connect people to needed resources.
What CHWs Do
CHWs typically work in underserved communities and focus on addressing the social determinants of health, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and poor housing. They provide a variety of services, including:
- Health education and counseling
- Disease screening and prevention
- Case management and care coordination
- Advocacy and community organizing
CHWs often work with specific populations, such as low-income families, people with chronic diseases, or those who are uninsured. They may also specialize in a particular area of health, such as maternal and child health or mental health.
Education and Training
CHWs typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive specialized training in community health. This training may be offered through community colleges, universities, or non-profit organizations. Some states require CHWs to be certified or licensed.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of communities. They work with individuals, families, and communities to address health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and connect people to needed resources.
What CHWs Do
CHWs typically work in underserved communities and focus on addressing the social determinants of health, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and poor housing. They provide a variety of services, including:
- Health education and counseling
- Disease screening and prevention
- Case management and care coordination
- Advocacy and community organizing
CHWs often work with specific populations, such as low-income families, people with chronic diseases, or those who are uninsured. They may also specialize in a particular area of health, such as maternal and child health or mental health.
Education and Training
CHWs typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and receive specialized training in community health. This training may be offered through community colleges, universities, or non-profit organizations. Some states require CHWs to be certified or licensed.
Online courses can be a great way to prepare for a career as a CHW. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work with diverse populations, address health disparities, and promote healthy behaviors. Online courses can also help you develop the leadership and communication skills that are essential for CHWs.
Career Prospects
The demand for CHWs is expected to grow in the coming years as the healthcare system focuses on improving population health and reducing health disparities. CHWs are employed by a variety of organizations, including community health centers, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. They may also work independently as private contractors.
Skills and Personal Qualities
CHWs need to have a strong understanding of public health principles and practices. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for CHWs include:
- Cultural sensitivity
- Communication skills
- Advocacy skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Empathy
CHWs who are passionate about improving the health of their communities and who are committed to working with diverse populations will find this career rewarding and fulfilling.
Day-to-Day Work
The day-to-day work of a CHW can vary depending on their specific role and the organization they work for. However, some common tasks include:
- Providing health education and counseling
- Conducting health screenings
- Managing caseloads
- Advocating for policies that improve health
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
Challenges
CHWs often face challenges in their work. These challenges can include:
- Working with underserved populations who may have complex health needs
- Dealing with limited resources
- Burnout
- Lack of recognition and respect
Personal Growth
CHWs have the opportunity for significant personal growth in their careers. They can develop their leadership skills, learn new skills, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
Online Courses for CHWs
Online courses can be a great way to prepare for a career as a CHW or to enhance your skills if you are already working in this field. Many online courses are available, including courses on:
- Public health
- Community health
- Health education
- Cultural sensitivity
- Advocacy
Online courses can provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. They can also be a cost-effective way to get the training you need.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to advance your skills, online courses can help you prepare for a successful career as a CHW.
Is an Online Course Enough?
While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough on their own to prepare you for a career as a CHW. You will also need to gain practical experience working with communities. This can be done through internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment.
If you are interested in a career as a CHW, I encourage you to explore the many online courses that are available. These courses can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the lives of others.
Salaries for Community Health Worker
City
25th Percentile
50th Percentile
75th Percentile
Median
New York
$55,000
San Francisco
$89,000
Seattle
$85,000
See all salaries
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.
Path to Community Health Worker
Reading list
Save
Save
Save
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
