Community Health Worker

CERT - Occupational Certificate


This program is designed to provide students with the essential skills to become a community health worker, also known as a Promotora/o. The curriculum focuses on integration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual while providing the philosophical foundation and technical skills required. Students will learn to build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self sufficiency through outreach, education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. Students are prepared for frontline community health work serving as liaisons between health/social services and the community.

Program Purpose


Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge of professional skills required for community health advocacy (promotores) and (2) appropriate application of skills (3) competency in communication, critical thinking, ethical decision making, and a comprehensive skill base with a foundation of the sciences (4) fundamental concepts for working effectively in the health care environment.

Learning Outcomes


Describe and demonstrate effective group level or team work.

  • Analyze and discuss and the root causes and consequences of health disparities on local, national and global communities.
  • Research (including online research) and evaluate the quality and accuracy of health information and culturally relevant resources and services.
  • Discuss and integrate healthy professional skills including ethics, scope of practice, professional boundaries, cultural humility, conflict resolution skills and self care practices.
  • Conduct an initial interview or assessment with a client, applying a strength-based approach to assess needs, resources, priorities and proposed actions.
  • Interpret and provide non-clinical health advising on various health topics, from a client-centered perspective.
  • Demonstrate client-centered counseling drawing upon active listening skills and motivational interviewing concepts and skills.
  • Prepare, implement and document a client-centered service coordination/case management/action plan including the provision of culturally appropriate referrals.
  • Create and facilitate a group health education training or presentation using popular education theory and methods.
  • Construct a professional resume and portfolio showcasing employability competencies and professionalism and apply job interviewing skills as part of job readiness.

Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program.  For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes. 

To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  Rev. 10/2022

First Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
CHW 106  Healthy Living     3 Major Requirement
CHW 110 Community Health Worker Fundamentals 1 4 Major Requirement
CHW 120 Preparation for Field Experience 3 Major Requirement
    10  

Second Semester: Spring

Course Course Title Credits Area
CHW 210 Community Health Worker Fundamentals 2 3 Major Requirement
CHW 220 Field Experience 3 Major Requirement
CHW 230 Health Services 4 Major Requirement
    10  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.

Additional Information


Check the Community Health Worker program page for additional information about this certificate.