Community Health Worker Training

What is a Community Health Worker?

Frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served. In Oregon, CHWs are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. 

CHWs work in health departments, medical clinics, community organizations & social service agencies.

What you will learn: 

• How to provide effective patient education: relationship building, behavior change, trauma informed care & group facilitation
• Community advocacy: community needs assessments & community organizing
• Case Management - assist patients with accessing community resources and navigating the health care system
• How to manage home visits
• Public health essential knowledge: social determinants of health, disease prevention, health across the lifespan, cultural competency & recovery, resilience and wellness models

 

 

Course Offered Spring & Fall Terms in a Hybrid Format:

• 10-week class
• Weekly online content delivered virtually (no specific class times)
• In-person classes held six Friday afternoons during the term on a COCC campus (campus location varies by term).
• See COCC Class Schedule for specific course details (search under "Health & Human Performance").

Course Requirements:

• Attendance for in-person classes is required for successful completion of the course
• No academic pre-requisites
• High school diploma or GED not required
• Must have reliable access to internet & computer (computer labs available on all COCC campuses)

If you have any questions regarding the class, please contact Sarah Baron at sbaron@cocc.edu

To register for the course:

COCC degree-seeking students: Complete COCC admissions steps and register for the class.

Non-COCC degree-seeking students:

• Complete Steps 1 & 2 of COCC’s online Non-Degree Seeking Student application:
  • Step 1: Complete online application and pay one-time $25 application fee
  • Step 2: Activate COCC account
• Email welcome@cocc.edu or call Admissions at 541-383-7500 starting May 30th, 2022 to register for the fall term course.

Oregon Health Authority Community Health Worker Certification requirements:

• Completion of OHA-approved COCC CHW course
• Must be 18 years old 
• Criminal background check required
• Government issued identification required (state IDs, Driver License, or passport) 
• Certification valid for 3 years. 20 hours of continuing education is required to renew.

Tuition & Scholarships

In-District Tuition: Approximately $755 (no cost for textbook or certification)

Tuition Scholarship Available for Fall Term course:

Information coming soon.  Please check back.