Public Health

The Community Health Worker Certificate (CHW) provides an entry-level training program for anyone interested in beginning a career in healthcare. This program streamlines education and opens a career pathway for new Community Health Workers and other lay community members seeking to become Community Health Workers. The program focuses on community-clinical linkages which are programs or activities that connect clinical services and community programs or social services. Participants in this program will understand how to connect communities-in-need to assistance and services available in their county.

Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of the community with a close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competency of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

Courses

PH 823.1 Role of a Community Health Workers (CHW)

The 40-hour course will teach the skills necessary for trainees to receive the UC Merced PACE and California state-issued CHW/P/R Certificates. Participants will understand and demonstrate the roles, scope of practice, skills and qualities of Community Health Workers as defined in the Community Health Worker Core Consensus Project (C3) model curriculum. Functions that CHWs serve in communities and the health care system will be explained. This course includes 5 hours of field work (paid or volunteer). This course will dive into the role of Community Health Workers and the skills required to be effective.

PH 823.2 Community Health Worker Skills & Competencies

This comprehensive training program is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to serve as effective community health workers (CHWs). Participants will engage in a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and real-world applications to prepare them for the diverse responsibilities of a CHW role. The course covers a wide range of topics including public health principles, health education, advocacy, cultural competence, and communication skills. Through interactive sessions and experiential learning opportunities, participants will develop the competencies needed to promote health equity, empower communities, and facilitate access to healthcare services.

PH 823.3 Health Education in Community Health Setting

This online course focuses on the principles and practices of health education in the context of community health work. Topics include health promotion strategies, effective communication skills, cultural competence, and program planning and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health.

PH 814.1 Medical Terminology (Non-Credit)

This course will cover medical vocabulary with a concentration on prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Word dissection and definitions will be highlighted as applied to the body system, including the terminology used in examinations, diagnoses, and procedures.