Community Health Worker
Program Overview
Do you want to make a difference in the community?
What is a CHW?
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is defined by the American Public Health Association as “a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker 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 competence of service delivery.”
Work Environment
Community Health Workers work collaboratively with patients to help them access essential community resources and resolve challenges they may face in the community. They may work in various settings like community health centers, non-profit organizations, public health clinics, private clinics, public housing organizations, hospitals, client’s homes, faith-based organizations, employer or sponsoring agencies, and etc.
Job Titles
Community Health Workers have many titles, depending on where they work, who they work for and what they do. In Ohio, CHWs are known by many titles which include but are not limited to:
- Community Health Worker
- Community Care Coordinator (Connector)
- Community Health Advisor (Advocate, Educator, Promoter)
- Community Resource Navigation Specialist
- Community Health Representative
- Community Integrator (Navigator)
- Health Coach (Navigator)
- Home Visitor
- Lifestyle Change Worker
- Maternal/Infant Health Outreach Specialist
- Neighborhood Health Advisor
- Outreach Worker/Specialist
- Patient Navigator
- Peer Counselor/Educator
Career Outlook
- The overall job outlook for Community Health Workers is positive with continued growth.
- The U.S. pay range for a Community Health Worker is $37,930 - $78,560 with Median Wages (2024) of $24.54 hourly, and $51,030 as the average annually (Source: National Center for O*NET Development. Ohio Wages: 21-1094.00 - Community Health Workers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved January 13, 2026, from onetonline.org).
Requirements for Enrollment
To enroll in the Community Health Worker program, applicants must:
- Be 17 years of age
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of submitting an application to the Ohio Board of Nursing for certification
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate at the time of submitting application to the Ohio Board of Nursing for certification
- Be able to successfully pass a background check
Certification Requirements
In order to obtain certification, students must complete 106 hours of classroom training, 130 hours of clinical/field service work, successfully pass a background check and complete an online Ohio Board of Nursing application ($35 fee). The background check fee and application fee is not included in program cost. The classroom training may be offered during the day, in the evenings or even on the weekends. Clinicals/field service work are available during the day mostly and limited availability in the evenings and weekends.
Target Audience
This program is designed for individuals who want to educate people about health care services and help reduce barriers to care in their communities. Community Health Workers work directly with individuals and families to connect them to resources and support.
Certification can help you start a new career or advance in your current role. Register for the next Community Health Worker class at Tri-C.
Refund Policy
- A 100% refund is given if a completed withdrawal request is received before the class begins for open enrollment courses provided that you have not opened an account with our background check vendor, American Databank - Complio. In the event that you have opened an American Databank - Complio account, and request a withdrawal from the class before the first day of class, then only a 90% refund is given.
- No refund is given after the class begins.
- No refund is provided if a student registers for a class and does not show.
- No refund is available for students who withdraw from the course after class has begun.
Identification Requirements:
- At the time of registration, a student must have a valid social security card that is either an original or a replacement issued by the Social Security Administration. This meets background check guidelines.
- A student must also have a U.S. Government issued, photo-bearing, signed, and non-expired identification card as required for certification.
Important Program Note
Attendance is mandatory for all program hours. Ohio Board of Nursing regulations require that any student who misses classroom hours must complete hour-for-hour make-up sessions for the specific content missed. This is mandatory in order to achieve successful completion of the program.
Certification
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Spotlight:
Learn more about CHW:
Career Outlook
See which states this program meets licensure/certification requirements.