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Public and Community Health

About Our Programs

Public and Community Health

Courses in our Health (HLTH) schedule of classes and course catalog support the study of both public and community health programs.

Degrees & Certificates

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science for Transfer


Certificate of Achievement (CA)

 

Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Work (CHW)

a female community worker in conversation with a man and woman

Join our Fall 2024 Cohort!

Our 15-unit certificate program combines health education and real-world job training to prepare students for a career in community health work in less than a year. 

CHWs can work in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, community based organizations, and health insurance organizations. CHW's focus on connecting people to resources aimed at ensuring health and reducing the burden of chronic and infectious disease.

Certificate Modality

Students who have at least 300 hours of previous experience as a CHW that meet our program objectives of our program can complete their certificate fully online, even those outside of the bay area!

Students new to the CHW field or with experience outside of our objectives will need to reside in the bay area with access to the South Bay or the East Bay to complete their in-person internships that our program will facilitate.

Interested in Joining? Fill out our CHW interest form.

Certificate Requirements

Timeline: Start in September (Fall Quarter) 

Coursework: 3 core classes plus an internship class (15 credits)

Sample Course Schedule:
  • September (Fall Quarter):
    • HLTH 21: Contemporary Health Concerns (online asynchronous)
  • January (Winter Quarter):
    • HLTH 101: Introduction to Community Health Work (live online sessions (Zoom) mid-week from 6-850p, some async work)
  • April (Spring Quarter): 
    • CNSL 6: Exploring Leadership (online asynchronous with live/in-person options if desired)
    • ITRN 51: Internship (online synchronous - live sessions with instructor and in-person 72-hour internship for those new to the field)

Prerequisites: English-language proficiency is required. All classes will be delivered in English. English speaking and writing skills are necessary. If English is your second language. we offer non-credit ESLL courses.

Questions? Email us at CHW@fhda.edu

More about the CHW Certificate Program

What you'll learn

The Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Worker is for people new to the field AND for existing community health workers who are in need of a certificate to comply with new requirements within the field.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will be able to apply informal counseling and motivational interviewing techniques when communicating with individuals, groups, and communities related to patient goals and outcomes

  • Students will be able to accurately disseminate culturally competent health education to individuals, groups, and communities

  • Students will be able to help patients navigate complex government applications for social services

What does a CHW do?

CHWs can work in healthcare spaces as part of a healthcare team helping patients with chronic disease and prevention. CHWs can also provide health education, serve as navigators connecting people to resources, or help people fill out complex government applications.

Is the CHW program the right fit for you?

If you have the following skillsets and interests, the CHW program is a good fit for you!

  • Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-learn, has leadership skills
  • Passionate about helping people, especially those within vulnerable populations
  • Willing to work in person at sites, including clinics and community-based organizations

What is the salary for CHWs?

  • In the SF Bay Area, CHW's earn an average of $20-$28/hr.

CHW Program: Previous Experience?

No previous experience as a CHW

Pathway:

  • Complete internship in Spring in-person
  • Example locations: Community Health Partnership, Second Harvest Food Bank, AACI, Student Health Centers, etc.

Previous experience as a CHW

Pathway:

  • Internship consists of coursework only; no need to complete an in-person internship if you already have 300 hours or more from volunteer or paid CHW experience that match our program objectives.
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Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support

650.949.7643


healthcareerprograms@fhda.edu


Building 5200

Division Office Contacts

HEALTH SCIENCES & HORTICULTURE
Office: Building 5200, Room 5211 
Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean
cheungnancy@fhda.edu
For more information, visit the HSH website.
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