Community Health Worker
Bridge healthcare systems and underserved communities by connecting patients to services and addressing social determinants of health.
| Median Salary | $50,250 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +14%Excellent |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 6 weeks to 2 years |
Work Settings
- •Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- •Hospitals
- •Public health departments
- •Nonprofit community organizations
- •Home visiting programs
- •Local government agencies
- •Religious and civic organizations
- •Ambulatory healthcare services
Primary Duties
- •Screen patients for social determinants of health including housing, food security, transportation, and financial needs
- •Connect individuals to community resources and navigate application processes for social services
- •Conduct home visits and hospital visits to support care transitions and prevent readmissions
- •Provide health education to individuals and groups on wellness, chronic disease management, and preventive care
- •Document all patient interactions, assessments, and referrals in Electronic Health Record systems
- •Coordinate care with interdisciplinary teams including nurses, social workers, and physicians
- •Perform outreach to patients with upcoming appointments and follow up on missed visits
- •Advocate for patients within healthcare systems and help them understand their care plans and treatment options
How to Become Community Health Worker
Complete prerequisite education
High school diploma or GED required. Some choose to pursue associate's or bachelor's degrees for better advancement opportunities.
Duration: 48 months
Complete CHW training program
Choose from short-term certificate (6 weeks-6 months), academic certificate (1 year), or associate's degree (2 years). Programs cover core competencies and include practicum hours.
Duration: 24 months
Complete practicum/field experience
Supervised hands-on experience in real-world settings, often integrated into training programs. Learn EHR documentation and work with actual patients.
Duration: 24 months
Fulfill pre-employment requirements
Complete background checks, TB test, immunizations, and obtain CPR/First Aid certification. May need driver's license and insurance.
Duration: 24 months
Apply for state certification
If your state offers certification, submit application with proof of training and/or experience. Processing times vary by state.
Duration: 2 months
Begin working as CHW
Start in entry-level position with extensive onboarding. Expect 30/60/90-day reviews and ongoing training on employer-specific systems and protocols.
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
Continuing education requirements vary by state certification program. Many states require CHWs to complete ongoing professional development hours to maintain their certification, typically ranging from 10-20 hours annually. Professional development can include workshops on cultural competency, new healthcare technologies, specialized health topics, or advanced care coordination techniques. Staying current with changes in healthcare policy, Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement rules, and community resources is essential for career growth.
Certifications & Licenses
- •State CHW Certification (required in some states, voluntary in others)
- •CPR/First Aid Certification
- •HIPAA Training Certification
- •Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) - for behavioral health specialization
- •Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
- •Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) - for chronic disease specialization
- •International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - for maternal/child health
Citations
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Community Health Workers ↗
- National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) ↗
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) - CHW Resources ↗
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Community Health Workers ↗
- Health Resources and Services Administration - CHW Training Program ↗
- U.S. Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeships ↗
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