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Public and Community Health

Community Health Worker: Certificate Program

Community Health Navigator at Work

Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Work (CHW)

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. CHWs focus on connecting people to resources aimed at ensuring health and reducing the burden of chronic and infectious disease.

August 2025: Program Acceptance Update: 

      • Our program is now full! We are no longer accepting students to our program and the waitlist is closed. Please feel free to fill out the form below to get on our priority registration list for the 2026-2027 school year..




Certificate Program Overview and Requirements

 

Coursework: Four classes total (including internship). You will be required to attend both in-person and online classes

2026-2027 Course Schedule:
  • Fall (Sept-Dec):
    • HLTH 21 (Contemporary Health Concerns): Online asynchronous course
    • HLTH 101 (Intro to CHW): In-person on Saturdays from 10a-1250p (most likely our Sunnyvale campus)

  • Winter (Jan-Mar):
    • CNSL 6 (Exploring Leadership): Online async course
    • ITRN 51 (Internship): In-person internship and online class with 2 live sessions via Zoom, the rest async

 

CHW Program Overview Video

 

  • 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 demonstrate health navigation and care coordination skills when supporting vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the dissemination of culturally competent health education to individuals, groups, and communities
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to assist individuals with applications for social services
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply written, verbal, and active listening communication strategies that are professional, courteous, and culturally competent.

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.

Email us for more info! CHW@fhda.edu

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