Community Health Worker Certification

Community Health Worker Certification Program: Developing Community Health Workers who excel in coordinating the care of those most at risk for poor health.
PROGRAM DATES
A session has been added to Summer 2023, scheduled for 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from May16-August 31,2023.
HCAN offers programs throughout the year. The following sessions are scheduled Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Spring 2023: January 9 – April 14
- Summer 2023: May 1 – August 11
- Fall 2023: August 28 – December 8
PROGRAM APPLICATION: Online Application – Community Health Worker Certification Program
FEE and TUITION: Application Fee and Tuition Payment
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITY: Optional CPR certificates are available for $45. When applying, indicate whether you plan to participate in this additional training.
How do you become a Certified Community Health Worker?
Health Care Access Now delivers an approved training program and is a leader in developing Community Health Workers in Cincinnati. Our 14 week training programs will give you the skills you need to provide community based Care Coordination to those most at risk for poor health outcomes. View or download the Program Brochure.
Training and Certification
The Community Health Worker Certification Program includes 100 hours of classroom training that addresses the core competencies in health, knowledge of social service resources, communication skills, advocacy, CPR certification, lifespan development and basic community health worker skills. The in-class portion of the program will be held on consecutive Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at our 2602 Victory Parkway location. Full attendance is required for all in-class coursework.
Students must also complete 130 hours of a community-based practicum as required by the Ohio Board of Nursing for state certification. Health Care Access Now assists students to identify and complete the required community-based practicum with local hospitals, health care providers and nonprofit organizations.
Upon completion of the classroom training and community-based practicum, students are qualified to apply to the Ohio Board of Nursing for a certificate to practice as a Certified Community Health Worker.
To become certified in Ohio you must attend an approved training program, submit an online application to Ohio Board of Nursing, and meet all requirements to obtain a certificate.
Requirements
- A resident of Ohio
- $250 non-refundable course application fee
- Completed physical and updated immunization, including TB testing
- A copy of a high school diploma or GED documentation
- A copy of the applicant’s government-issued photo identification to verify 18 years of age
- A 75 percent competency level in each skill evaluation
- Acceptable BCI (civilian) and FBI (federal) criminal records check (not included in the cost of tuition), before participating in the community-based practicum
Program Policy
- See Program Administrator
Fees
Non-refundable application fee of $250. Full program tuition is $3,600 and covers all textbooks, materials and professional networking.
Online Payment of Application Fee and Tuition
Tuition Assistance
If you are currently employed in the health care industry, please check with your employer to see if there is any assistance with some or all of the cost of tuition.
Those who do not receive tuition assistance from their employer may be eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Please contact us at (513) 707-5696 or info@healthcareaccessnow.org to start the WIOA application process. You must also complete the online program application.
Ohioans who meet these criteria may qualify for the WIOA funds:
- Adults over the age of 18, who are eligible to work in the United States of America and, if applicable, registered for Selective Service.
- Dislocated Workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own.
- Youth aged 14-24 with special conditions including low-income, pregnant or a parent.
Scholarships
There are limited scholarships available for the Community Health Worker Certification Program.
Contribute to the HCAN CHW Certification Program Scholarship Fund, here.
Questions?
To learn more about the Community Health Worker Certification Program please contact Health Care Access Now at 513-815-6064 or info@healthcareaccessnow.org.