Learning Experience Reviewed 2015
- Community Health Worker
Credit Recommendation
- Community Health Worker Training (4 credits, lower division level)
Effective Dates
September 2014 through March 2020
Source of Records
Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604
About the Reviewed Program
A Community Health Worker, or CHW, is a front-line worker who serves as a liaison between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve quality and cultural competency of service delivery. CHWs complement clinically-trained health care teams comprised of physicians, physician assistants, and nurses, among others. CHWs carry out a broad range of responsibilities that facilitate access to health care services and that help patients achieve goals in their care plans.
Offered by Housatonic Community College, the purpose of the Community Health Worker program trains participants to effectively function as CHWs. The goals of the program is to develop a cadre of frontline public health workers who have demonstrated skills for facilitating access to health services and proving information resources within communities. These workers also help individuals, families, and groups access essential resources, including health insurance, food, housing, and quality care.
The program consists of 120 hours of lecture, in addition to an optional internship experience. The program prepares students to perform a wide range of activities to increase the community’s health knowledge and self-sufficiency, including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. Students also learn how to conduct home visits to the homes of chronically ill patients, pregnant women and nursing mothers, individuals at high risk of health problems, and the elderly.
How to Apply for the Credit
About the Review
This review was funded by the Connecticut Health & Life Sciences Career Initiative (HLSCI), a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor. HLSCI is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.