HTH 124 - Core Competencies & Health Topics for CHW’s

Credit(s): 6
This course is designed for students who are working toward a Community Health Worker Certificate, or those who desire to complete the Core Competency and health topic training required for state certification. Students will explore the primary roles/responsibilities of Community Health Workers including: linking individuals and families to needed health, public health, and human services, playing important roles in increasing access to health care, and eliminating health disparities among vulnerable and under served communities. Students will also learn about the Core Competencies as established by the Board of Certification of Community Health Workers at the Massachusetts Public Health. Additionally, students will spend time exploring and practicing these ten core competencies and have the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on their own skills, interests and values with regard to a career path as a Community Health Worker. The role of CHWs in prevention, treatment and care will also be examined. Health Topics focus will primarly include: Behavioral health, trauma informed care, substance use, addiction and mental health disorders. Additional health topics may be discussed as they relate to the social determinants of health including: Chronic disease, maternal and child health, among others. Staying positive and preventing vicarious trauma will also be explored. The completion of this course meets the basic 80 hour educational requirement (core competencies and health topics) for the State of Massachusetts’ certification process for Community Health Workers. This course is taken in the first semester of the Community Health Worker Certificate Program.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101, or permission of instructor or department chair

Click here for the Summer 2024 Class Offerings.

Click here for the Fall 2024 Class Offerings.

Click here for the Spring 2025 Class Offerings.