Community Health Workers (CHWs) work with individuals and groups to promote health knowledge and self-sufficiency through outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. This Certificate of Achievement prepares students for an entry-level position as Community Health Worker (level 1). Other position titles include: Promotore • Patient Navigator • Patient Advocate • Health Navigator • Health Ambassador • Lifestyle Coach • Community Advocate and others.
The Monterey County Workforce Development Board has identified Community Healthcare Workers as an "in demand" occupation for health care employers in Monterey County. This program is embedded in the existing Medical Assistant program. Students who have earned the existing Medical Assistant Certificate only need one additional course to earn the Community Healthcare Worker COA The program anticipates 10-15 students will earn this certificate each year.
The goal/objective for the proposed MPC Community Health Worker Certificate of Achievement is to assist in meeting a critical workforce need identified by Prevention First Monterey, the Workforce Development Board and the Public Health Department. Prevention First completed a survey of 20 health organizations in the region, the results of which showed: 9 Organizations (45%) report utilizing CHWs/Promotores to deliver services 5 Organizations (25%) report having a strategic plan to increase the capacity of CHWs (as a part of their DSME program). CHW position titles include: Promotores • Patient Navigator • Patient Advocate • Health Navigator • Health Ambassador • Lifestyle Coach • Community Advocate and others. The addition of this program gives allied health students more options for employment and career paths. It may also attract students from the fields of Human Services and Communication. Ultimately, the expectation is that this program will help fill the need begin experienced in the region.
HLTH 4 Healthy Living 3 First Fall HUMS 53 Counseling Techniques for the Paraprofessional 3 First Fall MEDA 100 Introduction to Health Careers 1 First Fall MEDA 250 Community Health Worker Level 1 3 First Spring
SPCH 4 Intercultural Communication 3 First Spring
MEDA 251 Community Health Worker Externship 2 Summer
Total Units 15
Courses should be taken in the sequence listed above. MEDA 251 Community Health Worker Externship is taken after other courses have been completed.
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