Community Health Worker Training Program

Community Health Workers* (CHWs) provide an important link to improve the health and well-being of their own neighborhoods. As members of the communities they serve, CHWs are frontline public health workers and assist in improving quality of care and breaking down cultural barriers to treatment.

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CHW responsibilities may include:

• Serving as a go-between for community members and health/social service agencies
• Helping people access food, shelter and medical care
• Helping community members understand their health conditions and develop ways to improve health and well-being
• Providing basic health services such as monitoring blood pressure or providing first aid
• Making home visits to check on people who are chronically ill, pregnant or elderly (or who have other specific health conditions)
• Helping people sign up for health insurance
• Arranging transportation for medical appointments

The Ohio State University College of Nursing can train you to take your place as a vital member of the health and wellness family. Classes prepare you for certification by the Ohio Board of Nursing as a Community Health Worker.

Community Health Workers bridge the gap between people in need of care and care providers – and, as members of the community they serve, they help build trust and open lines of communication.

For more information, please contact Katie Larabee, larabee.9@osu.edu.

Program Schedule

October 2019 - September 2020

Classes meet on Monday and Wednesday (5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Fall Session

Start Date: November 4, 2019
End Date: February 8, 2020

classes will not be held on 11/25/19, 11/27/19, 11/30/19, 12/23/19 – 1/2/20, and 1/20/20

Graduation Ceremony: February 13, 2020

Spring Session

Start Date: February 24, 2020
End Date: May 11, 2020

classes will not be held on 4/13/19

Graduation Ceremony: May 21, 2020

Summer Session

Start Date: June 6, 2020
End Date: August 22, 2020

classes will not be held on 7/4/20

Graduation Ceremony: August 27, 2020

Admission criteria

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a desire to serve others.

Full tuition assistance is available for students who have:

• Income at or below 200% poverty and/or Receive FCDJFS Benefits (Food Assistance, Medicaid, Child care, Ohio Works First)
• Have a minor living in your household (non-custodial parent of a child residing in Ohio who is younger than 18 or 18 years of age if still in high school is included)

*A Community Health Worker may go by other titles, including: Community Health Representative, Community Health Advisor, Health Coach, Family Advocate, Health Educator, Liaison, Outreach Worker, Patient Navigator, Public Health Aide, Patient Care Coordinator, Promotores de Salud