FAQs about the Community Health Worker Certificate Program
FAQs about the Community Health Worker Certificate Program:
A conversation with Jeanette Little, DNP, RN, Community Health Worker Certificate Program Director:
Have you ever thought about becoming a Community Health Worker (CHW)? It could be a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in your community. I’d love to share more with you and help answer any questions you might have.
In my work as a patient and family advocacy nurse, I’ve had the privilege of supporting child development and helping reduce the risk of child and spouse maltreatment. These experiences have been incredibly meaningful, allowing me to connect deeply with individuals and families while advocating for the communities I’ve served. What I’ve learned is that everyone has a unique story, and understanding their individual needs is the key to making a real impact.
This perspective inspired me to look for more ways to connect families and individuals with the resources they need to thrive.
Now, I’m excited to share that knowledge to empower Community Health Workers (CHWs)—caring, compassionate people like you who want to build meaningful relationships and help others live healthier, better lives.
If this feels like a path you’d like to explore, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you begin your journey. Let’s make a difference together.
This program might spark a few questions for you, such as:
- What new skills and knowledge will I gain to make a difference in my community?
- How can I balance my current responsibilities and busy schedule with school?
- What opportunities will be available to me once I complete the program?
- How will this program support me in reaching my goals and setting me up for success?
Let’s explore these questions together and find the answers that make sense for you and your journey!
If you have the drive to break down barriers that many of us face, this is the best first step to help you answer these questions for yourself. Please read the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make an informed decision.
Who can be a Community Health Worker (CHW)?
If you’re at least 18 years old with a high school degree or GED, you are eligible to be a part of this program. Whether you’re an environmental services worker, stay-at-home parent, food service employee, warehouse worker, or are in between jobs, what matters is your desire to help. You don’t need a background in healthcare or a college degree. As a CHW, you are giving back to the community that you may have come from. You are investing in the livelihood of the clients you serve through relationships and advocacy.
What will I be able to do as a CHW?
A certified CHW is part educator, part social worker, and part nursing assistant. A CHW can take on a variety of job titles such as:
- Community Care Coordinator (Connector)
- Community Health Advisor (Advocate, Educator, Promoter)
- Community Resource Navigation Specialist
- Community Health Representative
- Community Integrator (Navigator)
- Health Coach (Navigator)
- Home Visitor
- Lifestyle Change Worker
- Maternal/Infant Health Outreach Specialist
- Neighborhood Health Advisor
- Outreach Worker/Specialist
- Patient Navigator
- Peer Counselor/Educator
As you can see, your certification has the potential to expose you to more employment possibilities, depending on the community’s needs.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
There will be no cost for the students associated with this program! This program is funded by a grant from The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant provides full tuition for students in each cohort as well as funding for some wrap-around services to alleviate barriers such as transportation or childcare. We want each student to be successful in all aspects of their lives!
What is the Schedule and Timeline of Classes?
I am purposefully scheduling classes on weekdays during the evening, so working adults and individuals who care for children can be a part of this program! Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The certificate can be completed in 14 weeks during the course of each semester at Kettering College. The certification program consists of about 100 hours of classroom learning and 130 hours of practicum experience. Students must complete the required hours to be eligible for certification by the Ohio Board of Nursing after successful completion of the course.
Where are the Classes Held?
In-person classes will be held at the Victor J Cassano Health Center, for easy accessibility and unique connection to the heart of Dayton.
Each practicum (hands-on) experience will be completed at a local community partner site. Kettering College assists students to identify and complete the required community-based practicum with local hospitals, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations. Some of those partners include:
Good Neighbor House
YWCA Dayton
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley
St. Mary Development Corp
Kettering Health
Dayton Children’s
Ebenezer Healthcare Access
St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter
Rocking Horse Community Health Center
Practicum may be held during normal business hours and is coordinated by each site. Students may not miss class for the practicum experience.
What Will I be Learning in the CHW Training Program?
You’ll learn basic health knowledge for all age groups, how to obtain vital signs, and professional skills such as how to do a home visit and communicate with a provider. In short, you’ll learn basic health knowledge and communication skills to best advocate for the clients you’ll see. Better health for underserved communities is the goal, and part of this for a CHW means educating clients and assisting them to access resources to first get their basic human needs met.
What are the Admission Criteria?
Applicants qualified for admission must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Be a United States Citizen or possess a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States (per the NOFO)
- Demonstrate commitment to improving access for underserved communities- Applicants currently living in West Dayton/Trotwood will be considered with the highest priority.
Students accepted into the program must maintain all admission requirements from the time of acceptance until their program start date.
How will you Help me Succeed?
The Office of Student Success will assign an academic coach to each student to provide support throughout the semester, including writing assistance and tutoring services. The director of Career Services will assist with workforce readiness such as resume building and mock interviews. They will work closely with CHW Program leadership to host a job fair and assist students with job placement.
A large part of the grant funding is specific to providing support to participants in the form of wraparound services including transportation and childcare. Students will also receive a laptop to use during the program.
Our aim is to alleviate barriers and allow the whole person to succeed.
What are the Next Steps?
Apply Now! If you have more questions, please email us at CHW@kc.edu
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore this FAQ page and for your interest in Kettering College’s CHW Program. It means so much to me that you’re considering this opportunity. I truly hope you’ll take the next step and join us on this journey.
I can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll have on your community—changing lives and uplifting the city and its residents. And just as importantly, I know this experience will bring about meaningful growth and transformation in you as well.
Together, we can make a lasting difference. I hope to welcome you to the program soon!
Sincerely,
Jeanette Little, DNP, RN