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Public and Community Health

Community Health Worker: Certificate Program

Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Work (CHW)

Our 15-unit certificate program combines health education and real-world job training to prepare students for a career in community health work in less than a year.

CHWs can work in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, community based organizations, and health insurance organizations. CHWs focus on connecting people to resources aimed at ensuring health and reducing the burden of chronic and infectious disease.

Interested in our CHW program?

Fill out our program form!

Certificate Program Overview and Requirements

Format: Online classes, some meet live. In-person internship.

Coursework: 3 classes plus an internship (15 credits)

Choose Fall or Winter Start:

Students can choose to start in Fall (Sept) and finish in Spring (June) OR start in Winter (Jan) and finish in Spring (June).
Students with previous CHW experience may choose to start in Fall (Sept) and finish in Winter (Mar) OR complete their whole certificate in Winter (Jan-June). Only recommended if the person has time to take four classes at once.

Prerequisites: English-language proficiency is required. All classes will be delivered in English. English speaking and writing skills are necessary. If English is your second language, we offer non-credit ESLL courses.

Questions? Email us at CHW@fhda.edu

More About the CHW Certificate Program

What you'll learn

The Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Worker is for people new to the field AND for existing community health workers who are in need of a certificate to comply with new requirements within the field.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate health navigation and care coordination skills when supporting vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities
Students will be able to demonstrate the dissemination of culturally competent health education to individuals, groups, and communities
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to assist individuals with applications for social services
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply written, verbal, and active listening communication strategies that are professional, courteous, and culturally competent.

What does a CHW do?

CHWs can work in healthcare spaces as part of a healthcare team helping patients with chronic disease and prevention. CHWs can also provide health education, serve as navigators connecting people to resources, or help people fill out complex government applications.

Is the CHW program the right fit for you?

If you have the following skillsets and interests, the CHW program is a good fit for you!

Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-learn, has leadership skills
Passionate about helping people, especially those within vulnerable populations
Willing to work in person at sites, including clinics and community-based organizations

What is the salary for CHWs?

In the SF Bay Area, CHW's earn an average of $20-$28/hr.

CHW Program: Choose your Schedule

Schedule 1: Fall Start, 3 quarters

Fall 2025:

HLTH 21: Contemporary Health Concerns: Fully online only for Fall
CNSL 6: Exploring Leadership: Fully online

Winter 2026:

HLTH 101: Intro to Community Health Work: Online with live Zoom sessions Jan-Mar, Weds from 6-850p and online homework

Spring 2026:

ITRN 51: Internship:
- 72-hour In-person internship within your local community from April through June (7 hrs/week)
- Two short live meetings, both fully online

Schedule 2: Winter Start, 2 quarters

Winter 2026:

HLTH 21: Contemporary Health Concerns: Fully online or in-person (your choice)
HLTH 101: Intro to Community Health Work: Online with live Zoom sessions Jan-Mar, Weds from 6-850p and online homework

Spring 2026:

CNSL 6: Exploring Leadership: Fully online
ITRN 51: Internship:
- 72-hour In-person internship within your local community from April through June (7 hrs/week)
- Two short live meetings, both fully online

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