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Public and Community Health

About Our Programs

Public and Community Health

Courses in our Health (HLTH) schedule of classes and course catalog support the study of both public and community health programs.

Degrees & Certificates

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science for Transfer

 

New! Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Work (CHW)

a female community worker in conversation with a man and woman

Join the Fall 2023 cohort!

 

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. Funding may be available for students who qualify!

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

click here to join our program

Watch Our CHW Program Video

REQUIREMENTS

 

Timeline: Choose to start in September or January, finishing in June.

Coursework: 3 classes plus an internship (15 credits)

Choose Hybrid or Online:
  • Option 1: Hybrid (some classes in-person, some asynchronous online)
  • Option 2: Fully Online (some classes asynchronous, some on live on Zoom)
      • Both options require an internship to be completed

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 apply informal counseling and motivational interviewing techniques when communicating with individuals, groups, and communities related to patient goals and outcomes

  • Students will be able to accurately disseminate culturally competent health education to individuals, groups, and communities

  • Students will be able to help patients navigate complex government applications for social services

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: Hybrid, 3 quarters

Fall 2023:

  • HLTH 21: Fully online only for Fall

Winter 2024:

  • HLTH 101: In-person Saturdays from 10a-1p with some online coursework

Spring 2024:

  • CNSL 6: Fully online
  • ITRN 51: Hybrid:
    • In-person internship within your local community
    • Two short live meetings, both fully online

Schedule 2: Hybrid, 2 quarters

Winter 2024:

  • HLTH 21: Offered both in-person or fully online (your choice)
  • HLTH 101: In-person Saturdays from 10a-1p with some online components

Spring 2024:

  • CNSL 6: Fully online
  • ITRN 51: Hybrid:
    • In-person internship within your local community
    • Note: ITRN 51 has two short live meetings-  fully online

Schedule 3: Fully online, 3 quarters

Fall 2023:

  • HLTH 21: Fully online (no live sessions)

Winter 2024:

  • HLTH 101: Fully online with live sessions. Will occur during the weekday evenings 1-2x/week)

Spring 2024:

  • CNSL 6: Fully online (no live sessions)
  • ITRN 51: Hybrid:
    • In-person internship within your local community
    • Two short live meetings, both fully online

Schedule 4: Fully online, 2 quarters

Winter 2024:

  • HLTH 21: Fully online (no live sessions)
  • HLTH 101: Fully online with live sessions. Will occur during the weekday evenings 1-2x/week)

Spring 2024:

  • CNSL 6: Fully online
  • ITRN 51: Hybrid:
    • In-person internship within your local community
    • Two short live meetings, both fully online
APPLY for Admission
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Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support

650.949.7643


healthcareerprograms@fhda.edu


Building 5200

Division Office Contacts

HEALTH SCIENCES & HORTICULTURE
Office: Building 5200, Room 5211 
Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean
cheungnancy@fhda.edu
For more information, visit the HSH website.

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