Term Effective: Fall 2016

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Community Health Worker Certificate of Achievement program combines interactive course work and practical community experience to develop health outreach professionals as members of health care teams. These teams provide appropriate, practical services to medically under-served and high-risk populations, working with individuals, families, and communities through Health and Human Services programs, community health clinics and other health agencies and organizations.

Students will experience a variety of community health outreach strategies and techniques, including examining common disease and health problems, motivating health behavior change, preventing disease and injury, identifying and using community health resources, working with a health team, respecting cultural diversity, translating and interpreting (medical, cultural, linguistic), building trust and networks within communities, and improving client access to medical care.

Research in the Bay Area and in other areas of the United States is pointing toward a great potential for community health workers to play an expanded role in the U.S. health care system. In Sonoma County there are numerous community health workers with varying job titles and job descriptions who have had differing agency training. There is a demonstrated need for standardization of training. Students in the Santa Rosa Junior College Community Health Worker program will include both currently working Community Health Workers and individuals wishing to become Community Health Workers.

This program of study is also available as an Associate Degree major option. Click here for more information about the program, or contact the Health Sciences Department.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a variety of community health outreach strategies and techniques, that include examining common disease and health problems, motivating health behavior changes, preventing disease and injury, identifying and using community health resources, respecting cultural diversity, translating and interpreting (cultural, linguistic, and/or medical), establishing networks within communities, and improving client access to medical care; and
2. work effectively as a member of a health care team, implement effective case management, communication, interpersonal and professional skills.

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Students interested in a suggested order for taking classes in this program, please view the recommended course sequence.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.