HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is expanding Pennsylvanians’ access to healthcare education with the launch of a fully online, 120-hour Community Health Worker (CHW) Program.
The CHW program is accredited through the Pennsylvania Certification Board, according to a press release.
Vic Rodgers, vice president of workforce development, said, “Currently, there are over 400 job openings in Pennsylvania for community health workers. HACC has designed an educational program that satisfies Pennsylvania Certification Board requirements and meets a need in the community.”
HACC’s program includes lecture and clinical opportunities and covers six major areas: health care, social services, communication skills, health education, and individual and community advocacy.
Upon completion of the program, individuals may apply for professional certification as a CHW, the release said.
Community health workers contribute to improved health outcomes in their communities and may hold titles such as outreach worker, patient navigator or peer health educator.
Classes will begin Feb. 9.
For additional information about the program and how to enroll, visit HACC’s website.