Health Sciences

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are individuals who work primarily in clinic and community settings and who serve as vital links between communities and health services to promote the health of individuals, families, and groups who lack access to adequate health care.

SRJC's Community Health Worker Certificate Program provides training and field experience for individuals who want to become community health outreach workers or to broaden their skills as CHWs. We encourage participation by individuals who understand their community's culture, language, and health beliefs and are interested in assisting their community in assessing health needs and accessing quality health services. This program may be completed in one year (two semesters) with a maximum of three classes each semester.

• Introduction to Community Health Work (CHW 150) can be taken in the summer in 6 weeks.
• Students can begin the program in any semester without formal application to the program.
• Students will be placed in externships in the community (7 1/2 hours per week) in both fall and spring semesters to practice skills learned in other CHW courses.
• Students need to receive a "C" or better in all courses to receive a program certificate.

Career ladders are available for students who want to advance in community health outreach or in related health occupations such as medical assisting, nursing, nutrition specialities, or health education. Advising is also available with the Program Director for opportunities to complete associate degree requirements at SRJC, bachelor's degree requirements in health sciences or health education, and master's degree requirements in public health.