Panoramic view of Our Lady of Victory Chapel and Coeur de Catherine on the campus of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Community Health Worker

College for Adults | Henrietta Schmoll School of Health

Are you passionate about helping others access the healthcare services they need? In only nine months, you can complete an online community health worker certificate through St. Kate's, gaining insight and experience in helping diverse cultures navigate the healthcare system. You’ll become an advocate for justice and bridge gaps between communities and the services they need.

Classes meet: Online

Time to completion: 9 months

Credits required: 17

Cost per credit (2023–2024): $500

Start: Fall or Spring

Most College for Adults students receive some form of financial aid.

Explore the courses

Bridge the Gap Between Cultures and Healthcare Systems

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are members of a distinct community who work and build trust at the grassroots level. You’ll learn how to most effectively bridge the gap between cultures and healthcare systems.

As a CHW, you’ll help diverse populations navigate the system and community services.

In addition to learning about the role of the CHW and how they connect community members to resources, students in the program gain skills in health communication, cultural competency,  health education and promotion, and emergency response and preparedness. Classroom discussions address current legal and ethical issues and students get real world experience working directly with community members through service learning and a practicum experience with a community partner. 

The stand-alone community health worker certificate is only available in the College for Adults. However, a community health worker certificate can also be earned by completing the CHW concentration with a major in public health in the College for Women or the College for Adults. 

Credits earned in the Community Health Worker certificate may also be used to meet requirements for a bachelor's degree with a public health major

CHW Scholarship Support

Students pursuing the Community Health Worker certificate or the CHW concentration within the Public Health major may apply for a federal grant-funded scholarship to cover expenses for up to 24 credits. To be considered for the scholarship, apply for University admission and ask your admission counselor for more information.

St. Catherine University College for Adults students on Fontbonne steps.
Careers in Community Health

Upon completion of the nine-month community health worker certificate at St. Kate's, you'll be prepared to work with communities at the grassroots level, reduce health disparities, and help underserved communities in

  • community health clinics
  • advocacy organizations
  • hospitals and medical centers
  • social service agencies
Loading...