Community health workers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. They play a vital role in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving the overall well-being of the members of the community. Completing community health worker courses or programs can enhance the quality of service delivery, provide personal and professional development opportunities, and potentially prepare CHWs for future developments in the field as it moves towards greater organization and potential standardization.
In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons individuals pursue CHW training, the core competencies required, and the post-secondary programs available, both in-person and online.
Despite being important public health workers that help improve access of marginalized communities to high-quality care, community health work is still not formally organized as a recognized public health occupation. It’s a non-regulated profession with diverse titles and salaries and benefits largely dependent on the hiring body where they work under.
Community health workers have different levels of education, which can be attributed to the following:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified 36 competencies for public health professionals and grouped them into 7 categories. These core competencies serve as a framework for the training and development of community health workers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil their roles effectively. They are designed to achieve a more effective and unified public health workforce, and are applicable to community health workers:
Although community health worker training usually focuses on specific subjects and takes place while working, there are several post-secondary programs in Canada that provide formal education and training for aspiring CHWs. Here are a few examples of post-secondary programs available for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a community health worker in Canada:
The Community Services Worker Diploma Program at Canadian Business College prepares students to work in a variety of community service settings, including healthcare, social services, and non-profit organizations. The program covers topics such as counselling, case management, and community development.
The Diploma in Community Service Worker Program at Citi College focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to work with diverse populations, including individuals with mental health or addiction issues, seniors, and newcomers to Canada. The program includes courses in social work, crisis intervention, and community outreach.
Evergreen College’s Community Service Worker Diploma Program equips students with the skills to work in a range of community-based settings, such as social service agencies, community centres, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum covers topics like community development, program planning, and advocacy.
The Community Worker (C101) Diploma Program at George Brown College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of community development, social service delivery, and advocacy. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field placements and project-based work.
The Health Care Assistant program offered by Vancouver Career College equips students with the necessary skills to work as community health workers, providing direct care and support to individuals in their homes or community settings. The curriculum is designed to include courses relevant to building conceptual knowledge for providing care to communities, hard and soft skills for healthcare, and practical applications of these learnings through practicum or internship.
Graduates of this program can explore various roles and career opportunities aside from being a community health worker. Some career prospects of graduates include becoming a long-term care aide, home health care worker, nursing aide, or community mental health worker.
In addition to the in-person post-secondary programs, there are also several online training options available for individuals interested in becoming community health workers. These programs offer the flexibility and convenience of learning at one’s own pace, while still providing comprehensive training and education. Here are a few examples of online training programs for community health workers:
This self-paced online program covers a range of topics, including the role of community health workers, cultural competence, and chronic disease management. Learners can choose between CHW Training Track, where they can collaborate and discuss training materials with the training staff of Partners in Care Foundation and other CHWs, and the Professional Development Track that has no discussion groups and can be taken at your own pace.
This online specialization, offered through Coursera, provides a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the role of community health workers in addressing them. This also equips learners with necessary skills that can help them respond not just to the needs of their communities, but also to humanitarian crises when they arise. Like any programs under Coursera, certificates are optional, with learners having the option to audit the course.
This self-paced online program can be completed in 2 months and feature 6 specialized courses related to public health, which are as follows:
This online course from Harvard University focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of community health worker programs, equipping participants with the necessary skills to develop and enhance these programs. Delivered via edX, this self-paced course features instructors from Harvard Medical School and is in collaboration with Last Mile Health’s Community Health Academy.
In conclusion, community health workers play a vital role in promoting the overall health and well-being of communities across Canada. While the level of training and education for CHWs may vary, there are a range of post-secondary and online programs available to help individuals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this rewarding field.
At Caring Support, we strive to provide aspiring healthcare professionals with comprehensive services that can help them take the first step towards succeeding in a fulfilling career. Our intuitive healthcare-focused platform allows us to give valuable assistance in different aspects of a healthcare professional’s career, from job search to networking and professional development through micro-credentialing courses available.
If you’re an aspiring community health worker, check out our services to explore how our services can help you become well-equipped in making a meaningful impact in the communities you serve. Take the first step towards success in your new career path by creating a free account with us today.
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