The Community Health Worker Fundamentals course is a core competency course that provides the foundational skills needed to assist individuals and families in navigating healthcare and social service systems. 

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Community Health Worker Fundamentals - At a Glance

Eligibility:            

Montana resident, 18+, Employer sponsorship, High school diploma or GED preferred; Interest in entry-level community and behavioral health support roles.

Format:

8-week online course (~60 hours total) + 25-hour supervised on-the-job experience, 85 hours to complete 

Cost:

$1,500 (cost may be covered when taken as part of a Workforce Development Program)

Enrollment:     

Rolling enrollment

Credential:

Certificate of Completion from Montana State University

Community Health Worker Fundamentals Overview

This course equips participants with the essential skills to serve as Community Health Workers (CHWs)—frontline public health professionals who connect individuals to resources, support preventive care, and advocate for healthier communities. Content emphasizes rural and underserved settings, preparing CHWs to address Montana’s unique health challenges. Through online learning and a supervised practicum, participants prepare to work as trusted connectors in their communities, bridging gaps in access and promoting better health outcomes.

What You’ll Learn

  • Core CHW Competencies: Communication, outreach, navigation, and coordination of care.

  • Professional Practice: Ethics, self-care, and client safety in community health work.

  • Behavioral Health Basics: Knowledge of common mental health conditions and chronic diseases.

  • Cultural Competency: Serving diverse populations, including rural and tribal communities.

  • Health Systems Knowledge: Understanding public health, social services, and healthcare delivery structures.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in healthcare and community-based organizations, including:

  • Public health departments and community clinics

  • Behavioral health and recovery programs

  • Tribal health and rural outreach initiatives

  • Roles addressing social determinants of health (housing, food access, transportation)

This course meets the core competency course requirement for the workforce development programs, Montana Family Support Program and Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training. 

How to Enroll

This course is ideal for Montana residents seeking to assist individuals and families in navigating healthcare and social service systems and are able to commit to eight weeks (~85 hours) of learning.

Registration is open to all interested participants meeting eligibility requirements.

 

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Questions

For more information or to find out
how you or your organization can get involved, please contact:

Beth Ann Carter
 Assistant Director, Behavioral Health Workforce
 📧 beth.carter@montana.edu | 📞 406-925-1261