About the CHW Training

The Montana Community Health Worker (CHW) Fundamentals training provides the knowledge and skills needed to become a Community Health Worker. The instructor-guided curriculum takes approximately ten weeks to complete and consists of eight online Learning Modules , which includes a 25-hour on-the-job Supervised Experience. Each module contains written content, videos, application activities, case studies, and reflective journaling. An individual will gain skills in the following areas: professional skills and conduct; communication; self-care; interpersonal relationships; outreach, navigation, and coordination; organization; advocacy; and capacity building and teaching. The CHW training is facilitated by an instructor and provides a certificate upon completion. 

Employer Information

An employer must formally sponsor a trainee prior to the start of the training. It is vital that the employer has the resources necessary for the trainee to meet the Supervised Experience required activities. The CHW “Manual for Supervised Experience” is available for sponsoring Facilities/Agencies, Instructors, and Preceptors. 

Prerequisites

• A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
• All trainees must be sponsored by an employer, as 25 hours of supervised experience are required to complete the training.
• If needed, completion of a Computer Literacy Assessment & Training.
• Employers may have additional requirements (talk to your employer).

Cost

The cost of the training is $1,500. 

Summary of Course Modules

The following are the eight (8) online Learning Modules.

• Module 1: Foundations of the Community Health Worker Role
• Module 2: Communication, Conflict, and Relationship Building
• Module 3: Cultural Humility, Bias, and Population Dynamics
• Module 4: Outreach, Engagement, and Community Navigation
• Module 5: Safety, Wellness, and Self-Care
• Module 6: Delivering Safe, Quality Community Health Support
• Module 7: Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Teaching
• Module 8: Population Health and On-the-Ground Practice (Supervised Experience)

Modules 1-7 are approximately 70 hours of online training (10 hours per week). Module 8 (Supervised Experience) is 25 hours, for a total of 95 hours of training. Modules 1-7 must be successfully completed prior to taking Module 8, Supervised Skills Experience, taken at an Agency/Facility.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, it is expected that students will demonstrate the CHW Fundamentals Learning Outcomes.

These include the following:

1. Display positive behaviors and attitudes needed to effectively succeed in the role and fulfill the
   responsibilities of a CHW, engage in self-care, and maintain personal and client safety.
2. Integrate a basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, human development, aging, and acute and
   chronic illness and diseases to plan, monitor, and determine client needs and resources for care.
3. Incorporate legal requirements and ethical guidelines into all responsibilities, particularly when
   observing, reporting, and documenting.
4. Exhibit effective communication and coaching skills and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
5. Recognize and respect the values and needs of the cultures and practices of the populations and
   communities served. 
6. Describe how healthcare and public/community health systems are structured and function, the types
   of care they deliver, and the current technologies used.
7. Demonstrate the skills needed to effectively coordinate and manage services and provide safe
   quality care.
8. Use appropriate decision-making, evaluation, organization, navigation, and coordination skills to
   ensure effective and timely delivery of resources, services, and care.
9. Engage in advocacy and social support actions to promote client and community health needs.
10. Implement community/individual education programs, based on needs and strengths, to build
    capacity, support health, and promote wellness.

Read the Full CHW Course Description - Coming soon