Community Health Workers (CHWs) are integral members of the health care team. They serve as a liaison between healthcare providers, social services, and the community to facilitate access to services and address issues that create barriers in healthcare delivery. CHWs provide care, education, support, follow-up, resources, and referrals in community settings such as homes and neighborhoods. As patient advocates, CHWs work in hospitals, clinics, and social settings to support progress in care planning, access, and patient wellness. CHWs enjoy high job satisfaction and are in great demand.

HES-731 is the third course in the Community Health Worker program where students complete a preceptor-supervised mandatory 40-hour practicum. Students must complete the CastleBranch requirements prior to being placed for the 40-hour practicum (see the CastleBranch Requirements Rubric link below).

Students completing the CHW program will receive three credits for HNV 2530 toward the Health Navigator Associate in Applied Science degree.

Program Information | Community Health Worker Information Session

Job Outlook

According to the Department of Labor, overall employment of health education specialists and community health workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,000 openings for health education specialists and community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for community health workers was $46,590 in May 2021. That same year, the median annual wage for health education specialists was $60,600.

Community Health Worker Information Sessions

Community Health worker Information Session are held every third Monday from 2:00–2:30 p.m. 

Zoom access link: https://pgcc-edu.zoom.us/j/92037841240?pwd=WUFsRnVzTFpBeWJjWkM4aVQ4L3VUZz09

Meeting ID: 920 3784 1240

Passcode: 244323

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Meeting ID: 920 3784 1240

Passcode: 244323

Prerequisites

Students in this program are required to complete Castlebranch requirements for the externship component of the program.

  • High school diploma or GED equivalency.
  • Have access to the internet.
  • Successfully complete the Accuplacer Reading Comprehension Placement Test with a score of 243 or higher; or
    • Provide proof of college credits
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for graduates of US high schools
    • Transfer credit from other institutions
    • Recent, high placement test scores from other institutions 
    • Students may submit any or all of the following, if they are less than 5 years old:
      • High SAT, ACT, or GED scores
  • CPR-307 CPR for the Health Professional.

The Testing Center also accepts other measures which grant exemptions to the placement test. For more information on placement testing, click here.

CastleBranch Information

To view the CastleBranch requirements rubric, please click here. 

CastleBranch's video FAQ library covers various topics designed to answer students' most frequently asked questions, such as obtaining package codes and placing orders. You can also read their FAQs in a written format.

You will be prompted to create a CastleBranch myCB account. From within myCB, you will be able to view order results, management requirements, complete tasks, upload documents, and place additional orders.

For additional support, you can email CastleBranch's help desk at studentservices@castlebranch.com or contact their help line at 1-888-666-7788.

Required Courses

HES-731 is the third course in the Community Health Worker program where students complete a preceptor-supervised mandatory 40-hour practicum. Students must complete the CastleBranch requirements prior to being placed for the 40-hour practicum (see CastleBranch Requirements Rubric link above).

  • HES-696 Community Health Worker Part 1.
  • HES-697 Community Health Worker Part 2.
  • HES-731 Community Health Worker Practicum.
Schedule
Community Health Worker Part 1

HES-696-05173 l  01/29/24-03/07/24 l Mon-Thu l 6-8:30 p.m. l $851 l Location: Canvas

Community Health Worker Part 2

HES-697-05174 l 03/18/24-04/25/24 l Mon-Thu l 6-8:30 p.m. l $851 l Location: Canvas

Community Health Worker Practicum

HES-731-05175 | 04/29/24-06/07/24 | Mon-Fri | Off-Campus

Accreditation

The Prince George’s Community College Community Health Worker Training is accredited by the State of Maryland.

Workforce Credentials/Certifications

To be listed.

Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Karen Ferrigon
Email: kferrigo@pgcc.edu
Phone: 301-546-0878
Email: wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu