Community Health
Short-Term Certificate
Overview
A community health worker serves as a liaison or intermediary between the community and health/social services offered within a community. With this certificate you can begin working in community healthcare right away. You will also be prepared to continue your education with COTC’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Services Technology.
By completing this course, you can:
- advocate for clients or patients in a community setting to help resolve crises
- facilitate connections between patients, clients, families and community resources, such as medical services, social services, legal aid, housing, job placement, education or food sources
- assist community members to understand their health conditions and facilitate ways to improve their health
- provide basic health services such as monitoring blood pressure.
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, students must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll.
Plan of Study
Short-Term Certificate
Community Health Certificate
Total Credit Hours: 16
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Medical Terminology |
2 |
|
|
Community Health I*^ |
2 |
|
|
Community Health II*^ |
4 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
|
| Semester 2 | ||
|
Community Health III* |
4 |
|
|
Basic Health Care Skills |
3.5 |
|
|
Basic Life Support |
0.50 |
|
|
Total |
8 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
^A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required to progress and graduate from this program.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2025
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the community health worker training program, the student will be prepared to:
- Advocate for clients or patients in the community setting to resolve crises.
- Collaborate with other professionals to address the social determinants of health for community members.
- Facilitate connections between patients, clients, or families and community resources, including but not limited to medical services, social services, legal aid, housing, job placement, education, or food sources.
- Assist community members to understand their health conditions and facilitate ways to improve health.
- Provide basic health services such as monitoring blood pressure.
Continue Your Education
Credits earned for the community health certificate count toward COTC’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Services Technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the community health certificate?
This certificate may be completed in two semesters, or about eight months.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
You will take classes on campus to use equipment and engage in hands-on learning.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
In addition, this certificate is eligible for the Talent Ready Grant to assist you in covering the cost of tuition and fees (up to $2000).
Learn more about the talent ready grant
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.