Community Health Worker Certificate
Help Others with a Community Health Worker Certificate from NECC
Why Pursue a Community Health Worker Certificate
Are you passionate about helping others in your community? If so, NECC’s Community Health Worker Certificate is your golden ticket to a world where you can truly make a difference and connect with amazing people – all while unlocking new career doors to some of the most exciting public health jobs out there.
NECC’s Community Health Worker Certificate offers a mix of classroom theory and field work, preparing you for health education activities, such as providing health care referrals, collecting data, and coordinating client care. Program graduates will demonstrate core competencies of communication, health education, care coordination, community assessment, and professional skills and conduct.
Ready to embark on your exciting career journey?
Why Choose NECC to Start Your Career in Healthcare?
The Community Health Worker Certificate is offered in the evening and will prepare you for a variety of entry-level positions in community health. You will also be able to apply your credits to earn an Associate Degree in General Studies: Health Specialization. With this program, you will:
- Learn about healthy lifestyles, strategies for delivering public health programs, and public health issues and education
- Understand how to provide health care referrals, collect statistics, and coordinate care for clients
- Gain real-world experience by participating in a practicum (internship) in a community and/or health care setting
Health Associate Degrees & Certificate Programs at NECC
View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.
What You’ll Get from NECC
Learn the Essentials. Give Back to Your Community.
Because they typically live in the community they serve, Community Health Workers can provide information where it’s needed most. As frontline agents of change, Community Health Workers help reduce health and wellness disparities in underserved communities everywhere.
It’s Not Just About Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local community.
Gear Up for a Great Career as a Community Health Worker
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in high demand. Whether you see yourself as a Case Manager at a local hospital, a Community Outreach Specialist at a non-profit organization, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
Build trust between underserved communities and healthcare providers.- Provide health care referrals, collect statistics, and coordinate care for clients.
- Open new healthcare doors for at-risk individuals.
- Help clients navigate the complex health and behavioral health systems.
- Coach individuals on how to adopt healthy behaviors.
Your Schedule. Your Rules.
Juggling life, work, and study? No problem. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. All classes in the Community Health Worker Certificate program are offered in hybrid format and generally require attendance at our Lawrence campus one or two evenings per week. Those in-class meetings are held on Monday evenings during the Fall semester and on Mondays and Thursdays during the Winter/Spring semester.
Once you’ve completed our Community Health Worker program, you have the option of applying those credits towards an NECC Associate Degree in Public Health or an NECC Associate Degree in General Studies Health Specialization.
Quote:
At Northern Essex, I received the attention and support necessary to excel academically, and that in turn led me to a very rewarding and fulfilling career…”
Patrice Peddle, Nursing
Where This Journey Can Take You
A Community Health Worker (CHW), or Public Health Worker, is well-versed on the needs and challenges communities face, including access to affordable health care, housing, and other basic necessities. Typically members of the communities they serve, CHWs play a pivotal role in promoting and improving the health and well-being of others.
Imagine Yourself Serving in One of These CHW Roles:
- Health Educator and Advisor
- Patient Navigator
- Health Insurance Navigator
- Community Outreach Specialist
- Case Manager
Why Choose NECC for Your Community Health Worker Certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Community Health Worker Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
You’ll Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe community health work.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
Career Services
NECC Connect
What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Community Health Workers North of Boston
The role of CHWs in communities across America cannot be overstated. Due to increasing demand, job opportunities for Community Health Workers are growing exponentially. At NECC, our Community Health program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in various community-based settings, including schools, homes, clinics, shelters, hospitals, community centers and more.
How Much Can I Expect to Make as a Community Health Worker?
The earning potential for Community Health Workers in Massachusetts varies based on several factors, including education, role, experience, and employment setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for a CHW in Massachusetts is around $51,000. However, salaries can range from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 or more depending on the role, organization, and level of education and responsibility.
With a Community Health Worker Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these Community Health Worker roles:
Health Educator and Advisor
Promote healthy behaviors and provide guidance on health-related topics. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $68,567 as of March, 2024.¹
Patient Navigator
Assist patients in navigating healthcare services and resources. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $61,518 as of March, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $53,095 and $75,254.¹
Health Insurance Navigator
Help individuals understand and enroll in health insurance options. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $61,518 as of March, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $53,095 and $75,254.¹
Community Outreach Specialist
Develop and implement programs to improve community health. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $85,868 as of March 2024. The wage range typically falls between $75,299 and $96,801.¹
Community Services Case Manager
Coordinate and advocate for individuals’ healthcare needs and services. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $47,017 as of March 2024. The wage typically falls between $41,417 and $52,088, but can increase significantly depending on education, role, and experience.¹
How to Get Started as a Community Health Worker Near the Merrimack Valley
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Community Health Worker program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
CHW Core Competency Training Stand-Alone Option
CHW 110 focuses on the 10 core competencies set by Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the Community Health Worker. This 6-credit, open elective course is approved by Massachusetts’ Board of Certification for the Community Health Worker Training program.
Participants may choose to take this as a stand-alone course or enroll in the full NECC certificate for the Community Health Worker.
Additional Program Costs
View the Additional Program Costs for the Community Health Worker Certificate Program.
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
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Got Questions?
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Amanda Prophett
Program Coordinator
