This program will be offered for the 25-26 school year.
Community Health professionals (CHWs) play a crucial role as trusted and knowledgeable frontline health personnel. Hailing from the communities they serve, CHWs act as vital bridges, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers. Their presence expands access to coverage and care, resulting in improved health outcomes. Serving as critical links between communities and the healthcare system, CHWs contribute significantly to reducing health disparities. They enhance healthcare quality, cultural competence, and affordability, ultimately empowering individuals and communities to achieve better health.
The scope and practice of a direct care worker encompass the comprehensive care of the holistic person. This includes a focus on communication skills, basic nutrition and dietary needs, monitoring vital signs, understanding legal and ethical considerations, addressing mental and social needs, and acquiring a variety of patient care skills.
Eligibility
- Grade 12
- Eligible for high school graduation within the same school year of JTED program completion
- Complete Star Reading assessment
- Minimum Reading Score = 1063
- Prerequisite course with a B or better or minimum 2.0 home high school cumulative GPA
- Healthcare Foundations, Psychology, Sports Medicine, Anatomy/Physiology, Social/Mental Health Tech, Health & Medical Careers or EMS
- Completion of JTED Advanced Healthcare Pathway Application
Other Requirements
- Be able to obtain fingerprint clearance card, pass industry required drug testing, and background checks
- For clinicals, externships, certifications, and licenses provide social security number
- Must hold current Basic Life Support CPR Certification before start of class
Number of Years to Complete this Program
1 year to complete
Things to Consider
- Discuss health concerns with members of the community
- Provide informational counseling and social support
- Help people understand their health conditions
- Translate or interpret health information for clients
- Organize outreach programs
- Provide health screenings, referrals and educational materials
- Advocate for individual and community health needs
- Collect data and report findings to healthcare providers
- Career Advancements: Health & Wellness, Public Health, Social Worker, Registered Nurse in public health
- Must hold current Basic Life Support CPR Certification before start of class
Direct Employment
- Pima County Health Dept.
- El Rio
Jobs Available After Additional or Advanced Training
- Health Coach
- Community Health Advisor
- Family advocate
- Health Educator
- Liaison
- Promoter
- Outreach Worker
- Peer Counselor
- Patient Navigator
- Health Interpreter
- Public Health Aide
- Health Education Specialist
- Case Manager
Locations
JTED @ The Bridges
3300 S. Park Ave.
- Monday through Thursday 4 to 6:30 p.m. and 480 hour internship
Program Completion/Sequence
Year 1
- Semester 1: Global Health: Best practices, Social Determinants, Cultural Awareness & humility, Home health aid
- Semester 2: Rural health, Indigenous communities, Underserved areas, Home Health aid, Community Health Family Project, Community Health internship
Certification
- Direct Care Worker
- Community Health Worker Volunteer
- Teen Mental Health First Aid
Work Based Learning Requirements
Community Health Internship
Credits
2/Year
Instructor
Joyce Wall
Program Manager
Beth Francis
More Information
Supplies
- Gait belt (nylon belt with metal buckle – plastic buckles not allowed)
- Stethoscope with a bell and diaphragm
- Wrist watch with a second hand for taking vitals (no digital or smart watches)
- Blood pressure cuff (do not purchase the combination stethoscope/blood pressure cuff that is attached together)
Uniform
- JTED Blue Lake polo
- JTED utility scrub pants
Beneficial Classes to Take in High School
Academic Classes
- Anatomy & Physiology
- English
- Psychology
- Language
CTE Classes
- Sports Medicine
- Health Care Foundations
- Early Childhood Education
