Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted, knowledgeable frontline health personnel who typically come from the communities they serve. CHWs bridge cultural and linguistic barriers, expand access to coverage and care, and improve health outcomes. As critical links between their communities and the health care system, CHWs reduce health disparities; boost health care quality, cultural competence and affordability; and empower individuals and communities for better health.
Eligibility
Grade 12*
*Eligible for graduation within the same school year as JTED program completion
Other Requirements
- Complete Accuplacer Reading/Math assessment
- Minimum Reading Score of 235 and Math Score of 220
- Or – have a C or better in two high school English credits and two Math credits (Algebra, Geometry or Algebra II)
- Completion of the JTED Advanced Healthcare Pathway Application with a score of 60 points or higher
- The rubric is based on:
- Completion of one or more of the following prerequisite courses, passing both semesters with a B or better greatly increases your score on the application: Healthcare Foundations, JTED Comprehensive Health Technician, Anatomy/Physiology, Sports Medicine, EMS, Home Health Aide or a JTED approved healthcare related course
- High school cumulative GPA starting at 2.0 and above
- Advanced Healthcare Pathway Essays
- The rubric is based on:
- Attend mandatory orientation in Spring 2023
Some programs may have additional requirements such as:
- Be able to obtain fingerprint clearance card, pass industry required drug testing, and background checks
- For clinicals, internships, certifications, and licenses provide social security number
- Must hold current Basic Life Support CPR Certification before start of class
- Flu, COVID vaccines & 2-step TB test required for clinicals
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 @ Master Pieces
2855 W. Master Pieces Dr.
- Monday through Thursday 4 to 6:30 p.m. and 160 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 internship
Certification
- Certified Home Health Aide
- Community Health Worker Volunteer
Work Based Learning Requirements
Community Health Internship
Credits
2/Year
Instructors
-
Joyce Wall, RN
LNA/CHW Instructor & Program Coordinator -
Beth Francis, RN, MS
Health Care Professions Manager
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
