Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Course
Beginning in February 2026, participants may complete a newly revised 180-hour competency-based training program as part of their state certification application to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to become a certified Community Health Worker (CHW).
The CHW Certification Course covers nine competencies or skill areas: Communication; Interpersonal and Relationship-Building; Service Coordination and Navigation; Capacity Building; Advocacy; Teaching and Education; Organizational skills; a Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues; and Evaluation and Research skills.
Payment options: Full $500 or $100 down by the first day of class and $100 payments until the balance is paid.
Must be paid in full by the last day of class. No refunds will be issued for courses that are incomplete or unsuccessfully completed.
Discounts are available to the following:
For more information, contact the CHW Bridge to Excellence Program at: CHWBridge@ttuhsc.edu or call (806) 743-3644.
To register for the course please click here.
Beginning in February 2026, participants may complete a newly revised 180-hour competency-based training program as part of their state certification application to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to become a certified Community Health Worker (CHW).
The CHW Certification Course covers nine competencies or skill areas: Communication; Interpersonal and Relationship-Building; Service Coordination and Navigation; Capacity Building; Advocacy; Teaching and Education; Organizational skills; a Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues; and Evaluation and Research skills.
Completing the course provides future CHWs skills in several areas:
- Outreach
- Patient navigation
- Follow-up services
- Community health education and training
- Motivational interviewing and informal counseling
- Social support
- Advocacy
- Participation in clinical research and program evaluation
How is the course offered?
This interactive, online course includes a Service-Learning opportunity, opportunities for real-world experience in the community setting and pre-requisites necessary to apply/obtain the state certification as a CHW. Participants must have access to reliable technology via laptop, iPad, and reliable internet.
Who can become a CHW in the state of Texas?
- Must be a resident of Texas; OR
- Apply for alternative certification or exemption as a military member, veteran, or military spouse.
- Be at least 16 years old; including high school or college students
- Submit a recent color photo
- Complete a DSHS-certified 180-hour competency-based CHW training program
- Individuals who want to make a difference in their communities, healthcare setting and workplaces
Payment options: Full $500 or $100 down by the first day of class and $100 payments until the balance is paid.
Must be paid in full by the last day of class. No refunds will be issued for courses that are incomplete or unsuccessfully completed.
Discounts are available to the following:
- Employers interested in training multiple employees
- Potential participants referred by the following West Texas AHEC Centers listed below:
- Big Country AHEC (Abilene area)
- Panhandle AHEC (Amarillo area)
- Desert Mountain AHEC (El Paso area)
- Permian Basin AHEC (Midland/Odessa areas)
- AHEC of the Plains (Plainview area)
- North Central AHEC (Wichita Falls area)
- If you live in one of these areas, contact your local center for more information on being considered for the discounted course fee.
For more information, contact the CHW Bridge to Excellence Program at: CHWBridge@ttuhsc.edu or call (806) 743-3644.
To register for the course please click here.