CHW Training Institute

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates a 160 hour certified curriculum for certification as a Community Health Worker Training Institute. The curriculum must include eight competencies: Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Service Coordination Skills, Capacity-Building Skills, Advocacy Skills, Teaching Skills, Organization Skills, and Knowledge Base.

In 2004, the Gateway to Care Community Health Worker Training Institute (CHWTI) became the 3rd institute certified by DSHS. The GTC CHWTI program was developed to train lay people on the intricacies of healthcare and navigation resourcing in their communities. Upon successful completion of the certification class, participants are eligible to apply to DSHS for certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or Promotor(a).

Gateway to Care’s CHWTI provides participants with information about resources, service coordination, and health education specific to the diverse communities in the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Many are employed, volunteer and/or placed in hospitals, clinics and social service organizations in the Region.

According to the American Public Health Association, this trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

CHWTI Trainings/Education Offered:

  • Certification Program: Successful completion of this 20 week, 160 hour course results in eligibility for DSHS state certification. For more information on the certification program, click here.
  • Continuing Education: Provides CHW’s with CEU hours to maintain certification. DSHS mandates 20 CEU hours bi-annually. You need not be a certified CHW to attend CEU classes.