CHWTI provides a 160 hour certification class that has been approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to certify CHWs. The curriculum is facilitated by certified instructors. Certification classes provide education and information that:
- Promotes health literacy
- Provide skills to navigate the complex, fractured healthcare system
- Provide resources about community and public clinics
- Provide skills and tools to build relationships with clients/patients to ensure access and follow-through to needed healthcare and social services
- Provide skills in community advocacy and capacity building
- Provide a broad knowledge of community and government programs and client eligibility
- Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs)
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- County Indigent Programs (Harris Health, Montgomery County Hospital District…)
- Federal Poverty Level (federal income standards for program eligibility)
Classes are facilitated one day a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., for 20 weeks. The curriculum provides 8 core competencies mandated by the DSHS. Please click Core-CompetencyAreasPg (1) to see the competencies that have been identified by the state.
Because the class is a ‘clock hour’ class, attendance is mandatory. Clock hour means the class is based on the number of hours a person is actually present in the class. There are no exams or tests required to complete the class however, classwork and homework must be completed. Once a participant has successfully completed the class, s/he is eligible to apply for state certification. For more information about state certification click here. Once a CHW becomes certified s/he must re-certify every 2 years. Continuing education is required to maintain state certification. CHWTI provides continuing education classes. Click here for more information about continuing education classes.