Community Health Worker Certification Program
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) prepares individuals to support patients and communities through evidence‑based communication, care coordination, health coaching, and patient navigation. This two‑part training pathway builds foundational skills in person‑centered communication, chronic condition and lifestyle management, and addressing social determinants of health, while equipping learners with strategies to help individuals overcome barriers to care. The program emphasizes approaches that promote sustainable behavior change, strengthen self‑management skills, and empower individuals to more confidently navigate health and social services, supporting meaningful, lasting improvements in community health and well‑being.
Credit Hours: 24-28 Hours
Target Audience: This program is designed primarily for individuals with at least a high‑school education who seek to work full‑ or part‑time as community health workers, care coordinators, patient navigators, or health coaches in clinical, community, or public health settings. The program also welcomes lay and professional non‑clinical staff and clinical healthcare workers at all levels, as the training provides valuable skills for delivering person‑centered, culturally responsive support to individuals and families.
Description: This program is comprised of two courses, the Motivational Interviewing Certification and the Chronic Condition & Lifestyle Management Certification (Community Health Worker Track). This interactive, self‑paced program provides an overview of Motivational Interviewing; an introduction to the CHW role; care coordination and patient navigation; social determinants of health; behavior change theory; chronic condition self‑management best practices; and lifestyle management strategies. The program emphasizes evidence-based skills that qualify you to help patients navigate the healthcare system, address barriers to care, and improve their ability to access needed services. Certification is added to the UTHSC registry and remains active for three years.
Learning Design: Didactic lectures, practice activities, video clips, partner/peer activities, Motivational Interviewing Competency Exam, feedback on assignments, knowledge checks, and a case study final exam.
Passing Requirements: Completion of all modules, satisfactory completion of assignments, and passing scores on both the competency‑based activity and the case study exam.
Certification Levels Provided: All those completing course requirements will be certified as a Level 1 (Client-centered), Level 2 (Competent), or Level 3 (Proficient) CHW based on their completed MI competency assessment.
Fee: $1245 which includes two online training modules and all competency assessments. There is a 50% discount available for Tennessee Population Health Consortium Members and Partner Organizations.
Contact us: Email Amanda Gabarda at agabarda@uthsc.edu for more details.
Program launch date: To be announced soon.