Licensure/Certification
Texas is the first state to certify Community Health Workers. To apply for a CHW certification, an individual must either complete a DSHS certified training program consisting of a 160-hour curriculum or be considered under a special provision of experience, which calls for at least 1,000 hours of experience working or volunteering as a CHW. The approved curriculum includes a minimum of 20 clock hours of training in eight core competency areas including  communication skills, interpersonal relations, service coordination, capacity-building, advocacy, teaching organizational skills and knowledge-base on specific health issues. Many organizations provide additional specialized training to meet specific needs.


Educational Programs