Community health worker training and certification programs in the United States: Findings from a national survey

Authors: Bita Arbab Kash, Marlynn Lee May, Ming Tai-Seale

This paper analyzes trends and various approaches to professional development in U.S. community health worker training and certification programs using a national survey of these training programs. Three trends were identified from the national survey results and data collection: (1) schooling at the community college level—provides career advancement opportunities; (2) on-the-job training—improves standards of care, CHW income, and retention; and (3) certification at the state level—recognizes the work of CHWs, and facilitates Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services. CHWs are a skilled healthcare workforce that can be utilized in the future to improve healthcare access to underserved populations in the U.S.