It is a 17 unit Certificate of Achievement which will prepare you to work as a CHW in health clinics and outreach programs. This program is supportive of working mothers and those who work full-time, and those who speak English as a second language. The Community Health Worker Certificate is jointly sponsored by City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State University.

What do Community Health Workers (CHWs) do?

CHWs provide health advising, information and referrals, carry out client orientation and intakes, and advocate for clients and communities. They work under some 30 titles, such as Community Health Advisor, Health Worker, Public Health Aide and Community Health Outreach Worker.

This is a vocational program that requires significant time commitment, discipline, stability, maturity and predictability. Participants should be “people oriented” and committed to working in low-income communities.

What kind of job can I get once I complete the program?

CHWs work mainly for Departments of Public Health and community based organizations. A recent survey of the Bay Area showed that employment in the field is expanding. Job demand is particularly strong for people with bilingual/bicultural skills.

How much will I earn in this career?

Full time students can complete the certificate in two semesters. Most people in our program work full time, and take longer.

You can pick up a Catalog listing and description at the Health Science Department Office at City College of San Francisco, Phelan Campus, Cloud Hall, Room 363 and Cloud Hall 336.

Are there prerequisites ?

Before applying to program, a student who has not worked as a Community Health Worker must complete our short-term prerequisite course Hlth 59: Introduction to Community Health Work with a final grade of “C” or higher. Working CHWs should call Anna Kwong at (415) 338-3034 for a waiver application.

What level of skill in English will I need?

If English is not your first language, we suggest that you be eligible for ESL 72.

How do I get in?

When do classes start?

Refer to a City College Class Schedule for specific dates and times.

Where will classes be held?

All classes are City College of SF courses and most are held at City College Phelan Campus (Ocean and Phelan).

What time of day are classes offered?

All required classes are held after 4 p.m. During the second semester, if you are not a CHW you need to be available for a field placement one day a week during business hours.

What can I expect to spend?

City College of San Francisco classes are $11 per unit plus an $11 student health fee each semester. Telephone registration will cost an additional $3. You can expect to spend approximately $241-$270 for the Certificate.

When I'm done with the CHW classes, how do I get my Certificate and where do I request a Certificate?

Are you completing your 17 units this semester, please contact Anna Kwong at (415) 338-3034 and provide us with a copy of your transcript. To get your Certificate you need to complete Petition for Certificate of Achievement and submit it to the Office of Awards and Certificates Evaluations, Conlan Hall, Room E-2, by deadline (approximately the 4th week of semester) published in the College Catalog and Schedule of Classes.

Where do I get more information?

You can get more information by calling Anna Kwong at (415) 338-3034, Monday through Thursday, 9 am - 4 pm

Phone: (415) 338-3034

Fax: (415) 338-7948

http://www.communityhealthworks.org

Mailing Address:

Community Health Works of SF
Dept. of Health Education
1600 Holloway Avenue, HSS 301
San Francisco, CA 94132-4161