Home » Academics » Credit Programs of Study » Allied Health & Career Programs » Community Health Worker Program
Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually clear understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables community health workers to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.
There are no admissions criteria to the Community Health Worker Program. The SSC CHW program does not wait list applicants from one year to the next; therefore, applicants who are not selected must reapply for successive years. All students must demonstrate a minimum math competency equivalent to Elementary Algebra (MTH 095) to fulfill the AAS degree requirement as well as complete all general education and CHW Program coursework with a “C” or better to progress to successive semesters. Current Community Health Workers may be eligible for ECEP credit for their knowledge or competency through life/work experiences. For ECEP information, please see The Educational/Competency Evaluation Program (ECEP).
Students applying for the Applied Science track may enroll in the Basic courses but must be aware of the requirements for the AAS Degree. These include:
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program offers three (3) tracks; a Basic Certificate, an Advance Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program offers a Basic Certificate and an Advance Certificate.
South Suburban College offers this program fully online with various benefits. Students in this program can take advantage of classes that fit their schedules and study from anywhere with internet access. Taking this program can lead to a new career, advancement within a current field or improved technical skills in a virtual world.
NOTE: Students are required to take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
“Driving CHW’s to Sustainable Employment in Illinois”
“What employers need to know about community health workers” – by Carl H. Rush, MRP
Fill out this form or call the Allied Health & Career Programs department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2204 if you have additional questions about the Community Healthcare Worker Program.
To make an appointment concerning Allied Health & Career Programs, contact the College & Career Success Center at (708) 210-5724.