Career Overview

The SWIC Community Health program prepares students with the skills necessary to become a certified community health worker, prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospital, clinics, and health agencies. Community Health Workers develop programs to teach clients about conditions affecting human well-being. Community Health Workers promote wellness individually and as a community by educating clients to adopt healthy behaviors. For further information regarding the field of community health, please go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm 

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

• One-semester certificate 
• Offered: Fall and Spring semesters 

• Enrolled in April for Fall classes, October for Spring classes, and March for Summer classes 
• To enroll, students must have a high school diploma or equivalency and be eligible for ENG 97 and MATH 95 

The program is designed to include classroom education and clinical experience in a healthcare setting. 

For details, see the CHW cost sheet  and the CHW Handbook available to review by perspective students and anyone else interested.

Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Community Health curriculum, graduates are awarded a certificate as a Community Health Worker. To work in Illinois, graduates of the program must provide proof of graduation from a Community Health training program. 

Career Opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median wage for Community Health Workers was $48,860 with a 17% growth outlook from 2020-2030. Hourly and salary ranges can vary dependent on hiring facility and demographics.

Career Outlook

Ninety-five percent of SWIC medical laboratory technology graduates are working in hospital medical laboratories.

Job opportunities continue to grow as the elderly population continues to increase.