Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Program
Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Program
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Program prepares students to serve as frontline public health professionals who bridge communities with healthcare and social service systems. Students develop competencies in health education, care coordination, advocacy, cultural competency, and community outreach.
The program aligns with nationally recognized CHW core competencies (CDC / APHA-informed) and workforce development expectations. This program prepares students to support individuals and communities by promoting health education and facilitating access to healthcare and social services.
Our record of job placement assistance is currently 90%. Recruiters pay for access to recruit Dorson VTI graduates.
Admission Requirements & Eligibility
Review the requirements below to see if you qualify for our Community Health Worker program.
To Enroll, You'll Need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card or proof of legal work status
- Commitment to community health and service
- Basic reading and communication skills in English
Upon Completion You Will Receive:
- Certificate of Completion – Community Health Worker
- Resume writing and interview coaching
- Job placement assistance with local employers
- Career advancement pathway guidance
- Dorson VTI certificate of completion
Program Cost:
- Full Course: $4,000
- Registration Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
- Total: $4,075
- WIOA funding may be available for eligible students
- Payment plans available — contact admissions
Program Schedule:
- 180 hours total (hybrid format)
- Estimated duration: ~9 weeks (4 hrs/day, Mon–Fri)
- Online + in-person skills labs / field experience
- 8–12 weeks program length
- Online classes start immediately after acceptance
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Classes held in East Orange, NJ
Course Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared for employment as Community Health Workers with hospitals, community health centers, public health departments, non-profit organizations, and managed care organizations.
Community Outreach
- Health promotion and outreach strategies
- Community needs assessment techniques
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate services
- Community resource mapping and referral
- Public health education delivery
Care Navigation
- Healthcare system navigation support
- Chronic disease management coaching
- Benefits enrollment assistance
- Social determinants of health screening
- Care coordination and follow-up
Health Education
- Chronic disease prevention education
- Maternal and child health topics
- Mental health and substance use awareness
- Nutrition, fitness, and wellness coaching
- Health literacy principles
Documentation & Compliance
- Case documentation and data collection
- HIPAA and client confidentiality standards
- Electronic health record basics
- Grant reporting and program metrics
- Career readiness and job search preparation
Average Annual Salary in NJ
Job Market Growth (2022–2032)
Local Job Openings in NJ
Field Practicum
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our Community Health Worker program? Find answers below.
• WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) — federally funded assistance that may cover tuition for eligible students.
• Bank Financing — low-interest education financing through our banking partners.
• Corporate / Employer Sponsored — if your employer offers tuition assistance, we can work directly with them.
• Other Funding Sources — we work with various community and government funding organizations.
• Flexible Payment Plans — ask our admissions team about installment options.
Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more, or call us at 973-676-6300.
