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:
- Prospective students should submit an SSC Application form and forward all Official high school or HSE transcripts, as well as official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions for credit evaluation. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the program.
- Current Community Health Workers may be eligible for ECEP credit for their knowledge or competency through life/work experiences. Browse for ECEP information.
Community Health Worker Program Application
A.A.S. Degree
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program offers three (3) tracks; a Basic Certificate, an Advance Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science.
Certificate Program
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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE CLASSES
NOTE: Students are required to take at least nine semester credits or the equivalent of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.
CHW PANEL DISCUSSION
“Driving CHW’s to Sustainable Employment in Illinois”
Power Point Presentation
“What employers need to know about community health workers” – by Carl H. Rush, MRP
Inquiry Form
Fill out this form or call the Allied Health Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2258 if you have additional questions about the Community Health Worker Program at SSC.
To make an appointment concerning Allied Health Careers, contact the College & Career Success Center at (708) 210-5724.