In 2023, the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership became an approved Community Health Worker (CHW) training site for the state of Arkansas. Individuals that enroll in and complete all required course components will receive a completion certificate as a Community Health Worker. In order to become a certified CHW, the trainee must then complete a detailed application which is submitted to the Arkansas Community Health Worker Commission for review and approval (once a year, October/December). Currently, the state of Arkansas does not require continuing education credits or practice hours to maintain CHW certification, although this may change in the future.
Course Description: Community Health Workers play a vital role in connecting community members and patients to needed health and health-social information, resources, and services.The Rural Arkansas Community Health Worker Training Institute will prepare participants to serve as Community Health Workers within their own rural Arkansas communities. ARHP staff and guest speakers representing diverse racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and health workforce backgrounds will engage trainees throughout the 8-week course. Participants will also benefit from in-person Basic Life Support (BLS) and Stop the Bleed certification training.
Training Modalities: The course features blended learning, which includes in-person classes, remote instruction (via Zoom conferencing and pre-recorded video sessions), and practical application within local, rural communities.
Time Commitment: Trainees should plan to dedicate 120 hours to successfully complete course requirements over an 8-week period (approximately 15 hours per week). This includes class sessions (in-person and/or virtual), assessments, assignments, discussion boards, and/or time spent within the community.
Next Steps: The course fee is $899/person. Scan theQR code or follow the link to complete an interest form: https://bit.ly/495QmDj. ARHP members access the training for free as a member benefit.
