Experiential Track For CHWs

To apply for certification through the experiential track, you must be able to document four years of full-time experience (equivalent to 8,240 hours) as a CHW. The hours may be collected over a time frame of 10 years. At least half of the hours (4,210) must have been collected over the last 5 years.

Experience may be through employment or volunteering.

There are two experiential track application cycles each year.

The spring application cycle opens on February 1 and closes on April 1.

The fall application cycle opens on August 1 and closes on October 1.

  • 1. Certified CHWs receive standardized training and knowledge that assists them in providing better care and support that is both beneficial to individual clients and the overall community.

    2. CHWs seek to improve the social determinants of health for populations in need. For example, CHWs are tasked with addressing how people’s overall environment (i.e., where they live, work, eat, and their overall quality of life) impacts their health.

    3. CHWs help improve individual and population-based health outcomes and reduce medical costs/burden for individuals, communities, and the healthcare system.

  • Tri County Rural Health Network

    419 Cherry Street Helena, AR 72342

    http://tcrhn.org/

    870-338-8900

    tcrhn@tcrhn.org

    Highlights:

    -First Certification Commission approved CHW training program in the state

    -6-week virtual training program with synchronous learning activities

    -Students may enroll in the training from anywhere in Arkansas

    -80 hours of didactic training and 40 hours of supervised fieldwork training

  • 1. Approved training programs are the “gold standard” for CHW training programs in Arkansas.

    2. Approved training programs equip CHWs with the educational skills to work in a variety of settings including health services, faith–based organizations, substance abuse programs, nursing homes, mental health facilities, etc.

    3. Ensures that the CHW workforce is highly trained in the same core competencies.

    4. Increases job performance and employability of training program graduates.

    5. Approved training programs are featured on the ARCHWA website for prospective learners.

  • Certified CHWs must apply for recertification every two years. All certified CHWs must complete a minimum of ten hours of Professional Development Hours each year.

Questions About The Process?