Training Overview
NCHW training involves 12 days of instruction on the 11 nationally recognized CHW core competencies plus Mental Health First Aid and ACES training. Students will utilize their provided textbook and workbook to complete assignments, take notes, and improve their understanding of the CHW role. Classes will start at 8:00am EST of the dates listed, and will end at 5:00pm EST. Training requires a total of 160 hours of engagement divided between instruction, independent study, assignments, and instructor coaching.
To obtain certification, students should attend all 12 classes.
Virtual NCHW Training
Northern Michigan University's Center for Rural Health, in partnership with Everyday Life Consulting and the Michigan Center for Rural Health, is offering a virtual nationally aligned Community Health Worker (NCHW) Core Competency Certification program. This training meets the standards to be certified as a CHW in Michigan and is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,443,813.00*. Please note, due to grant funding for this training, the course is only open to those residing and working in the Upper Peninsula. If you are interested in CHW training, but do not reside in the U.P., please reach out to Everyday Life Consulting at achieve@everydaylifechw.com.
NCHW Training Flyer: 9/16/2025 - 10/22/2025
Time & Dates
Tuesdays & Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
- September 16th & 17th
- *September 23rd (MHFA) & 24th (ACES)
- September 30th & October 1st
- October 7th & 8th
- October 14th & 15th
- October 21st & 22nd
*Mental Health First Aid and Adverse Childhood Experiences are required training dates for certification.
Please reach out to annchris@nmu.edu with any questions or if you are interested in joining a future training cohort.
Cost of Training
As a result of this HRSA grant, training is being offered at a discounted rate of only $250 per student (a non-refundable deposit), as opposed to the standard rate of $1,625.
Includes textbook, workbook, 160 hours of engagement through instruction, independent study, assignments, and instructor coaching, NCHW Certificate, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, and Adverse Childhood Event (ACES) training plus lifetime access to learning modules and the CHW registry.
*Use code UPWIN at checkout to receive discount
About NCHW Certification
What does NCHW certified mean?
NCHW certified means you have completed training in all nationally recognized core competencies:
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal and Relationship-Building Skills
- Service Coordination and Navigation Skills
- Capacity Building Skills
- Advocacy Skills
- Education and Facilitation Skills
- Individual and Community Assessment Skills
- Outreach Skills
- Professional Skills and Conduct
- Evaluation and Research Skills
- Knowledge Base
Why train with us?
Successful completion of the program enhances your employability in the community health worker profession. Unlike other programs, the NCHW curriculum covers all 11 core competencies, plus Mental Health First Aid, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI).
This course also aligns with the standards of the C3 Project Core Competencies for Community Health Workers, as well as many state certification programs, including Michigan, and recognized best practices.
Hear from our NCHW graduates on their experience with the program.
Learner Testimonials
About UP-WIN
This training is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,443,813.00. Learn more about UP-WIN and its partners here.
The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information on HRSA, visit HRSA.gov
About Everyday Life Consulting
The curriculum for NCHW training is being provided by Everyday Life Consulting. Learn more about them here.
Continuing Education for CHWs
CHWs who receive Medicaid reimbursement
CHWs who are receiving reimbursement from Medicaid must complete 6 CEUs per year. Proof of your CEUs is the CHW's responsibility to obtain, save, and record and will be required to submit via the MI Medicaid CHW Registry when it comes time to renew your certification. Certification renewal will only happen via the MI Medicaid CHW Registry. CHWs will also be required to complete an attestation form in order to remain certified. If issues arise with any part of this process, it is recommended to reach out to mychwregistry@michwa.org and report the issue, while also keeping a personal record of CEUs. While other platforms may also offer the ability to upload CEUs for record-keeping purposes, it is highly recommend that CHWs maintain personal copies in addition to anything uploaded. The MI Medicaid CHW Registry is free and registration can be completed via the MI Medicaid CHW Registry website.
CHWs who do NOT receive Medicaid reimbursement
CHWs who are not receiving reimbursement from Medicaid are encouraged, but not required to complete 6 CEUs per year. CHW have three different registry options: National Association of CHWs (NACHW) Membership & Registry, Michigan CHW Alliance (MiCHWA) Membership & Registry, and the ELC CHW Registry. Those who are receiving Medicaid reimbursement are only required to register through the MI Medicaid CHW Registry, however, they may also choose register in any or all of the other three registries. The MiCHWA Membership & Registry costs $50/year and can be completed via the MiCHWA Membership Website. For a more detailed explanation of the benefits of joining the MiCHWA Registry, please view the explanation provided on the MiCHWA website under FAQs. The NACHW Membership & Registry costs $20/year and can be completed via the NACHW Membership Portal. For a more detailed explanation of the benefits of joining the NACHW Registry, please view the explanation provided on the NACHW website. The ELC CHW Registry is free. If a CHW graduates from the ELC/NMUCRH UPWIN NCHW course, the CHW is automatically added to the registry and should receive an email with login and access information. If a CHW has not yet received access to the registry, please reach out to achieve@everydaylifechw.com. If a CHW has completed another training and would like to join the registry, this can be done by completing the form under Contact Us. This will kickstart ELC's process to set up the account and an email with login and access information will be sent to the individual.
| Organization | Cost | Required | Benefit | Website |
| MI Medicaid Registry | Free | Yes (If receiving Medicaid reimbursement) |
| https://michwa.org/mi-medicaid-chw-credential-registry/ |
| ELC CHW Registry | Free | No |
| https://chwregistry.com/ |
| MiCHWA | $50/year | No |
| https://michwa.org/for-chws/ |
| NACHW | $20/year | No |
| https://nachw.org/membership/ |
CEU Resources
- MCRH CEUs (Free)
- ELC Learning Labs (Free: Exclusive to CHWs trained by ELC/NMUCRH) - All CHWs who have been trained by ELC/NMUCRH should receive an invitation to join the monthly learning labs. They take place on the third Monday of the month from 11:00am-12:00pm EST
- ELC CEUs (Paid)
- MiCHWA CEUs (Free & Paid)
- NACHW CEUs (Free & Paid)
- MDHHS listserv (Free & Paid): Subscribe to stay up to date on health news and upcoming events and opportunities, which include both paid and free CEU opportunities
- NMUCRH - NMUCRH will also continue to identify and provide CEU opportunities
- MI Medicaid CHW Registry - How-to Guide
Upper Peninsula Community Health Worker Network
Next Quarterly Call: February 18th, 2026 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
Click here to register
Mission: To empower and unite Upper Peninsula Community Health Workers
Network Objectives:
- Make Connections
- Share Resources
- Discuss Challenges
- Brainstorm Solutions
You do not need a CHW certification to participate in the network!
Upcoming Network Calls:
- February 18th, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
- May 20th, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
- August 19th, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
- November 18th, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
About CHWs
What is a Community Health Worker (CHW)?
CHWs are community members with training in health education, promotion, and social service navigation.
- A community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker 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.
- A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
What does a Community Health Worker do?
- Acts as bridge between health providers and patients
- Provides culturally appropriate health education and information
- Provides care coordination, case management, and system navigation
- Provides coaching and social support
- Advocates for individuals and communities
- Builds individual and community capacity
- Provides direct service (e.g. taking blood pressure, diabetic foot care, etc.)
- Implements individual and community assessments to determine needs and/or identify risks
- Conducts outreach, such as home visiting
Common titles that CHWs go by
- Peer Support Specialist
- Community Health Advocate
- Community Outreach Worker
- Community Neighborhood Navigator
- Family Health Worker
- Outreach and Enrollment Worker
- Community Health Representative
- Recovery Coach
- Early Intervention Services (EIS) Worker
- Maternal Child Health Worker
- Patient Navigators
- Enrollment Specialists