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*.
Time & Dates
Tuesday & Thursday between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
- February 11th & February 13th
- February 18th & February 20th
- February 25th & February 27th
- March 4th (MHFA)* & March 6th (ACES)*
- March 11th & March 13th
- March 18th & March 20th
*Mental Health First Aid and Adverse Childhood Experiences Required Training Dates for certification.
Click here to register
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, 166 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
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 166 hours of engagement divided between instruction, independent study, assignments, and instructor coaching.
To obtain certification, students should attend all 12 classes.
Upper Peninsula Community Health Worker Network
Next Quarterly Call: February 19th, 2025 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:
- May 21st, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
- August 20th, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
- November 19th, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
Learner Testimonials
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
Learn more about CHWs and why they're important: U.P. Community Health Town Hall Series - Community Health Workers
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.
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.