Full course description
To be notified the next time this course is available, please email Dr. Teresa Wagner at teresa.wagner@unthsc.edu
The American Public Health Association defines a community health worker as "a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served." CHWs are natural helpers in the community who 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.
Estimated Hours to Complete: 160
This course is designed to certify learners as Community Health Workers in the State of Texas.
CHW Certification Objectives
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- Evaluate and implement entry-level proficiency in CHW skills including client-centered assessment, coaching, and health education to deploy in group facilitation, community organizing, and advocacy.
- Develop and integrate job readiness and professional skills necessary for employment in the CHW field.
- Define ethics, scope of practice, professional boundaries, conflict resolution, self-care, time management, & skills for giving & receiving constructive feedback.
- Analyze & evaluate health information from public health, behavioral science, evidence-based & cultural perspectives using best practices for health promotion.
- Appraise and apply core concepts for working effectively with diverse clients and communities, including cultural humility and ecological perspective.
To Become a Certified CHW in Texas:
- Must be a Texas Resident
- Must be over 16 years of age
- Training – Must complete 160-hour competency-based certification program certified by DSHS; or
- Experience – At least 1,000 hours of verified CHW work services within the past 6
Course Faculty:
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Teresa Wagner, DrPH, MS, CPH, RD/LD, CHWI, DipACLM, CHWC Dr. Teresa Wagner graduated with a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center where she is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Professions and Clinical Executive for Health Literacy at SaferCare Texas. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from Texas Christian University and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Wagner is a registered and licensed dietitian and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is certified in public health and a certified community health worker instructor. As a clinician, she was recently certified in Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching. During COVID-19, Dr. Wagner has completed multiple media segments, webinars, and blog posts addressing nutrition for population health as well as personal wellness while practicing self-isolation. She has received both the Media Award and Distinguished Scientist Award from the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In her role at SaferCare Texas, she has established a multi-stakeholder health literacy collaborative with the DFW Hospital Council Foundation and testified on health literacy legislation in Texas. Her testimony helped place health literacy into the State Health Plan. Recently, she developed the health literacy policy resolution for the Texas Public Health Association. She has delivered multiple programs, speaking engagements, and trainings on health literacy issues. Currently, she teaches Health Literacy & Communication in the Lifestyle Health Sciences Program. As a result of her work locally, regionally & nationally, she received the 2018 Texas Health Literacy Hero Award as well as the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas Christian University. |
Learn more about our Community Health Worker Center
under the Direction of Dr. Teresa Wagner.