The Community Health Worker Certificate Program: Health System Focus is a specialized and comprehensive training initiative designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in Community Health Worker roles within the healthcare sector. The program brings unique perspectives from all essential aspects of health care, including medical and pharmacy practice, social work, and community health outreach, and empowers participants to make a positive impact on patient care and community well-being.
27.5
HOURS OF CONTINUING
EDUCATION
(20.5 hours self-study, 7 hours live training)
DATE
This program is held on a rolling basis. The upcoming live sessions are from 8am to 5pm held at the USC Mann School on the Health Sciences Campus
TIME
8 a.m. – 5 p.m
GOALS
Equip individuals with the knowledge and competencies to help patients access health services and support them in their health journey with education, resources, and care coordination.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Individuals with a passion for improving healthcare outcomes, advocating for community well-being, and bridging the gap between medical care, pharmacy, social work, and community health.
LOCATION
USC Health Sciences Campus, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 106, Los Angeles, CA
Program Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum
The program offers a carefully curated curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experiences. The coursework covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of chronic disease states, measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, collecting blood glucose values, teaching proper use of diabetes-related devices, obtaining accurate medication history, motivational interviewing, community outreach, health education, health advocacy, and cultural competency. They will also learn to identify social determinants of health and develop strategies to address healthcare disparities within diverse populations.
Curriculum components:
- Home study and Live sessions
- Active discussions with faculty and participants through the Discussion Forum and Live Sessions
- One-on-one Technical Support
- Minimum 40 hours of Practicum (field experience)Allows participants to apply knowledge in real-world settings, positively impacting patient care and community health outcomes.
- Facilitate practicum placement opportunities for students who may not initially secure a site, ensuring every participant has a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.Real-time skills competency assessment
Experienced Faculty
Participants will be guided by experienced and licensed pharmacists and healthcare professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of their respective fields. They will provide mentorship and guidance to ensure students’ success in both roles.
Expected Duration of the Program
Complete the curriculum and obtain the certificate within 4 months. Meets state requirements.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the Community Health Worker Certificate Program, participants will be able to:
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of a Community Health Worker.
- Perform accurate measurements of vital signs and other basic clinical measurements.
- Explain general understanding of common chronic conditions and their overall management strategies by using inclusive and patient-friendly languages.
- Obtain medication and other care-related histories accurately.
- Educate patients with culturally appropriate health information and device uses by showing cultural sensitivity and minimizing language and health literacy barriers.
- Provide support to individual patient by playing a role of mediator and coaching through the health and social services.
- Coordinate health care and social services for the individual patient by navigating health system.
- Assess individual patient’s health and social status with assessment tools through clear communication, active listening, and observations.
- Engage individual patients and communities in health care and social services and care by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and overcoming communication barriers.
- Adhere to ethical standards, laws, and institutional guidelines while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Manage time, resources, and priorities effectively within a healthcare setting.
- Utilize relevant tools and technology to enhance patient care and community health outreach.
- Advocate for health and social needs and policy development and changes for individual patient and communities
- Assist individual patient to develop their capacities to their fullest potential.
- Explain process of quality improvement initiatives, evaluation, and research to enhance patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in building relationships with patients, colleagues, and the community.
- Collaborate with any health care professionals (including pharmacists) to positively impact patient care and community health outcomes.
- Summarize the basic principles of public health and causes and associated factors to the social determinants of health and healthcare disparities.
- Conduct outreach activities necessary to recruit, assess, and follow-up on the individual patient and communities to maintain continued engagement.
Curriculum Overview
The Community Health Worker Certificate Training is a structured program aimed at equipping participants with a comprehensive skill set to effectively address the diverse health needs within their communities. The training is divided into three parts, emphasizing hands-on experiences, case studies, and practical applications.
Part I: Foundation of Health Knowledge and Skills
Home Study (7.5 CE Hours): Introduction to the training program and the US healthcare system.Vital signs measurement with slides and supplemental videos for blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Disease-specific modules on Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma/COPD, and Cholesterol. Lifestyle Modification and obtaining medication history with instructional videos. CMM (Comprehensive Medication Management) check-in service with a corresponding video.
Part II: Enhancing Communication and Professional Skills
Home-Study (8.5 CE Hours): Interpersonal and relationship building skills, including motivational interviewing. Communication skills addressing barriers like cultural sensitivity, language, and health literacy. Breaking down complex concepts for patients with an emphasis on inclusive language. Basic knowledge of public health principles and social determinants of health. Professional skills development covering effective time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Application of technology, adherence to ethical standards, and participation in professional development.
Live Session (7.0 CE Hours): Outreach strategies, including CMM recruitment, retention, and customer service. Overview of common chronic diseases and practical sessions on obtaining medication history. Role plays for CMM check-in, vital signs measurement, and insulin administration. Interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including motivational interviewing.
Part III: Community Engagement and Advocacy
Home-Study (4.5 CE Hours): Outreach strategies focusing on community programs and services. Service coordination and navigation, including understanding the healthcare system and insurance. Advocacy for community needs and capacity building for individuals. Education and facilitation of health information for patients. Individual and community assessment using formal tools to determine starting points. In summary, this comprehensive Community Health Worker Certificate Training, offered three times a year on a rolling basis, provides a holistic approach to community health, covering foundational health knowledge, communication skills, and community engagement strategies. The program aims to produce competent and ready community health workers within a six-month timeframe.
Faculty
Michelle Lee Chu, PharmD, CDE, BCACP
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Veronica Acosta, LCSW
Wellness Counselor
USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lisa Goldstone, MS, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP
Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jessica Abraham, PharmD, APh
Director of Population Health
USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Tracey Veal, DrPH, MBA
Department of Public Health Senior Advisor
Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program
Los Angeles County Public Health Department
Activity Fee: $600 general tuition
For more information about continuing education, contact USC Mann Office of Continuing Professional Development at pharmce@usc.edu.
Register
Nov. 12, 2025- Live Session
Registration Link: https://cvent.me/byoLwD
March 2, 2026 – Live Session
Registration Link: https://cvent.me/RMolyl
June 1, 2026 – Live Session
Registration Link: https://cvent.me/AvbVZR
Oct. 19, 2026 – Live Session
Registration Link: https://cvent.me/3aBZv3