Are you interested in a career focused on helping others? Do you dream of working in the health and wellness field? It’s an incredibly rewarding industry, with plenty of opportunity for growth. You see, over the years, the world has watched the escalation of several infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In fact, the CDC reports that the number of Lyme Disease cases has more than tripled in the past 15 years! These are just some of the many health problems plaguing the general population today. More than ever, there is a demand for trained professionals in the public health field.
Someone who really wants to make an impact in public health – or, the health of individuals and communities across the globe – may consider a position as a Community Health Worker. What does that mean, exactly? And what is involved in community health worker training? Here, Goodwin College breaks down the Community Health Worker job description, as well as how to boost your public health career – or get it started – today!
What is a Community Health Worker?
Community Health Workers are public health professionals who work tirelessly to improve quality care, often serving as a liaison between health or social services, and people within the community. Some work on the front lines, providing advocacy, information, and education to individuals. Others work in family service offices or outpatient care centers. There is a wide range of settings and opportunity for those interested in working in community health.
Goodwin College offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health – which some may also refer to as a community health degree, as it can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a Community Health Worker. At Goodwin, we recognize the need for skilled community health professionals in the age of modern globalization. Our coursework and hands-on training prepare students to act in times of crises and promote good health across populations.
Graduates of Goodwin’s public health program have gone on to succeed in a variety of careers they love, such as:
- Community Health Worker
- Child Development Specialist
- Community Health Education Coordinator
- Education Coordinator
- Health Educator
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Public Health Educator
In 2017, the median pay for Health Educators and Community Health Workers was $45,360 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And while some Community Health Workers typically only need to obtain a high school diploma to break into the field, depending on the specialty, there are many advantages to continuing that education with college-level community health worker training.
Boosting Your Career in the Community Health Field
The Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health program at Goodwin College prepares students for the real-world work they will dive into upon graduation. Along with the coursework (offered on-campus and online), Goodwin students enjoy community health worker training while working towards that all-important degree. Students are prepped to deliver health interventions, collect and analyze data, provide counseling and support, and help connect individuals to organizations that improve health.
Goodwin’s career-focused curriculum, taught by industry experts, will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to stand out in this highly competitive and in-demand field. The BLS expects the Community Health Worker role to grow 16 percent over the next several years – much faster than the average for all occupations! The community health worker training program from Goodwin will only help you compete against other candidates looking to snag the same opportunities available.
Obtaining a public health degree can also help boost your career and pay in the long run. While, on average, Community Health Workers earn $38,370 per year, Health Educators earn $53,940. The difference between the two positions is their level of education. Health Educators require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Public Health classes are catered to the busy, working student. Courses are available on days, evenings, and weekends, too! You can take public health classes on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Goodwin College understands that many students are already overwhelmed with work and/or family obligations. We tailor our community health training program to serve as a flexible, achievable option for students looking to advance their careers in the most practical way possible.
Learn more about the Public Health School at Goodwin College by calling 800-889-3282, and get started with your career in Community Health today!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.