Requirements for the Colorado Community Health Worker credential
- Participation in CDPHE-recognized Community Health Worker training program.
- Passing the Community Health Worker core competency assessment.
In 2023, CDPHE adopted the umbrella term “Community Health Worker” for the workforce in Colorado. CDPHE, together with a group of stakeholders, revised the Health Navigator core competencies to a new set of 8 (eight) Community Health Worker core competencies. In the year ahead, training programs will adapt their curricula to the new core competencies and will reapply to be recognized as Community Health Worker training programs.
Some of the current training program language may use the term “Health Navigator” but that will eventually change to Community Health Worker. In the interim, Health Navigator training will be accepted until all training programs change to Community Health Worker training programs.
Current CDPHE-recognized training programs:
CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging: Health Navigator Training Program: The Multidisciplinary Center on Aging offers a Health Navigator training program specifically developed to engage older adults.
CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging: Health Navigator Training Program
Metro State University at Denver: This course serves as a starting point for those eager to pursue careers in Health Navigation or Community Health Work and can stack into a MSU Denver credential or degree. Classes are offered virtually.
MSU at Denver CHW/Health Navigator Training
Patient Navigator & Community Health Worker Training Program: PNCT offers a full curriculum for Patient Navigators, Care Coordinators and Community Health Workers. Classes are offered in person and virtually.
Patient Navigator & Community Health Worker Training Program