University of Maine at Augusta Offers College Credit for Community Health Worker Training
May 22, 2024
MCD Global Health, in partnership with University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for community health workers (CHWs). Now, students enrolled in MCD's CHW Core Competency course can earn up to six academic credits applicable toward an associate or bachelor’s degree through UMA the University of Maine system.
Wendy St. Pierre, Assistant Professor of Mental Health and Human Services at UMA states, “UMA works with our students to provide academic credit for approved community based training and prior work experiences and are glad to be partnering with MCD Global Health to support CHWs in pursuing a college degree.”
CHWs are public health workers deeply integrated into and trusted members of the communities they serve, often drawing from their own lived experiences. Along with having a diverse set of core competencies recognized by local, state, and federal governmental organizations, CHWs bridge the gap between community needs and health and social services, enhancing access and cultural competence.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for CHWs will grow by 17%, faster than average, between 2020 and 2030. “This partnership is a significant stride in recognizing the invaluable work of CHWs,” said Cristina Leal, a senior program manager at MCD. “Offering college credit for the CHW training empowers these dedicated professionals to gain academic recognition and provides a pathway for their professional growth while enhancing their skills to serve communities effectively.”
MCD has offered its 80-hour enhanced, hybrid CHW Core Competency Training since 2021 and teaches prospective and current CHWs fundamental skills for them to be successful in their field. The course is delivered by a set of diverse, expert faculty over 12 weeks and includes a combination of self-paced, online instruction modules, live virtual group sessions, and field experience hours. The learning modules include health-related competencies, designed and intended for CHWs and other individuals who assist clients in the prevention, management, and self-management of chronic conditions. These modules include various topics, such as cholesterol, diabetes, COVID-19, telehealth, and cancer. Since its implementation, MCD has trained 144 CHWs in Maine, and nearly 11,900 learners have accessed health-related courses on MCD’s CHW training platform.
Prospective students interested in registering for the CHW course can email chwinfo@mcd.org for enrollment details. Students who want to pursue academic credit for completion of this training can contact the UMA Advising office at umaadvising@maine.edu or by calling 1 (877) UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149.