Community Health Worker Training Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works with the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance (MN CHW Alliance), employers, and other organizations across the state to strengthen and diversify the community health worker (CHW) workforce in Minnesota.

The Community Health Worker Training Program is funded by a three-year grant from 2022-2025 awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The Community Health Worker Training Program has three components:

Community Health Worker Certificate program scholarships

• MDH and the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance are working to create awareness of the profession across Minnesota and identify individuals from under-resourced communities to become trained as CHWs.
• The training program provides scholarships to individuals towards tuition for the CHW Certificate program and to help with other educational costs such as transportation, child care, Wi-Fi, and school supplies.

Apprenticeships and field experiences

• MDH and MN CHW Alliance are partnering with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and organizations across the state to increase employment opportunities and implement structured on-the-job training for CHWs. The training program:
  • Supports organizations to develop employer paid registered apprenticeships programs.
  • Provides stipends to eligible CHWs completing a registered apprenticeship program apprentices.
  • Increases partnerships with organizations to host CHW field experiences or internships.

Ongoing training for Community Health Workers

• The training program provides free trainings to new and existing CHWs to advance knowledge on health promotion and chronic disease prevention topics. Learn about the different available courses at MDH Community Health Worker Training Courses.
• Free online trainings for CHWs can be accessed through the MDH e-learning center. 

Interested in getting a Community Health Worker Certificate?

Scholarships are no longer available to new applicants. However, if you are interested in completing the CHW Certificate program, follow these steps:

1. Apply to a CHW Certificate program at an accredited school in Minnesota. Visit the MNCHWA Education webpage for more information.
2. Visit the MN CHW Alliance Education Opportunities webpage for more information.

Interested in working with or becoming a CHW apprentice?

Employers follow these steps:

1. Visit the MN CHW Alliance Apprenticeship webpage or contact apprenticeship@mnchwalliance.org to get started.
2. Complete the application to become a Registered Apprenticeship Program site.
3. Hire an apprentice of your choice and provide on the job apprenticeship training during the first year of employment.

CHWs follow these steps:

1. Visit the MN CHW Alliance website for current job postings and apprenticeship opportunities.
2. Apply for employment as an apprentice through participating employers. 

Printable information handouts

• Caring Careers: Community Health Worker (PDF)
• Community Health Worker Training Courses (PDF)

Contact us

For questions or more information contact: health.chw.MDH@state.mn.us