Community Health Worker

What Maryland asks for

Here is what you need to become a Community Health Worker in Maryland. There are three steps. We explain each one below.

1
Meet the basic rules
2
Finish 140 hours of approved training
3
Apply to the state
Step One

Who can apply

There are only two rules to start. You do not need a college degree. You do not need health care experience.

Be 18 years old or older
Have a high school diploma or a GED
Step Two

Finish a class the state approves

Maryland does not approve every training program. An approved one has to include all of this.

100
Hours of class
Live teaching, in a room or online
40
Hours in the field
Real practice, with someone helping you
9
Skill areas
The subjects listed below
There is also a test
The program has to check that you learned the material. Most of the time this is a test.
AHEC West's class is approved by the state. It covers all 140 hours and every one of the nine skill areas.
See our class
The Curriculum

The nine skill areas

Every approved class in Maryland has to teach all nine.

1Speaking up for people and building stronger communities
2Talking and writing clearly
3Respecting people's culture and background
4Ethics and keeping things private
5Knowing what help is near you and how to reach it
6Helping people keep track of their care
7Teaching people how to build healthy habits
8Reaching people out in the community
9Understanding public health and health information
Step Three

Send in your application

Maryland takes applications through a website called OneStop. You will need to send three things.

Your application. Filled out through Maryland OneStop.
Proof of your age. A driver's license or another ID works.
Proof you finished the class. Official papers from your approved training program.

We go over this near the end of our class so you know exactly what to send.

Later On

Keeping your certificate

2 years
How long it lasts
20 hours
Learning needed to renew

Keep a record of each class you take. Write down who taught it. Write down how many hours it was. Write down what you learned. Then write down which skill area it fits. The state asks for all four.

Ready to start your 140 hours?
Our class is approved by the state. It covers everything on this page.
See the CHW class

Still have questions? Ask us and a real person will answer.