Community Health Worker Training Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works with the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance (MNCHWA), 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 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.
• Scholarship awards are up to $3,720 per student for 270 students enrolled at participating schools over the three-year Training Program.

Apprenticeships and field experiences

• MDH and MNCHWA 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 (up to $7,500 for 105 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?

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. Review the scholarship criteria and complete the scholarship application on the MNCHWA Scholarship webpage.
3. Contact scholarship@mnchwalliance.org if you have questions or need assistance.

Interested in working with or becoming a CHW apprentice?

Employers follow these steps:

1. 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. Apply for employment as an apprentice through participating employers. Visit the MNCHWA website for current job postings and apprenticeship opportunities.
2. Apply for the training program stipend through MNCHWA Apprenticeship Stipend Application.

Printable information handouts

• Community Health Worker Training Program Overview (PDF)
• Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program (PDF)
• 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