Apprenticeships are defined as, “an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally-recognized credential”. A misconception about apprenticeships are that they are limited to trade such a electricians or mechanics.

This resource provides general guidance for advocates seeking to establish CHW certification in a state that does not yet have CHW certification. It highlights the two main pathways, public and private, and the five key steps involved in the certification development process.

This in-depth report provides information regarding the career paths that CHWs may follow under various ‘career clusters’, like social work, clinical work, educational work, or advocacy. It was designed for organizations that work with the CHW workforce or within the CHW profession.

This one-page career web graphic provides examples of the various career paths options for Community Health Workers (CHWs). It places the CHW profession at the center and has 5 different career clusters (clinical, education, advocacy, CHW management, and social work) that branch out.

With a long history of successfully and effectively addressing health disparities, Community Health Workers (CHWs) can fill the gaps in services that many health care organizations experience in reaching underserved populations. Creating an association or state network can engage CHWs and provide greater professional development and networking opportunities, ultimately providing them with the tools to provide better services at their health centers and in their communities. This guide will provide stakeholders step-by-step information on how to initiate a CHW Association. In addition, it will provide an overview of the different types of state regulations and association models used across the nation.