CHW Network

Our Community Health Worker Training program is offered online in a virtual classroom setting. Students who successfully complete the program learn the required skills needed to be successful in the health care field. Becoming a CHW allows you to be an advocate for patients while giving back to your community. Our current program is offered twice a year in the spring and fall.

 

 

Apply by October 12, 2026 for our next Training!

Class Schedule:
October 19 – November 23, 2026
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 p.m.

Complete the Interest Form by October 12, 2026:
tinyurl.com/esahec-CHW-pif

The Maryland AHEC (MAHEC) CHW curriculum provides a 140-hour (100 hours classroom/40 hours practicum), competency-based training that covers the 9 Maryland Department of Health core competencies:

  • Advocacy and community capacity building skills
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Cultural competency
  • Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues
  • Knowledge of local resources and system navigation
  • Care coordination support skills
  • Teaching skills to promote health behavior change
  • Outreach methods and strategies
  • Understanding of public health concepts and health literacy

Although unified under the MAHEC Program name, the CHW training is scheduled and delivered by each of the three regional MAHECs – ESAHEC, AHEC West and Central Maryland AHEC.

October 2026 CHW Training Flyer
Download the Flyer

Benefits

  • Specialized training
  • Small classroom setting
  • Join a network of professionals engaged in health care
  • Certified CHW program in the state of Maryland

Since 2013, MAHEC centers have trained over 400 CHWs who are employed in health departments, hospitals, community-based agencies, AHECs, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and many others. Our talented instructors represent an array of experiences in education, healthcare, and human services. The MAHEC CHW Training Program offers competitive pricing for groups and individuals.

Payment plans and scholarships available.

PARTICIPANTS SAY…

“I really enjoyed the wealth of information that was provided by the different speakers. Also, I think I gained just as much information from the other students in the class, some of them seem to have been doing community health work for a long time and they are really connected to some great resources.”
“The trainers were exceptional in their knowledge, lived experience, and consistent encouragement. Having participated in many Zoom-based trainings, I can confidentely say they are among the best I’ve encountered. What I valued most was the opportunity to learn from the trainers, guest speakers, and classmates, with the class schedule being a close second. The course text was also very strong.”
“I love how informative each chapter was. Every guest speaking had different things to say, and it kept the class interesting. The class was amazing and very thorough.”
“Overall, this was an excellent training experience. I really appreciated the balance between structure and flexibility, along with the opportunity to engage in real-world applications. The sense of care and community among the trainers and classmates was a standout. I feel very well supported and connected to the cohort and the work ahead. Thank you for all the thoughtful details, both big and small, that made this such a meaningful experience. 10/10, I would absolutely recommend this training.”