Earn your Maryland Department of Health CHW credential with 100 hours of hybrid training plus a 40-hour practicum, built for the realities of Appalachian healthcare. Real skills. Real practitioners. Real impact.
AHEC West's CHW program doesn't adapt curriculum from urban settings — it's designed from the ground up for the workforce serving Western Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Our instructors are practitioners who've trained 1,000+ CHWs across the region.
Whether you're starting your career or adding a credential to your current role, this program gives you the tools, certification, and network to make a measurable difference.
100 hours of live training plus a 40-hour practicum, covering the full CHW scope of practice — from care coordination to culturally responsive communication.
Role and scope of practice, health systems navigation, social determinants of health, and community outreach — aligned with MABPCB standards.
Motivational interviewing, health literacy, cultural humility, and communication strategies tailored for Appalachian and rural communities.
Case management fundamentals, referral systems, follow-up protocols, and documentation practices used in real healthcare settings.
Trauma-informed care, behavioral health basics, and connecting clients to mental health and recovery resources in underserved areas.
Mapping local resources, building referral networks, and connecting families to housing, food, transportation, and benefits.
Structured review sessions and practice materials aligned to Maryland Department of Health CHW credential requirements — so you're ready to apply upon completion.
This program is designed for community members, frontline workers, and healthcare staff who want to formalize their role and deepen their impact.
Questions before you register?
Reach out to our training team — we're happy to walk you through the program, discuss your background, or talk about group enrollment options.
Fall 2026 cohort begins August 17. Seats are limited — view full course details and complete your registration on our training platform.
Aug 17 – Sep 21, 2026 · Mon / Wed / Fri · 5–8 PM · Tuition: $1,400