Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in improving access to care, advancing health education, and building trust between communities and healthcare systems. As the demand for CHWs continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals who can supervise, support, and lead this essential workforce.
Kent State University’s Community Health Worker Supervision Undergraduate Certificate is designed to prepare professionals for exactly that role—equipping them with the leadership, management, and workforce development skills needed to strengthen community health programs and improve outcomes.
What Is a Community Health Worker?
According to the American Public Health Association, a community health worker is “a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served.” ¹ This trusted relationship allows CHWs to connect individuals and families to health and social services, provide culturally appropriate education, and advocate for community needs.
CHWs often:
- work directly with individuals and families to access healthcare
- provide health education and chronic disease support
- help navigate community resources
- serve as a bridge between communities and service providers
They are employed across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, nonprofits, public health agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and home-based care environments.
Why Supervision Matters in Community Health Work
As CHW programs expand, effective supervision becomes essential. Supervisors play a key role in:
- supporting CHW performance and professional development
- ensuring CHWs are well integrated into healthcare teams
- managing programs, budgets, and reporting requirements
- fostering culturally responsive and supportive work environments
The online Community Health Worker Supervision Undergraduate Certificate focuses on building these leadership and management competencies so supervisors can maximize the impact of the CHWs they lead.
What You’ll Learn in the Certificate Program
This 100% online undergraduate certificate provides essential training in:
- leadership and workforce development
- program planning and management
- basic finance and resource coordination
- effective communication and conflict resolution
- cultural competency and professional supervision practices
Students gain practical skills that can be applied immediately in healthcare, public health, and community-based settings.
The certificate requires a minimum of 16 credit hours of public health coursework. Students with prior CHW training or credentials may be eligible to apply existing coursework or receive credit through Kent State’s Trade Competency Credit process.
Designed for Working Professionals and CHWs
The certificate is ideal for:
- currently certified community health workers
- healthcare administrators and program managers
- public health professionals overseeing CHW programs
Participants who already hold a Certified Community Health Worker (C-CHW) credential from the Ohio Board of Nursing may earn 6 credit hours toward the certificate, reducing the time to completion.
Career Outlook and Impact
The job outlook for community health workers—and those who supervise them—continues to be strong. According to national data, CHWs earn wages ranging from approximately $28,000 to $70,000, with median earnings around $46,000, depending on role, experience, and setting.²
Supervisory training can position professionals for increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and greater impact within healthcare and community organizations.
About the Community Health Worker Supervision Undergraduate Certificate
Offered through Kent State University’s College of Public Health, the online Community Health Worker Supervision Undergraduate Certificate prepares professionals to lead and support CHWs in diverse settings. The fully online format allows students to advance their education while balancing work and personal commitments, making it an accessible pathway for career growth in public and community health.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Community Health Leadership?
If you’re ready to move into a supervisory or leadership role and strengthen the impact of community health worker programs, the online Community Health Worker Supervision Undergraduate Certificate at Kent State offers a flexible, career-focused option.
¹ https://www.apha.org/apha-communities/member-sections/community-health-workers
² https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm
