Tennessee
CHW Association
Tennessee Community Health Worker Association
Credentialing Council
TNCHWA
Credentialing Council Type
Start of Certification
Total CHWs Certified
Average Certifications per Year
Legislation Supporting Certification
CHW Association
In development
In development
In development
None
Training
Guiding Competencies
The Community Health Worker Training Program of Tennessee (CHWTPT) has defined its own competencies that align with the C3 Project. CHWTPT is a made up of self-paced competency-based modules on a fully online learning platform.
Sessions are designed so that the first hour is devoted to learning core content, the second hour includes participatory learning activities, and the third hour includes a collaborative peer learning session facilitated by the trainer. Students have an option for field placement or apprenticeship when applicable.
Requirements
Facilitated Hours
Facilitated Format
Practicum Hours
Practicum Format
Costs/Tuition
Mandatory
144
Online (self-paced and with trainer)
192 (Field-placement track), 2000 (Apprenticeship track)
Paid or unpaid
No cost to trainees*
No
*Through HRSA grant trainees receive $3750 for online training and $3750 for field placement or apprenticeship totaling $7500 per trainee. This compensation has the goal of eliminating barriers to CHW training for those that are interested in pursuing the profession.
Eligibility
Age
Residency Status
Minimum Education
Experience
Background Check
18
US citizenship or legal permanent resident status*
High school diploma/GED
None
None
*Residency status is a requirement through the HRSA grant for trainees to receive stipends. Leadership intends to change these requirements following the end of the grant period.
Screen for Fit
One of two comprehensive assignments for the first phase of training is a video recording explaining why a trainee believes themselves to be a good fit for the CHW profession.
Training Sites
Community agencies
Tracks
Field-placement track, apprenticeship track
Visit the Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s CHWTPT page on Partner Sites to read more about sites hosting students, and to compare the differences between the two tracks.
Specialization
Advanced curriculum modules are being developed for CHWs who have reached proficiency in competencies required for certification. CHWs will be able to pick specific training related to advanced skills or particular populations. Training will be provided at no cost. CHWs will have the opportunity to pursue leadership/managerial training to allow for professional development and career mobility. This specialty track change is planned for late summer 2023 rollout.
Instructor Credentials
Must have at least 5 years experience as a CHW. No bachelor's degree required, but there is a preference for those with training/supervisory/managerial experience.
Legacy
Current CHWs can submit a training portfolio and application to receive CHW certification. If CHWs need additional training to complete certification requirements, it will be provided at no cost.
Examination
No comprehensive exam learning is administered. Competency is instead gauged through assignments completed throughout the course of training with two comprehensive assignments taking place per phase with three phases total.
Cost
N/A
Recertification
Number of CEUs
Frequency
Cost
In development
In development
In development
Reciprocity Policy
TN leadership is hoping to honor certifications of other states. Leadership recognizes that they may have to provide some supplemental training to prior to awarding TN certification. Goal is to accept certification reciprocity and give CHWs the opportunity to start working and pursue upskilling (further training and development) as soon as possible. TN acknowledges that many CHWs work in border towns between TN and MS, AR, and VA, and hopes to leverage relationships with these states to move toward a reciprocity agreement.
Special thanks for contributions from Nikayla Boyd and Judy Pile. See the bottom of the webpage for a full reference list. Last updated November 2023.