The requirements for becoming a community health worker typically vary by employer. Many of these jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, though some may accept a secondary school or General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma, as well as any licensing or certification required for the position you seek. If, for example, you will work as a doctor or a nurse in a community health center, you will typically need the licensing your jurisdiction requires for this position. The ability to speak more than one language may also improve your chances of getting hired for this job. Additionally, volunteer experience, while not required, may make you a more desirable candidate.
Your education may factor prominently when you are trying to become a community health worker. For most of these positions, you will need a bachelor's degree, and some may even prefer those with graduate-level degrees instead. For example, if you are seeking a job as a supervisor or director with a community health agency, you may need a graduate degree instead of a four-year degree. You might, however, find some community health employers with positions for those who have secondary school or GED® diplomas. For instance, when you want to become a community health worker, you could possibly land a position as a personal care worker without a college degree.
Depending on the type of position you seek when you choose to become a community health worker, you may also need licensing. For instance, if you will work as a doctor or a dentist for a community health employer, you will need the licensing your jurisdiction usually requires for this position. Likewise, you will typically need a license for nursing positions and similar jobs. Additionally, you may find that your jurisdiction or the community health employers in your area require certifications for certain other health care positions.
Though not always required, there are some skills or types of work experience that may make you a more attractive candidate. For example, if you want to become a community health worker and you can speak more than one language, you may have a better chance of getting hired. This will likely depend, however, on whether or not many of the people you will serve speak the language in which you are bilingual. Additionally, some employers may consider you a more attractive job candidate if you have volunteer experience and have demonstrated a commitment to helping others.
