PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is accepting applications to its Community Health Worker program, part of the College's Workforce Development

 curriculum. 

 

The next cohort takes place February 15 through May 7, 2024. 

 

The Community Health Worker program provides rigorous training for public health workers to serve as liaisons between traditionally underserved populations and health/social service providers. The program benefits anyone interested in exploring educational and career pathways in community health, human services, healthcare or public health. 

 

Students enrolled in the Community Health Worker program learn about essential topics relevant to community health work in Berkshire County, such as chronic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, physical and mental disabilities, reproductive health issues, domestic violence, mental health and trauma. The program also addresses community health work in emergency situations and contact tracing as a tool for preventing the spread of infectious disease. 

 

The certificate program at BCC includes 42 hours of face-to-face instruction, 42 hours of online instruction and 20 hours of fieldwork at a local non-profit organization. Three-hour classes are held once a week from 6-9 pm, alternating between face-to-face and online classes. Coursework content is designed by public health professionals and delivered by specialists directly involved in community health work in Berkshire County.  

 

Workforce Training at BCC offers a range of educational resources designed for individuals, businesses and organizations. In addition to community health worker certification, the department currently offers instruction for certified nursing assistants, medical interpreters, phlebotomy technicians and group fitness instructors.