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A new agreement between the Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers and Northern Essex Community College makes it easier for local community health workers to earn associate degrees.
What is known as an articulation agreement, the pact allows health workers to receive college credit for time they’ve already spent working in the field. Students who have completed a Massachusetts Department of Public Health-approved community health worker training program could be eligible for up to 15 credits immediately, with another nine possible upon further evaluation—the equivalent of two semesters.
“They already have thousands of community work hours as part of their CHW certification, so we recognize their expertise,” said Northern Essex Community College’s Public Health Program Coordinator Amanda Prophett. She expects the articulation agreement will encourage more workers to seek associate degrees in public health, which can lead to transfer opportunities, career advancement, better care for the individuals they serve and higher wages.
“I think having culturally competent or bilingual community health workers is a huge need right now in the Merrimack Valley. This agreement supports people who are currently working in our local workforce and supports the community because these are the folks that connect directly with people that are maybe struggling or need connections to resources,” she added.
Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers Deputy Director Yoann Sophie Jean-Felix added, “Community health workers bring knowledge, skills and trusted relationships that deserve recognition in higher education…partnerships like this are central to strengthening Massachusetts’ CHW workforce and ensuring that the people who help others navigate opportunities have meaningful pathways to advance their own careers.”
There is no cost to association members to have their experience evaluated at Northern Essex. Officials said, many may also qualify to attend he College tuition- and fee- free under Massachusetts’ free community college program.
Northern Essex currently offers a certificate in community health and an associate degree in public health.