Central ND News

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched an online application for Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification. This move aims to strengthen the state’s health workforce and improve access to care.

Community health workers serve as frontline public health professionals, helping connect individuals and communities with healthcare services, social supports, and other essential resources. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, tribal health organizations, public health units, and more.

The new certification process is intended to standardize training and practice for community health workers across North Dakota. It also enables Medicaid to reimburse certified CHWs for their services provided to Medicaid members.

“We are pleased to create this certification process and formally recognize the essential role community health workers have in North Dakota,” said HHS Health Response and Licensure Section Director Tim Wiedrich. “Certification builds trust by ensuring these health professionals are well prepared to meet the needs of individuals and communities.”

The certification application is available on the HHS website at hhs.nd.gov/regulation-licensure-and-certification/comm-hlth-worker. Interested individuals can also get information or apply by calling (701)328-8655, 711 (TTY), or emailing hrlsection@nd.gov.

To become certified, applicants may complete one of four pathways: community health worker training with internship, Indian Health Service Community Health Representative training, supervised work experience, or reciprocity for those already certified or licensed in another state.