New UC Merced Extension Program Aims to Boost Health Care Access in Central California

By Alyssa Johansen, UC Merced

July 18, 2024

In a region that struggles with access to health care, a new program - introduced by UC Merced Extension in partnership with the Merced County Department of Public Health - aims to improve access to health services for Central California.

Participants with varying levels of education can apply for the Community Health Worker Specialized Training Certificate, which will help them understand how to connect communities in need to assistance and health services available in their counties.

Program coordinators say the entry-level training focuses on community and clinical linkages, which are programs or activities that connect clinical services and community programs or social services.

"The San Joaquin Valley is often a forgotten area. We have these persisting inequities in access and navigation to health care. A program of this magnitude in a health provider shortage area is long overdue," said Merced County Public Health Director Rebecca Nanyonjo.

According to the Extension, it is estimated that between 2020 and 2030, there will be over 680 available job positions. A community health worker in the Central Valley is expected to make a median hourly wage of $21.93 or a median annual salary of $45,614.

The program will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and approaches necessary to serve as effective community health workers. The comprehensive training will serve as a pipeline for those prepared to work in health fields, including healthcare facilities or clinics, as independent health workers, wellness coaches or doulas, for example.

Program participants will engage in a combination of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and real-world applications to prepare them for the diverse responsibilities of being a community health worker. Ninety-minute evening online courses are held weekly.

"We do that intentionally to meet the learners where they are," said Michael Pierick, UC Merced Extension director of Strategic Initiatives.

The certificate requirements include 40 hours of instruction and five hours of fieldwork (paid or volunteer). A Spanish-language version of the program is coming in 2025.

"We are really focused on the equity and access of what we are trying to do," said Pierick.

Access to a Community Health Worker Program in Merced is significant; currently, the closest program is offered is Cabrillo College near Santa Cruz.

"This is not only a program that is only going to benefit Merced. The whole San Joaquin Valley can look to this as an opportunity and resource for their communities," said Nanyonjo.

Additional information on the Community Health Worker Certificate can be found on the program's webpage.

Upcoming cohort start dates:

July 29 - Oct. 27, 2024
Sept. 16 - Dec. 15, 2024
Feb. 3 - May 4, 2025