Maryland AHEC Training – Community Health Worker Program
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CHW Training on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC) offers a virtual CHW training program serving the nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Classes are delivered via live virtual classroom with evening and weekend sessions.

💻 100% Virtual 🏅 MDH Accredited
100
Classroom Hours
40
Practicum Hours
9
Core Competencies
Eastern Shore AHEC

Course Details

📅
Dates
October 19 – November 23, 2026
6 weeks · 15 sessions
🕓
Schedule
Mon, Wed & Thu
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💻
Format
Virtual Classroom
Computer & reliable internet required
🎓
Instructor
Patsy Holtz, MPH, CHES
Register Now → Have a question? Contact ESAHEC
15-Session Schedule

Course Schedule

Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Full participation is required. If you cannot commit to attending all sessions, please consider a future cohort.

Week of Oct. 18 – Oct. 24
Monday
Oct. 19
CHW Overview & Professionalism
Wednesday
Oct. 21
Cultural Competency
Thursday
Oct. 22
Public Health & Health Disparities
Week of Oct. 25 – Oct 31
Monday
Oct. 26
Effective Communication & Health Literacy
Wednesday
Oct. 28
Ethics and Confidentiality
Thursday
Oct. 29
US Healthcare System & Health Insurance
Week of Nov. 1 – Nov. 7
Monday
Nov. 2
Medical Terminology & Chronic Conditions
Wednesday
Nov. 4
Substance Use Disorder
Thursday
Nov. 5
Oral Health
Week of Nov. 8 – Nov. 14
Monday
Nov. 9
Stress Management/Trauma Client
Wednesday
Nov. 11
Veteran’s Day – No Class
Thursday
Nov. 12
Healthy Behavior Change
Week of Nov. 15 – Nov. 21
Monday
Nov. 16
Outreach Strategies
Wednesday
Nov. 18
Interviewing Skills & Home Visiting
Thursday
Nov. 19
Care Coordination & Advocacy
Week of Nov. 22 – Nov. 28
Monday
Nov. 23
Final Day/Resources/Final Exam Prep
Your Instructor

Meet the Trainer

Patsy Holtz, MPH, CHES, CHW trainer
Patsy Holtz, MPH, CHES
CHW Trainer · Certified Health Education Specialist

Patsy teaches the October 2026 cohort. She is also the CHW Training and MARCH Program Coordinator at Eastern Shore AHEC.

▸ Joined ESAHEC full time in August 2026, following an internship she completed here while earning her degree.
▸ Holds a Master of Public Health in Public Health Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS in Genetics and Counseling Psychology from Cedar Crest College.
▸ Previously a clinical research coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.
▸ Brings research experience in genetic predisposition and social determinants of health as they relate to diabetes and depression.
▸ Focused on connecting scientific research, health care systems, and the public through public health communication, and on improving health outcomes in rural communities like those on the Eastern Shore.

In Her Own Words

In her brief time as a program coordinator at ESAHEC, Patsy has enjoyed watching CHW students light up as they anticipate serving their communities and helping those around them.

How It Works

Registration Process

ESAHEC reviews every registration to confirm eligibility and full commitment to the program and the CHW profession in Maryland.

Complete Registration

Submit the online registration form with your background, contact information, and commitment to community health work.

Confirmation

ESAHEC confirms your seat in the cohort and sends your course access details.

Begin Training

Attend all sessions, complete coursework, and fulfill the 40-hour field practicum.

Before You Register

Requirements & Commitments

Eligibility

✓ At least 18 years of age
✓ High school diploma or GED
✓ Access to reliable internet and a desktop or laptop computer

Commitments

✓ Attend all training sessions and complete coursework within specified timelines
✓ Complete the 40-hour field practicum within the identified timeline
✓ Obtain Maryland CHW certification within 3 months of receiving your MAHEC certificate
✓ Commit to working as a CHW in Maryland

Ready to Serve Your Community?

Register now to reserve your seat in the October 2026 cohort.

Register Now → Contact Us