STC's Community Health Worker Program Earns Certification

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (04/24/2025) — Southeast Technical College's Community Health Worker (CHW) program has earned certification through the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota (CHWSD) and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), reinforcing its high-quality training, workforce readiness and positioning STC as a leader in CHW education.

The certification ensures Southeast Tech's program is aligned with state and national CHW standards and that graduates have the skills employers demand.

Graduates of the program work in various roles involving outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. They connect people throughout the region with essential services they need, such as health insurance, housing and transportation.

"Certification is a game-changer," says program director Angela Landeen, EdD, CHES, CPH. "It validates our training, expands job opportunities, and strengthens our impact in community health-especially as our state's population grows and becomes more diverse, increasing the demand for support and resources."

The 10-credit program has flexible 8-week and 16-week options for certification completion, with all the foundational classes offered online. This allows for non-traditional students who are already in the workforce to complete the certification. They also gain internship opportunities, hands-on experience, and mentorship through the certification program.

The CHW Certification program has a high return on investment. With a 100% Job Placement Rate and wages cited by the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota of $45,000 to $55,000 in South Dakota, It's an appealing option for people who want to expand their careers and raise their incomes while also making a positive difference in their community.

For more information or to enroll, contact the STC Admissions Office at 605-367-6040 or admissions@southeasttech.edu.