How to Become a THW (New Applicants)

The purpose of the Traditional Health Worker (THW) Program is to help THWs in Oregon become trained and certified to meet current standards, diversify the health care workforce, provide high-quality and culturally competent care to our increasingly diverse populations and ultimately promote health equity.   

On this page you will find information about how to become a state certified THW, including the certification requirements, the legacy clause, and background checks.

Step 1

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply
• Have successfully completed all training requirements for certification for the worker type you would like to be certified for:
  
  
  
  • Birth Doula
  • Community Health Worker (CHW)
    
  • Peer Support Specialist (PSS)
    
  • Note: If you are a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and are registered through Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), you are required to also submit a THW Peer Support Specialist - Adult Addictions application along with all other required documents. 
    
  • Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)
    
  • Personal Health Navigator (PHN)
    
  
  

All trainings must be approved by OHA. For a list of OHA approved trainings click here.

*NOTE: Applicants shall apply for certification within 3 years of completing a training program to be eligible for certification and registry enrollment.

**For information on applying through our Legacy Clause or for Reciprocity, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

Step 2

• Complete Oral Health Training Requirement. All THWs are required to complete 1.5 hours of OHA’s oral health training: Click here for available Oral Health Trainings
• The training is free of charge. Once you complete the training you will receive an email notifying you that you have completed this task. You will need to save a copy of this notification to submit with your THW application.
  

Step 3

• Create an account in the Health Workforce Registry Applicant Portal: https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/
• Be sure to have the following documents before beginning application:

• A clear copy of your government-issued identification
  
• THW (Doula, CHW, NAV, PSS, PWS) training certificate
• Oral health training certificate (name and hours must be on the certificate)
  
• Any other required documents specific to the worker-type
  

*Spanish applications can be emailed to THW.Program@odhsoha.oregon.gov

• Traditional Health Worker Full Certification and Renewal Application - Spanish version
  

Note:  When setting up an account portal, use your original email address. After confirming your account is active you can then update any information. 

Step 4

Complete Background Check

• The THW Program will review your application for completeness. If your application is complete, we will submit your information to the Background Check Unit (BCU) to start your background check. Completing the background check is a required step for all applications, even if you have had one in the past.

• You will be sent an email from the BCU with a link to provide your consent and disclosure (also check your spam/junk folder). You have 7 days to complete this step or your application will be closed. If your background check closes, please email THW.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov to request a resubmission. We can resubmit your background check one time, as a courtesy. Please remember that it is your responsibility to keep an eye on your email folders and respond promptly. If you need additional support, please contact us.

• *As a courtesy, we offer a one-time resubmission if applicants miss the posted dealines sent to their emails. For those who have exhausted their resubmission attempts for background and fingerprints, you are welcome to reapply for THW certification adter a 90-day period from your initial application. Applications submitted before the 90-day waiting period, unfortunately, cannot be accepted.

• Occasionally, the BCU will require fingerprints or request more information regarding the details in your background. The THW Program will email you a fingerprint letter with thorough instructions on how to get your fingerprints taken. If more information is requested, the BCU will mail a letter with instructions. Your diligence in monitoring emails and following the process is greatly appreciated.

• This process will take around 4 weeks to complete.

• More information regarding the criminal background check:

• Criminal Background Check Rules
• Background Check Weighing Test

Step 5

The BCU will notify you and the OHA THW Program once your background check is completed. If approved, the THW Program will then process your THW Certification application and provide you with your THW registration number. Your certification will automatically be added to the THW Registry



For further assistance:
You can stop by our office at 421 SW Oak St. Suite 750, Portland (check in at the security desk on the 1st floor) on Tuesdays from 2-3pm, or you can email us at THW.Program@odhsoha.oregon.gov and request a virtual or telephone appointment. 

THW Application Info Sheet


THW Application Tips



Other paths to becoming a state-certified THW:

Legacy Clause 
The Legacy Clause is an exemption that allows people who have been active in the field, and who have lived experience, to apply to be state-certified as a THW. (Each worker-type has its own specific requirements).

Individuals seeking THW certification and registry enrollment as a Legacy Clause for community health worker, peer wellness specialist, personal health navigator, peer support specialist, or birth doula shall:

• Be at least 18 years of age
  

• Pass a background check 
  

• Complete Oral Health Training
  

Submit required documentation and completed application by June 30, 2025 including:

• A minimum of one letter of recommendation from any previous employer for whom THW services were provided within the last five years.

• For community health worker, peer wellness specialist, or personal health navigator: 

• Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity for at least 3000 hours within the last five years.
  

• For peer support specialists: 
  

• Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity for at least 2000 hours within the last five years.

• For birth doulas:
  

• Verifiable evidence of attending 10 births and providing 500 hours of community work supporting birthing persons and families in the capacity of a birth doula. 

Option to apply for reciprocity:

The THW Program includes a reciprocity option for individuals who hold certifications in Washington and Idaho only, and are in good standing with their certifying body. To apply for reciprocity, you will need to:

• Complete and submit the Reciprocity Form
  
• Meet any additional criteria set by the OHA for reciprocity and equivalent credits. 
• Complete application
• Complete oral health training
• Complete background check

Traditional Health Worker Standards of Professional Conduct 

Oregon 950-060-0010 rules

OHA certified THWs shall comply with Standards of Professional Conduct set forth in this rule. The violation of the standards may result in the suspension or revocation of certification or denial of an application for renewal.

 THWs shall:

• Acquire, maintain, and improve professional knowledge and competence using scientific, clinical, technical, psychosocial, governmental, cultural, and community-based sources of information;

• Represent all aspects of professional capabilities and services honestly and accurately;

• Ensure that all actions are within their scope of practice with community members and are based on understanding and implementing the core values of caring, respect, compassion, ethical boundaries, and appropriate use of personal power;

• Develop positive collaborative partnerships with community members, colleagues, and other health care providers to provide care, services, and supports that are safe, effective, and appropriate to a community member's needs;

• Regardless of clinical diagnosis, develop and incorporate respect for diverse community member backgrounds when planning and providing services, including lifestyle, sexual orientation, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, marital status, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition, or state;

• Act as an advocate for community members and their needs;

• Support self-determination for community members in a culturally responsive, trauma informed manner;

• Make decisions and act based on sound ethical reasoning and current principles of practice in a way that supports empowerment and respect for community members' culture and self-defined health care goals;

• Maintain individual confidentiality;

• Comply with laws and regulations involving mandatory reporting of harm, abuse, or neglect while making every effort to involve the individuals in planning for services and ensuring that no further harm is done to family members as the result of the reporting;

• Recognize and protect an individual's rights as described in section (3) of this rule.
  

Individuals have the right to:

• Dignity and respect;

• Freedom from theft, damage, or misuse of personal property;

• Freedom from neglect and abuse, whether verbal, mental, emotional, physical, or sexual;

• Freedom from financial exploitation;

• Freedom from physical restraints;

• Freedom from discrimination in regard to race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, size, type of diagnosis criminal history or religion;

• Confidentiality of their information and records; and

• Give voice to grievances or complaints regarding services or any other issue without discrimination or reprisal for exercising their rights
  

Do you have a Civil Rights Complaint or concern regarding THW services? 

• Complete an OHA Certified THW Worker Complaint Form