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Oregon Health Authority

Traditional Health Worker Training Requirements for Certification

Community Health Workers, Peer Wellness Specialists and Personal Health Navigators Certification Requirements

  • Complete an approved training program; or
  • Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a traditional health worker for at least 3000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2014; or
  • If you have completed some or all of the certification training requirements, you may be able to count previously - completed training toward certification.

Peer Support Specialist Certification Requirements

  • Complete an approved training program;or
  • Provide documentation that you are certified by a group other than the Oregon Health Authority that requires completion of an approved training program and at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years; or
  • Provide documentation that you have worked or volunteered as a peer support specialist for at least 2000 hours in Oregon from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2014.

Birth Doula Certification Requirements

  • Complete an approved training program; or
  • Provide documentation that you have completed all birth doula training requirements listed in OAR 410-180-0375  and
  • Meet the cultural competency course requirements through an approved training program for doulas.

Training Can Be Waived Per Grandfather Provision

3) Individuals seeking THW certification and registry enrollment as a grandfathered community health worker, peer wellness specialist, personal health navigator, or peer support specialist shall:

  • (a) Be at least 18 years of age;
  • (b) Not be listed on the Medicaid provider exclusion list;
  • (c) Pass a background check as described in OAR 410-180-0326;
  • (d) Submit to the Authority all required documentation and a completed application on an Authority prescribed form by June 30, 2021, including:
(A) A minimum of one letter of recommendation from any previous employer for whom THW services were provided between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2021; and 
(B) Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity of a community health worker, peer wellness specialist, or personal health navigator for at least 3000 hours between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2021; or
(C) Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity of a peer support specialist for at least 2000 hours between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2021.