Training and Career Information

Courses and Training

Who is the training for?

Training is intended for health workers who want a basic understanding of issues and practices common to patients with chronic disease. Those who are relatively new to assisting patients and families will benefit most from the training. Training may be appropriate for patient navigators, social workers, and other community health care workers. Learn more about Level 1 and Level 2 training.

How much does training cost?

Because we recently lost grant funding, costs for the courses are being determined. Online and face-to-face courses have different costs. Individuals attending face-to-face training will be responsible for travel arrangements and hotel accommodations.

What is my commitment?

By registering for training, you commit to attend the full course session. This applies to face-to-face or online courses. You also commit to completing all course pre-work prior to attending the course. Pre-work may be short readings, online videos or activities. Training is highly interactive and activities are designed around the number of students enrolled and diverse student experiences. Coming late, leaving early or not completing course pre-work affects the learning experience for the whole group.

Online courses require 4-6 hours per work for 6 to 8 weeks (depending on the course). The amount of work each week is similar to a college-level online course. Course activities include readings, tutorials, quizzes, and online discussions. Because you will be participating in online discussions with other students in the course, the success of the course depends on your participation. By paying for the course, you commit to fully participating in the course and online discussions.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes! You will receive a certificate for each course you complete. You can also earn a certificate for completing the Navigator Fundamentals program (four courses).

Can I get college credit?

Soon you will also be able to earn college credit for completing the entire training program. Credit will be awarded separately through the Community College of Denver (CCD). A related program for college credit is the Community Health Worker Certificate. This program is available at the Community College of Denver and community colleges throughout Colorado.

Patient Navigator Careers

How do I become a patient navigator?

Check with hospitals and clinics in your area to see what education and experience they require. Some patient navigators have a background in healthcare or a human services setting, but not all patient navigator jobs require this background.

Where do I look for a job as a patient navigator?

Look for patient navigator jobs in clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, the health department and agencies like the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Be aware that patient navigator jobs may have a different title such as patient advocate or patient coordinator. Other jobs related to patient navigation are: community health worker, community outreach worker, patient advocate, or screening outreach worker.

Do I need a certificate or special training to be a patient navigator?

No, you do not need specific patient navigator training or a certificate to be a patient navigator. Many patient navigators have little or no college. Other patient navigators are nurses or social workers with a college degree or master’s degree. Check with hospitals and clinics in your area to see what education and experience they require.

Will training help me get a job as a patient navigator?

It may help, but patient navigator training does not necessarily help you get a job as a patient navigator. Check with hospitals and clinics in your area to see what education and experience they require.

Can you come to our site to conduct training?

Yes, if your organization or program has specific consultation or training needs, our experts may be available to train navigators at your site. Contact us for more information.

I’m Outside Colorado

Is there patient navigator training program in my state?

We are aware of very few patient navigator training programs in the U.S. To find training in your area, check with professional organizations related to nursing or social work to see if they offer training related to patient navigation activities. If you live outside Colorado you are welcome to attend our training. There is a $250/day fee for out-of-state residents. Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements and hotel accommodations.

Can I take courses online?

Yes, Level 2 courses are online courses. Check our website or join our Navigator Announcements listserv to stay informed of upcoming online courses. We also offer two free online self-paced tutorials: Patient Navigation and the Healthcare System and Chronic Disease and Risk Factors.