KKV is the largest employer in Kalihi and provides a variety of training and certification opportunities for our community and staff. Two opportunities include the NIMAA program for Medical Assistants and a Community Health Worker referral partnership program with Kapiʻolani Community College.

The National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA) partners with KKV to provide an eight-week community health worker certification program that begins this Spring. The program includes online course work though the highlight is the clinic hours that are completed at KKV. Preceptors (already established medical assistants) provide hands-on training for those hoping to break into the medical field. With more affordable tuition and a shorter timeframe than the usual one or two years, NIMAA provides not just an entry into the workforce but a position at KKV, where assistants will be comfortable and equipped after their onsite shadowing period.

In addition to the NIMAA program, KKV partners with Kapiolani Community College to offer an in-community Community Health Worker certification program, which began in February of this year. This is a free program intended to prepare students for certification as CHWs. Classes are in person at Kuhio Park Terrace public housing, and the cohort meets every morning from Monday through Friday.

KKV benefits significantly from these training programs. Many of our current medical assistants are graduates of NIMAA. After they are hired, these MA’s quickly orient to our environment and approach, since they were originally trained with us. Preceptors also benefit by sharpening their skills through teaching and mentoring. Current KKV community health workers who get their CHW certification while on staff also benefit, through increased knowledge, pride, and pay. And those graduates who get jobs outside of KKV still benefit their community and remain friends and allies.

Being that the CHW training is so new, Joel Tome, KKV’s Education Coordinator, has much to say about a several students who were very excited to join: “It’s always fun to have people enthusiastic to be in the program. What’s good is that some students are already doing the work. They have lots of experience and so much wisdom to give to those with less experience. Having these people in the class really gives a sense of what it means to be a community health worker.” Joel is excited by how story telling about community fits into the curriculum, which he describes as “very KKV.” The dream is to regularly have applicants for both trainings.

Both NIMAA and CHW Certification are open to anyone in the community, not just KKV staff. The only main requirements are to be over 18 and to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you’re interested, contact Joel now. Once applications are open, Joel can reach out and inform prospective students on how to apply. Even if applicants face barriers like not having a computer, Joel can make arrangements to assist them with each step of the application. You can contact Joel at jtome@kkv.net.