Why Work in a Community Health Center
What Makes a Community Health Center Different?
Universal Access - No one is denied care at a CHC due to income or insurance status. A sliding fee scale is used to determine charges for those with family incomes under 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Population of Focus - CHCs are located in Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs), and/or target their services to Medically Underserved Populations (MUPs).
Cost Effectiveness - CHCs focus on primary and preventive health care, including:
Medical
Dental
Behavioral Health
Low-cost pharmacy
Patient education and support, such as translation & bilingual staff, transportation, and assistance applying for public health insurance
Community Accountability - Each CHC is a nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors that draws at least half of its members from the patients who use the CHC’s services.
Why Should I Work at a Community Health Center?
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Provide high quality health care.
Make care more accessible to those who need it most.
Conduct outreach to community members who don’t traditionally come into clinics.
Work with a team of health professionals, community members, and patients in an organization that supports these goals.
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Federal and State loan repayment programs exist for a variety of health professions.
National Health Corp Scholarships are possible for those still in training.
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Competitive salaries & benefits
Continuing Medical Education
Professional malpractice coverage through the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA)
Clinical quality focus on preventive care & chronic disease management
At a CHC, you join a team of health professionals, community members, and patients working together on effective, long-term solutions to meet primary health care needs in medically underserved areas.
Our Stories
“I have been practicing in community health centers for almost a decade now, and I love this work. The patients are wonderful and I feel that I am meeting their needs in a way that larger clinic systems cannot. I enjoy the smaller size and independence of FQHCs, and I enjoy the autonomy that affords me. I share a vision with my administration, colleagues and support staff. As an added bonus, I never have to go in on nights and weekends. I do not feel I am sacrificing in order to work here, I am gaining a sense of fulfillment in my work and I am gaining a lifestyle that is compatible with prioritizing my family.”
— Kari Rabie, MD | Medical Director | Native American Community Clinic
“I knew I wanted to be a doctor since the age of 3. By the time I was in 7th grade, I’d determined I wanted to return to my community to “give back” as a doctor. The most exciting part about working for a Community Health Center is seeing purpose and mission fulfilled!”
— Rahshana Price-Isuk, MD | Director of Clinical Services | NorthPoint Health & Wellness
“I’ve practiced for almost twenty years at several of Minnesota’s Community Health Centers and I’m a better dentist because of it. The demands and challenges in both rural and urban CHCs are great, but the rewards are even greater. I have found a home and a purpose for my dental career by working in a community health center practice.”
— Tim Sprouls, DDS | Dentist | Scenic Rivers Health Centers
“My number one reason for working at a community clinic is that I am the community. ”I have been a patient of the clinics; my children have been patients of the clinics. My children’s children will be patients of the clinics. My kids and I have always received quality care from our community health center. I remember when my oldest son would see Chyrrel Krivit, Fremont Clinic’s first nurse practitioner. He absolutely loved her and was always excited about going to see her.”
— Bridgette Shepherd | Operations Director | Neighborhood HealthSource