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?
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.
Make a Positive Difference
Provide quality health care to key populations.
Make care more accessible to those who need it most.
Conduct outreach to community members who don’t traditionally come in to clinics.
Work with a team of health professionals, community members, and patients in an organization that supports these goals.
Get Loan Repayment for Your Education as a Health Professional
Federal and State loan repayment programs exist for a variety of health professions.
National Health Corp Scholarships are possible for those still in training.
Take Advantage of Opportunities for Professional Growth & Support
Competitive salaries & benefits
Continuing Medical Education
Professional malpractice coverage through the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA)
National and State Clinician Networks
Clinical quality focus on preventive care & chronic disease management
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 Center
My number one reason for working at a community clinic is “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