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Requirements to Become a THW (New Applicants Only)

Requirements for certifications (for all THW worker-types):

Applying to be a Certified Traditional Health Worker (Using a Training Program Certificate)

  • ​​Use a computer/laptop or a smart phone to apply 

  • Create an account in the Health Workforce Registry​

  • Save a copy (file) of your documents to your computer or phone 

    • ​THW training certificate that you received from the training program (must have your name, hours completed, training program name, and dates of start and completion) 

    • Oral health certificate (must have your name, credit hours, training program name, and date)

  • ​​Make time – It can take up to 30 minutes to apply​ ​

  1. ​Sign into your account in the Health Workforce Registry 

  2. Click on “Create a New Traditional Health Worker Application” on the main page to start your application. 

  3. Read through the page and then click on “continue” 

  4. New Application - Select Application Type – select the bubble that matches the worker type that you completed training for. It will be on your certificate. 

  5. New Application - Select Worker Role Expectations – select all the roles you will expect to have as a THW. Also think about the people you will interact with. 

  6. New Application – Select Qualifications – select “NONE” 

  7. New Application – Trainings – Here is where you will add in your training certificate and your oral health certificate. 

    • ​​Click on “+ Add” in the blue bar. Select “OHA-Approved (your worker type) Training” and add the information about your training. Upload your certificate. Click “save.”  

    • Click on “+ Add” again in the blue bar. Select “OHA-Approved Oral Health Training” and add the information about your oral health training. Upload your Oral Health certificate. Click “save.” 

    • ​Click on Continue

      • ​

  8. New Application - Additional Supporting Documentation – You do not upload any supporting documentation. Click “continue.” 

  9. New Application - Review Application – Review your information to ensure everything is correct. While your documents stay in the portal, you have the option of downloading your application. 

  10. New Application – Submit – Take your time to read through thissection. You are acknowledging that you understand that rules for being certified are in Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). Sign and press submit.​

​Completing the background check is a required step for all applications, even if you have had one in the past. 

The THW Program will review your application for completeness. If your application is complete, we will submit your information to the Background Check Unit (BCU), also known as ORCHARDS, to start your background check. 

  • You will be sent an email from the BCU ORCHARDS with a link to provide your consent and disclosure. Please check your email inbox regularly from the time you submit your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder. This is the most commonly missed step in the application process. 
  • You have 7 days to give your consent to run your background check or your application will be closed. 
  • This is your opportunity to disclose any charges that may show up on your background check. Please gather your information before starting your disclosure. Providing as much information that will help the BCU staff make a decision is helpful such as dates of charges and what you have done to address these charges. You can also submit letters of support to the BCU.
  • The BCU will occasionally require fingerprints The OHA THW Program will email you a fingerprint letter with thorough instructions on how to get your fingerprints taken. You will be asked to get your fingerprints taken if you use the following ID: 
    • ​Out-of-state driver’s license 
    • Passport 
    • Tribal ID 
    • Military ID 
  • ​If more information is requested, the BCU will mail a letter with instructions. 
  • Note that the THW program staff do not conduct your background check, nor do they have access to view what is in your background. If you have any questions about the background check, please email BCU.info@ohdsoha.oregon.gov​​

​The BCU ORCHARDS will let the THW Program know if you passed or failed the background check. 

  • If you passed: The THW Program will approve your application, and a Determination Letter will be emailed to you that contains your THW registry number. If you opted in, your information will automatically be added to the THW Registry. From there, if you would like, you can apply for a provider ID. For more information on that process, please visit the Provider Enrollment Department webpage. 
  • If you failed: The BCU will email you a letter with instructions on how to appeal their decision. Remember, the THW program does not have access to your background check, and we will not know why you failed your background check. You must contact the BCU at BCU.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov​ or call 503-378-5470​​​.​

For further assistance:

You can stop by our office at 800 NE Oregon St. Room 1-C, Portland, OR 97232 on Tuesdays from 2-3pm, or you can email us at THW.Program@odhsoha.oregon.gov and request a virtual or telephone appointment.