This article presents the findings of a research project undertaken at Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio (EPSJV) (Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation), which analyzed the Community Health Agents (CHA) technical course between 2008 and 2011. The research was developed from the point of view of CHAs, and also from the point of view of the other family health team members. The research used as guideline the modifications produced in the work process taking into account the changes introduced in the health care model that had been intended with the implementation of the Family Health Strategy. Thirty-two CHAs students of the course, eight members of their teams and two CHA members of the head office of SINDACS-RJ (Health Community Agents Trade Union - Rio de Janeiro) which were not students took part in the research. In general terms, the achievements that had been intended with the changes in the health care model were disputed by interviewees. As for the contribution the technical courses had on CHAs' performance, there is a clear contradiction between the perceptions of CHAs and that of physicians and nurses. While the latter observed few changes after CHAs took the technical course, the former unanimously pointed out changes not only in their work but also in their lives. The tension underlying the relations between the CHAs and the other team members appeared in the research results. Hence, there is a need to investigate into this matter.
professional education; community health agent; family health