Graduate Certificate: Health Care

Program Overview

The Health Care Certificate prepares students for advanced, evidence-informed social work practice in medical, behavioral health, and integrated health care settings. This certificate equips students with the clinical, policy, and systems-level knowledge needed to address the complex interactions among health, mental health, trauma, and social determinants of well-being.

Through coursework in crisis intervention and trauma response and a two-course sequence in integrated health care policy and practice, students develop competencies in responding to acute crises, illness, disability, and behavioral health challenges across diverse populations. Emphasis is placed on person-centered and trauma-informed care, ethical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of evidence-based interventions within health care systems.

Students examine key health care policies and financing structures, including public funding, mental health parity, and the development of community-based behavioral health services. Practice skills include assessment, screening, motivational interviewing, case management, wellness self-management, and interventions that address the psychological and social impacts of illness and disability. Graduates are prepared to work effectively in hospitals, primary care clinics, behavioral health agencies, community health centers, and other integrated care environments, promoting equitable access to comprehensive health services and improved health outcomes.

Admission to the Certificate Program

Admission to the certificate program is granted to individuals who apply and meet the standards for admission to a graduate program. The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all coursework with a minimum grade of “C” and an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above.  No transfer credits may be used.