Trauma Informed Care Certificate Program
The Trauma Informed Care Certificate is designed to help human service professionals learn techniques to improve their work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced trauma.
Special thanks to our Advisory Committee: Kelley Blanck, Melea Bullock, Amanda Dubey-Zerka, Amanda Morgan, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, Tina Blaschke-Thompson, Sara Deprez, Tana Fedewa, Marisa Fisher, Kathy Forest, Officer Jessica Martin, Molly Minnick, Holly Rosen, Erin Skinner, Lara Slee, and Karlin Tichenor.
This certificate program will:
- Address trauma across the lifespan
- Emphasize interdisciplinary practice
- Enhance knowledge of self and secondary trauma
- Emphasize the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior
- Be culturally responsive
- Encourage professional interaction using a trauma-informed lens
The Trauma Informed Care Certificate will be relevant for:
- Social workers
- Educators
- Medical professionals
- Psychologists
- Law enforcement
- Child welfare workers
- Other behavioral health professionals
Trauma Informed Care Certificate
Total of 32 CECHs
5 Core Courses (Virtual) = 10 hours of training:
- Understanding Trauma - 2 CECHs
- Trauma and the Brain - 2 CECHs
- Secondary Trauma and Self-care - 2 CECHs
- Trauma-Informed Organizations - 2 CECHs
- Trauma-Informed Teams - 2 CECHs
Elective Requirement = 22 hours of trainings
Choose from a variety of in-person, live webinar or online on-demand courses.
- Completion within a 4 year time frame
- Apply at the start of enrollment in the Trauma Certificate program
Register here. All courses can be taken as part of the certificate or on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions:
+What is the Trauma Certificate?
The Trauma Certificate is designed to help human service professionals learn techniques to improve their work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced trauma. The general public is invited to attend any of the programs listed in this catalog.
+Will I be a certified Trauma Counselor after I complete the Trauma Certificate?
No, this certificate is meant to help introduce you to trauma informed techniques for your work, enhance and build on your current skills, and once completed, provide you with an extra endorsement in resume building and job searching efforts.
+What are the course requirements for completion?
Trauma Informed Care Certificate
Total of 32 CECHs
5 Core Courses (Virtual) = 10 hours of training:
- Understanding Trauma - 2 CECHs
- Trauma and the Brain - 2 CECHs
- Secondary Trauma and Self-care - 2 CECHs
- Trauma-Informed Organizations - 2 CECHs
- Trauma-Informed Teams - 2 CECHs
Elective Requirement = 22 hours of trainings. Choose from a variety of in-person, live webinar or online on-demand courses.
- Completion within a 4 year time frame
- Apply at the start of enrollment in the Trauma Certificate program
+How long do I have to complete the Trauma Informed Care Certificate?
The Trauma Informed Care Certificate needs to be completed within a 4 year timeframe.
+Do I need to take the courses in any particular order? How will I know which courses are eligible for the certificate?
No, you can take the courses in any order that fits your schedule. The courses are planned well in advance, we publish a Catalog twice a year and the certificate eligible courses will be identified in each Catalog.
+Are the courses virtual?
The Trauma Informed Care certificate core courses are all virtual, live, and interactive. Elective course will be a mix of in-person, live online, and self-paced online.
+Do I need to be an active student or Alumni of MSU to take Trauma Informed Care Certificate courses?
No, this certificate is open to all that are seeking more knowledge and understanding of trauma.
+Do I need to apply for the certificate?
You are required to fill out a trauma certificate application. It is important that you keep all your certificates to track your completion of the core courses and electives. Once you have met the requirements of the certificate, please contact swkce@msu.edu to request a review of your application.
+Do any trauma courses that I’ve completed in the past count toward the current Trauma Informed Care Certificate?
The only past trauma course that are eligible to count toward the Trauma Informed Care Certificate is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). You must have completed the full TF-CBT course through MSU School of Social Work Continuing Education, or the full TF-CBT course through the State of Michigan, within the last 8 years. You must provide verification of completion. The remaining courses must be completed through MSU School of Social Work Continuing Education. The online component required for TFCBT certification does not count toward the Trauma Informed Care Certificate.
+Do I have to be working towards the certificate to take your courses?
No. All of our courses can be taken on their own with no pre-requisites.
+Can I be a trainer for your certificate courses?
All interested individuals can submit a proposal by visiting our website at https://www.socialwork.msu.edu/CE/Announcements under “I would like to present a workshop”….
+I don't live in Michigan, can I complete this certificate?
Yes! We currently offer all of our core courses and electives in a live, synchronous and interactive virtual format. Our courses are open globally but please make sure you check with your regulatory board to see if our courses meet your licensure requirements.
+If I teach a trauma course, does this count for more credit toward earning the Trauma Informed Care Certificate?
If you teach a trauma course for us, the amount of CECHs assigned for that course is the number of hours that can be designated toward the certificate. You cannot count extra hours of preparation, etc., towards certificate hours.
+Once I complete the Trauma Informed Care Certificate, does this mean I am a certified trauma counselor?
No, this certificate is building skills through training and education in trauma-informed care and intervention strategies. The certificate is intended for skill development and for marketability for individuals seeking this work and/or advancement in trauma-informed positions.
Please visit our Trauma Certificate Application survey to apply for the certificate.
To complete the application please submit your administration fee of $15 in one of the following ways:
Checks and money orders payable to:
Michigan State University
MSU School of Social Work CE Programs
2 Baker Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
If you would like to pay with a credit card please download our credit card form and complete the credit card information fields. Please note you will need to mail the form. We are unable to take payments over the phone or email due to University Policy.
