Program Overview

Program Overview

The Medical Trauma-Informed Care Certificate is a unique program offered by the Counseling Department of Xavier University. This certificate is designed for healthcare professionals and mental health professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding of medical trauma and how to identify, prevent, and treat it.

Program Objectives

The program aims to empower participants to meet the complex needs of people suffering from the devastating effects of unrecognized and untreated medical trauma. The certificate is 9 credit hours and can be completed in 1 year, with all courses being fully online.

What You'll Learn

• The meaning and effects of medical trauma
• How to identify and assess those experiencing medical trauma
• Tools to help intervene and meet the needs of those experiencing medical trauma
• How to identify risk factors prior to medical intervention, and mental health support systems

Benefits of Earning this Certificate

• Gain an in-depth understanding of medical trauma in the age of COVID
• Courses are taught by one of the world’s leading experts on medical trauma
• This is the first and only training focused on identifying, preventing, and treating medical trauma
• Gain critical skills to help individuals heal emotionally and psychologically from traumatic medical treatment and life-altering illnesses

Who Should Obtain this Certificate?

• Health care professionals
• Health Care Administration
• Mental health professionals

Program Outline

This certificate is 9 credit hours and can be completed in two semesters, with all courses being fully online.

Introduction to Medical Trauma

• 3 credit hour, accelerated 7-week course beginning each May
• Gain a foundational understanding of medical trauma, including characteristics, physical and mental health effects, and factors contributing to the traumatic stress response in medical settings
• Understand how medical trauma can impact health care providers, families, and caregivers, including how vicarious traumatization can develop and maintain
• Be able to identify risk and protective factors of patients in terms of experiencing medical trauma and articulate ways to prevent the development of further trauma responses in the medical setting
• Explore assessment strategies for identifying the trauma response in the medical setting and in the context of mental health treatment

Applied Medical Trauma Studies

• 3 credit hour, accelerated 7-week course beginning each June
• Identify which assessments and interventions would be appropriate to use in different settings and with various populations
• Use assessment tools and trauma-responsive communication skills to learn strategies for prevention and intervention on behalf of patients, families, and staff
• Explore evidenced-based interventions for the treatment of trauma, and how to work on interprofessional teams to support patient wellbeing

Capstone Project

• 3 credit hour, 15-week course beginning each August
• Design and implement a project unique to your professional setting and interests, choosing a research, advocacy, clinical application, or educational focus

Program Details

The program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of medical trauma and how to address it in their professional practice. The certificate is fully online, allowing participants to complete the program from anywhere in the world. The program is taught by leading experts in the field of medical trauma, ensuring that participants receive the most up-to-date and evidence-based training.