University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Clinical Certificate in Addictions
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 11
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$790.00
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- Graduate Certificates
- Clinical Certificate in Addictions
About this Program
The Clinical Certificate in Addictions equips graduate-level nursing and healthcare professionals with advanced skills to assess, diagnose, and treat substance-related and behavioral addictions across the lifespan. Designed for nurses, advanced practice nurses, and other healthcare professionals, the certificate strengthens clinical expertise in evidence-based addiction care within today’s complex healthcare environments.
Coursework emphasizes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and extends beyond substance use disorders to include process and behavioral addictions such as gambling and internet addiction. A transdisciplinary, team-based approach prepares students to collaborate effectively across healthcare settings and disciplines.
In addition to fully online, rigorous didactic coursework, students gain hands-on clinical experience that bridges theory and practice. These applied learning opportunities allow students to integrate clinical knowledge into real-world settings, building confidence and competence in addiction assessment and treatment.
For nurses and nurse practitioners, the certificate also provides academic preparation to sit for the Addiction Nursing Certification Board (ANCB) certification in addiction nursing.
Designed For
This program is designed for graduate-level nurses, advanced practice nurses, and other healthcare professionals who want to develop specialized expertise in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance-related and behavioral addictions.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Certificate in Addictions program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Through a sequence of courses completed over fall, spring, and summer terms, students gain the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence needed to provide effective, evidence-based addiction care across healthcare settings.
By completing this program, you will:
- Develop a deep understanding of addiction by examining how early life experiences, biological factors, and social and psychological influences contribute to the development of substance-related and behavioral addictions.
- Build practical assessment skills by learning to select and use validated screening and diagnostic tools to identify addiction disorders across diverse populations.
- Strengthen ethical and professional practice through an in-depth exploration of legal, regulatory, and ethical standards essential for working with individuals, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community partners.
- Recognize the broader impact of addiction by analyzing how substance use and behavioral addictions affect individuals, families, communities, and public health systems.
- Apply evidence-based treatment strategies by using current diagnostic criteria to design comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans that integrate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Course Examples
- NUR 665 - Introduction to Addictions: Foundational Principles of Substance Use and Non-Substance Use Disorders (3 credit hours)
- NUR 666 - Evidence-Based Treatments for Addictions: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Approaches (3 credit hours)
- NUR 667 - Transdisciplinary Care in Addictions (2 credit hours)
- NUR 668 - Clinical Experience in Addictions (3 credit hours - practicum course)
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
Must meet minimum Graduate School Admission requirements. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Those offered admission will be required to complete compliance items for the College of Nursing including background check, drug screen and submission of required immunizations. Details furnished upon admission.
Application Requirements
Applications must contain the necessary information required by the Graduate School.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026
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Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Can I take this graduate certificate by itself?
Yes, graduate certificates can be taken by themselves. Our graduate certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain very specific skills and knowledge in a shorter amount of time than our degree programs in similar areas. Certificate programs can be useful to your career by itself, or when coupled with a degree-bearing program. This choice is completely up to the student.
What is the admission criteria?
Admission Criteria is located on each Program Page under the section titled "How to Apply".
Tuition
Is financial aid available if this is the only program I enroll in?
Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Online Learning
This program denotes "In-person Requirements." What should I expect?
This program requires students to complete some portion of the program in-person. These are usually infrequent, and are pre-scheduled. This does not necessarily mean that students need to come to UK's campus. Some examples of in-person requirements are:
- Internships that need to be completed in person in your own community.
- Clinical skills instruction, assessment or practicum
- Required retreats or conferences
- Dissertation presentation/defense
Reach out to the program contact listed on this page to better understand the in-person requirements for this program.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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