University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Trauma-Responsive Practice
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 9
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$790.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Trauma-Responsive Practice
About this Program
Moving from trauma-informed to trauma-responsive, this online graduate certificate program provides the opportunity to learn the 4 R’s of trauma-informed care: realize trauma happens, recognize the signs and symptoms, respond appropriately, and reduce risk for re-traumatization. Integrating the latest research in neuroscience, evidence-based practice, experiential models, epigenetics, resilience and collective healing, this certificate prepares practitioners to approach consumers of care from a paradigm of strength, resilience, and well-being to bolster post-traumatic growth.
Designed For
This program is appropriate for social workers, counselors, educators, and healthcare professionals who work directly with individuals affected by trauma and seek specialized skills in trauma-informed care. It's also suitable for administrators and policymakers looking to implement trauma-responsive approaches within organizations and systems.
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What You’ll Learn
Increase your knowledge and skillset to provide service to populations with histories of trauma. This graduate certificate program focuses on understanding trauma symptoms and related disorders in both individuals and communities. Students will learn to utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based skills to effectively provide intervention services when working with adults or children in both clinical and community-based social work practice.
This graduate certificate is a great complement for social workers pursuing a MSW degree, however, any student who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of trauma informed care will benefit from the courses in this certificate program particularly those in helping professions such as healthcare and education. All courses are offered fully online.
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.5 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
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.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Do I need to have a master's degree to enroll in this graduate certificate?
The only degree needed to enroll in a graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree.
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?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
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.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
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.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
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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