The Postgraduate Certificate in Trauma Treatment contains cutting-edge information developed by clinical and research experts in trauma care. This certificate program, focused on Tennessee residents, is proudly approved by the National Association of Social Workers, Tennessee Chapter (NASW-TN), ensuring the highest standards of education and recognition within the state.
Who This Certificate Is For
This program is designed for practicing professionals who hold a graduate degree (master’s or higher) and want deeper, practice-ready trauma expertise, including:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and LMSWs
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and mental health counselors
- Marriage and family therapists Human services and allied health professionals
- Clinicians seeking trauma-informed care training to support clients with PTSD, complex trauma, or trauma-related diagnoses
Benefits
- Self-paced, 100% online learning
- Deepen clinical trauma knowledge and treatment skills
- Build marketable, resume-ready expertise
- Earn 30 CE hours toward licensure renewal
- NASW-TN approved
- One year to complete, at your own pace
Highlights
CEUs
Each module carries 10 Continuing Education Hours approved by NASW-TN. Certificates of completion reflecting 10 CE credits are issued electronically after each module.
Cost
The cost for each of the three modules is $350, payable online at the time of registration. The program’s total cost, with all modules completed, is $1050.
Modules
Take any module a la carte, or complete all three to earn the full Postgraduate Certificate in Trauma Treatment.
Certificate
To earn the postgraduate certificate, all three modules must be completed. Each participant has one year from registration to complete the entire program. Upon completion of the entire certificate program (all three modules), the certificate of completion will be delivered electronically.
Three Course Modules
Participants will master important evidence-based information and newly researched material as they earn their Postgraduate Trauma Certificate from the University of Tennessee, College of Social Work. The three modules comprising the certificate are:
Neurophysiology of Trauma
Understand how trauma affects the brain and nervous system. This module covers genetics and epigenetics, attachment, neuroplasticity, and memory storage — the neurological foundation for effective trauma-informed clinical intervention.
Learn more about Neurophysiology of Trauma
Theoretical Perspectives on Trauma Response and Treatment
Explore how trauma is defined, how culture shapes trauma response, and the major theoretical models used to understand traumatic reactions and guide treatment planning.
Learn more about Theoretical Perspectives on Trauma Response and Treatment
Clinical Interventions with Persons Exposed to Traumatic History
Apply evidence-based clinical interventions for clients with trauma histories, including strategies for complex trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring conditions.
Learn more about Clinical Interventions with Persons Exposed to Traumatic History
Discounts Available:
- Active Military, Alumni, and Senior Citizen (15% off)
- Bulk Orders of two or more (20% off)
- UTK Field Instructor & UTK Faculty/Staff (25% off)
- UTK College of Social Work Faculty/Staff (50%)
Available upon request. Discount applies to the entire certificate program, not on a per-module basis.
Discount eligibility requires documentation/proof for verification.
For pricing discounts and/or social service agencies wanting to enroll multiple employees (agency staff should have their HR representative contact us with a list of employees who will be taking the training), please contact Margaret McMillan at [email protected].
If you should experience any technical issues registering for the certificate, making payment, signing into the system, or using the system, please get in touch with the University of Tennessee OIT Help Desk at 865-974-9900. When the Help Desk technician answers, let them know you are calling about a problem using the “Canvas Catalog” system (you must use both words). That will let the technician know to route your call to the appropriate team to assist you.
Please note: Canvas Catalog support members typically work 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are in another time zone, you will likely need to arrange to call during those times.
Thank you so much for being part of resolving trauma for others through your important work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a degree program?
No. This is a non-credit continuing education (CE) certificate. There’s no application process, no grades, and it will not appear on a UT Knoxville transcript.
Can I take just one module instead of the full certificate?
Yes. Each module can be taken individually for 10 CE hours, or you can complete all three to earn the full Postgraduate Certificate in Trauma Treatment.
How long do I have to complete the program?
One year from your registration date to complete all three modules.
Do I need a social work license to enroll?
No license is required, but the program is designed for professionals with a graduate degree in social work, counseling, human services, or allied health fields.
What’s the difference between this and UT’s graduate certificates?
Graduate certificates require admission and appear on your transcript. This postgraduate certificate is CE-only: no admission, no grades, no transcript record — just a certificate of completion.
How much does it cost?
$350 per module, or $1,050 for all three modules that make up the full certificate. Discounts are available for military, alumni, seniors, bulk enrollment, and UTK affiliates.
Questions?
If you have any questions related to the certificate program, the process of earning a certificate, the content, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact:
Margaret McMillan
Continuing Education Coordinator