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How to Apply

The Autumn 2008 program is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Program location: Online + Classroom (Bellevue) Combined Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Earning the Certificate
• Continuing Education Hours

Admission Requirements

The Certificate Program in Psychological Trauma: Effective Treatment and Practice has been designed for professionals with the following qualifications:

• A master's* degree in a mental health or related field; e.g., social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, educational psychology
• Basic classroom and practice experience in clinical interventions or psychotherapy with individuals
• Knowledge and skills in the following:
  • Assessment and treatment
  • Ethical application of clinical services as demonstrated in coursework, continuing education and supervised clinical practice
• In good standing with relevant professional organization and state licensure or other certificate program

English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.

International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.

* Select BA-level candidates who meet all other admissions criteria will be considered for admission.

Technology Requirements

Students are required to have access to a computer with a high-speed interface to the internet. A graphics-capable web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, and e-mail access are required. Students will need to access readings, learning assessment exercises and lecture materials on the course website.

Application Process

The program beginning in autumn 2008 is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in autumn 2009. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the next program are available online. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:

To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. Your résumé, listing educational achievement, professional training and/or applicable experience. Your résumé should indicate your degree, field of study, date of award, and the institution granting the degree, or list experience commensurate with a post-baccalaureate level of training.

2. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application which describes your clinical experience and how you have developed prerequisite knowledge and skills in developmental theory, psychopathology assessment and treatment. Please describe your interest in, and expectations for, the certificate program, identifying key topic areas of interest or concern, and how the certificate may help benefit you in your personal or professional endeavors.

3. Two letters of reference (250-word maximum), one of which must be from a clinical supervisor or other professional who knows your clinical work.

Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. The certificate program fee does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance, inclusion on a waitlist or non-acceptance two weeks after the application is received. Applicants accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term course and a form to sign certifying that the applicant has not been the subject of an ethics complaint, and that the credentials cited in the application materials are valid. Accepted applicants are encouraged to make their first-term tuition payment early, as enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

When the program reaches capacity, those applicants who are otherwise eligible for admission to the program will be placed on a waiting list. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be given an opportunity to register. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the program's next academic year.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $2,485, excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program, and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $932, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due two weeks before the first day of class. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Earning the Certificate

The certificate, achieved upon successful completion of 120 hours of classroom training, indicates satisfactory participation and learning. This program does not certify or credential individual practitioners and is not a trauma treatment certification process.

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the instructors and advisory board. Eighty percent attendance of classroom hours is required in each course. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially and are offered only once each year, participants need to successfully complete each course before they advance to the next term.

Continuing Education Hours

This certificate program provides professionals in a wide variety of fields with contact hours needed for credentialing. The number of contact hours provided is indicated in the course schedule information at the top of each course description (see Courses page for course descriptions).

Social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists
The UW is a qualified provider for continuing education requirements administered by the Washington State Department of Health.

Licensed Psychologists
The UW is a qualified continuing education provider for licensed psychologists, per WAC 246-924-240.

School Counselors and School Social Workers
The UW is approved by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide clock hours for all those with continuing level certificates.