About the MS and Graduate Certificates Programs
The Master of Science in Palliative Care degree and Graduate Certificates have been designed to meet the educational needs of individuals who are currently working or who wish to work in hospice and palliative care and want to gain a deeper understanding of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of patients and families affected by advanced illness, or those wishing to do so.
The program will be of interest to a wide range of health care professionals, including but not limited to the following:
- Physicians
- Pharmacists
- Thanatologists
- Nurses
- Advance Practice Nurses
- Physician Assistants
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Chaplains
- Administrators
- Counselors
- Bereavement Specialists
- Volunteer Coordinators
Post Graduate Certificates
Participants can apply to earn a Graduate Certificate titled “Principles and Practice of Hospice and Palliative Care.” The certificate can be earned as the terminal credential, or as part of the Master of Science degree. The certificate is earned by completing the first four courses in the Master of Science degree. There are four additional Post-graduate certificates that may be earned, each 12 credits (four, 3-credit courses) including:
- Principles and Practice of Hospice and Palliative Care
- Clinical Aspects of Hospice and Palliative Care*
- Leadership and Administration in Hospice and Palliative Care
- Psychosocial/Spiritual Aspects of Hospice and Palliative Care
- Aging and Applied Thanatology
*Enrollment limited to physicians, advanced practice nurses, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, or with permission of Program Director.
From Our Peers:
"With the unprecedented growth of hospice and palliative care, it is critically important that practitioners acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to embrace these roles. Formal, as well as informal training opportunities are necessary to meet the growing complex needs of patients living with serious illness."