Certificate in Trauma & Recovery
Make an impact on the lives of others by choosing a human services career that addresses trauma and recovery. These professionals work compassionately and effectively with survivors of trauma, including crime and assault, abuse, domestic violence and more. Students in a variety of health and helping professions can benefit from this certificate program, from Psychology and Social Work to Criminal Justice and Nursing. The trauma and recovery area is challenging but the rewards are great when you watch someone overcome obstacles and find their way to wellness. Be part of a helping profession that fosters hope and changes lives!
Start the Conversation at Washburn
At Washburn University, you will learn about trauma-informed care. You also will have an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations through an internship. Our program focuses on evidence-based practices to address critical challenges in the field. We understand all of us benefit from a broad, inclusive perspective and we welcome diverse backgrounds. We also put our students first by customizing academic plans to fit busy lives. Examples include:
- Courses can be taken online, in-person or a mixture of both to be compatible with your schedule.
- You may choose to attend full-time or part-time.
- Washburn is transfer-friendly and accepts substitutions from related coursework taken at other universities.
- Our full-time faculty members are licensed professionals who bring their training and expertise to the classroom.
- Our faculty-student ratio is 12:1 which allows for more small group, individualized instruction to enhance your learning experience and career preparation.
- Experience meaningful fieldwork and professional networking in your own community through an internship of 150 clock hours.
Graduates of our program have the real-world knowledge to find positions in their areas of interest. You will land more than a job. It is a rewarding career that promotes the well-being of individuals, families and communities.
Well-Suited Degrees
The Trauma and Recovery Certificate requires a previous or concurrent bachelor's degree. Several bachelor's programs are a good fit with the certificate including Criminal Justice, Family and Human Services and Social Work.
Explore the Program
Students pursuing the Trauma and Recovery Certificate will enroll in the following courses to complete this 27 credit hour program.
- HS100 Family and Human Services
- HS131 Human Development
- HS301 Working with Trauma
- HS323 Service Coordination
- HS325 Group Work in Human Services
- HS411 Family Issues
- HS446 Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues in Human Services
- 300-400 Level Approved Elective
- HS 381, 480 or 481 Internship in a T&R placement (150 clock hours)
Students must complete one internship of 150 clock hours to complete the certificate. To be accepted into the internship program, you must have completed required prerequisite coursework. Find details in the Family Services Internship Manual.
Find your area of emphasis and check out the certificate plan that corresponds to that degree.
Family and Human Services Success story Juley Kolterman
Juley Kolterman’s passion is working with children, and she knew she needed the credentials to achieve her dream job as a high school counselor. She also knew she was going to attend Washburn to help reach that goal.
“I had an addictions counselor that was my mentor, my inspiration, and she went to Washburn,” Kolterman said. “She helped to get me on this path. I took a job as a para and very quickly realized that that’s where I needed to be.”
She also chose Washburn because of the convenience of the programs in Family and Human Services, where she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree, along with certificates in Trauma and Recovery and Addiction Counseling.
“There would be no possibility of me being able to attend Washburn unless I can do it online,” Kolterman said. “I work full-time. I’m a full-time mom. When I got my associate’s at Washburn, I had a really good experience. The professors were great. It was a no-brainer to come back.”
Kolterman works as a student success liaison in an elementary school, meeting the social and emotional needs of students.
By the Numbers
Projected Job Growth
17%
(2020-2030)Experienced Salary
$70,790
(top 10%)Student/Faculty Ratio
12:1
Program Cost
Courses in these programs are offered at the traditional undergraduate rate. Competitive scholarships are available from the School of Applied Studies (SAS), as well as through Washburn University.
Meet Graduate Chelsie Wilson
Chelsie Wilson graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services Degree with emphasis in Integrative Practice. She also completed her certificates in Non-Profit Management and Trauma & Recovery Services. Although her parents are Washburn alumni, her decision to attend Washburn was based on smaller class sizes and the university's environment.
"It was a school that truly cared about the success of each student, encouraged students to get involved, created connections with peers and helped explore their interests," Chelsie said. "It truly felt like a place to call home."
During her time at Washburn, Chelsie completed internships at Topeka Rescue Mission in the Children's Palace, Doxazo Ministries and Post-Adoption Resources Center at Kansas Children's Service League. Those opportunities led to her first full-time position with the Children's Palace, an early education center for children whose families currently or formerly reside at the Topeka Rescue Mission homeless shelter.
Apply Now
GET IN TOUCH WITH Family & Human Services
Family & Human Services
Benton Hall, Room 311
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2116
human-services@washburn.edu
