BUSSW and Rush Offer Online Prof. Ed. Certificate that Prepares Social Workers for Practice in Health Care Settings
Highlighting the importance of social work at the intersection of health, Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) and its Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER) have launched the Social Work in Health Care Certificate, in collaboration with Rush University Department of Social Work and its Center for Health & Social Care Integration, and partners via the Coalition for Social Work and Health. The fully online program is designed to help social workers build the knowledge and skills needed to practice effectively in today’s complex health care systems.
Designed for BSW- and MSW-prepared social workers who are new to health care or transitioning from other areas of practice, the certificate will support workforce development by expanding access to practice-ready training for social workers interested in entering or advancing within health care settings, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The six-course professional education program prepares learners for work across inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and specialty care settings.
The curriculum focuses on the role of social work in addressing social determinants of health, advancing health equity, and providing person-centered, culturally responsive care. Coursework emphasizes trauma-informed practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical decision-making, and resilience for patients, caregivers, and clinicians.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate includes six professional education courses:
- Introduction to Health Care and Health Equity
- Frameworks, Treatment Modalities and Social Work Skills
- Patient Populations and Health Care Settings
- Social Work and Complex Care
- Patient, Caregiver and Clinician Resilience
- Ethical Considerations in Health Care
Participants who complete the program will gain foundational competencies for health care social work practice, and will be better prepared to contribute to interprofessional teams serving diverse populations.
The Social Work in Health Care Certificate is available from Rush’s Office of Interprofessional Continuing Education and accessible through the CADER Learning Catalog.
For questions regarding this program, please contact swich@rush.edu.