Palliative Care (Certificate)

Overview

The Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care along with the Master of Science Degree in Palliative Care aim to ease suffering for those patients and families living with serious illness through exemplary palliative care education.

These programs develop Palliative Care Community Specialists through innovative educational pedagogies designed to facilitate learning for healthcare providers and allied health professionals in up-to-date, evidence-based, interdisciplinary palliative care concepts using an online virtual learning environment that offers flexible application-based approaches.

Program courses are delivered in an interprofessional learning environment that mirrors the palliative care work setting. The program focuses on advancing clinical knowledge; developing clinical wisdom;, building an evidence-based palliative care practice; enhancing communication skills; and addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual suffering.

Admissions Requirements

DOMESTIC APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 15
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15

To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:

Online Graduate School application
- Personal Statement: A one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s career goals and purpose for studying palliative care.
- Resume: The applicant’s current resume or curriculum vitae, including professional work/practice since graduating with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Educational Goals statement.
- Two recommendations: to be completed by people who know your professional, academic and/or personal achievements or qualities well. As such, references must be from professional contacts, such as employers, supervisors, former faculty, preceptors, or professional colleagues. References from clergy, family members, friends or politicians will not be accepted.
Licenses and Certificates: A notarized copy of the applicant’s current professional license and a copy of the photo identification used in the license notary process or online verification of the applicant’s current professional license. (Biomedical learners only)
Driver’s License: A copy of the applicant's driver's license or state-issued ID.
Application Fee: A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 (U.S. dollars). Checks or money orders should be made out to the University of Colorado.
Interview: After the application is complete a telephone or video interview will be arranged with the applicant and two faculty members. This interview will afford the program the opportunity to understand the needs of the applicant and for the candidate to ask questions. The interview process is designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of the profession, communication, and ability to perform in a positive, professional manner when working with others. To be considered for admission, applicants must participate in the interview process.
Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all degree-bearing transcripts from post-secondary colleges and/or universities.

International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.

Certificate Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall		Hours
PALC 6510	Core Concepts, Principles & Communication Skills	3
PALC 6110 or PALC 6111	Basic Pain Assessment & Management: IDT Care or Basic Pain Assessment & Management: IDT Care (AHP)	3
	Hours	6
Spring
PALC 6210 or PALC 6211	IDT Care for Symptoms: Part A or IDT Care for Non-pain Symptoms: Part A (AHP)	3
PALC 6220 or PALC 6221	IDT Care for Symptoms: Part B or IDT Care for Non-Pain Symptoms: Part B (AHP)	3
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	12

Learning Objectives

Communication Skills
The PC Community Specialist demonstrates expertise in relationship centered communication theory and skills to gather and share information, negotiate shared decision making and plans of care, and sustain relationships with palliative care patients/families and healthcare providers.

Expert Symptom Management Skills
The PC Community Specialist demonstrates expert clinical judgment in performing a comprehensive patient assessment, leading to diagnosis development, implementation, and ongoing reassessment with modification of effective, evidence-based care plans utilizing the skills and expertise of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), for all distressing symptoms experienced by patients with any serious illness.

Ethics, Advocacy, and Legal Aspects of Care
The PC Community Specialist incorporates knowledge of ethical and legal aspects of palliative care into practice by exhibiting the highest professional standards and by advocating for the rights of patients/families to access optimal palliative care.

Spiritual, Religious and Existential Aspects of Care
As part of the IDT, the PC Community Specialist demonstrates and promotes spiritually sensitive care, respecting diversity in all forms, for patients/families and other health care professionals.

Social and Cultural Aspects of Care
As part of the IDT, the PC Community Specialist demonstrates respect for diverse communities through culturally sensitive skills, recognizing how social and economic barriers and challenges impact the delivery of health care services.

Psychological Aspects of Care
As part of the IDT, the PC Community Specialist effectively addresses psychological concerns, and promotes access to expanded resources for all patients/families living with any serious illness.

Integration of Palliative Care for patients throughout the course of any serious illness in all venues
The PC Community Specialist effectively advocates to provide evidence-based palliative care for patients/families and supports and develops expanded resources for all patients/families living with any serious illness.

Effective Palliative Care Educator
The PC Community Specialist demonstrates knowledge, skills, and applies adult learning principles when providing palliative care education to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and the community.

Systems Thinking
The PC Community Specialist demonstrates understanding of the healthcare system to effectively manage and utilize resources to support patients/families living with any serious illness and advocates for the reform of healthcare systems to provide optimal palliative care.

Courses

PALC 6110 - Basic Pain Assessment & Management: IDT Care (3 Credits)

This course reviews basic pain pathophysiology, assessment, non‐pharmacological interventions, and non‐opioid and opioid pharmacological pain management. Integrated with IDT topics related to pain such as psychological, social & spiritual distress and ethical standards of practice.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade