Trauma-Informed Care Certificate

Add specialized skills to your resume with this 12-credit certificate.

Learn how to recognize, respond to, and support people impacted by trauma across educational, healthcare, social service, and other workplace settings. The certificate integrates Mercy values and a holistic, person-centered framework, emphasizing not only clinical knowledge but also ethical leadership, cultural humility, and community resilience.

Courses

To earn the certificate, complete these two required courses:

  1. EDU/SWK/PSY 299: Introduction to Trauma
    This foundational course introduces students to the study of trauma and its impact on individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.

  2. SWK/PSY 206: Trauma-Informed Care
    This course introduces students to the meaning of trauma, the incidence and prevalence of trauma and evidence-based approaches to trauma treatment.

Next, complete two Special Topics from this list:

  • CRJ 205: Stalking and Domestic Violence
  • CRJ 251: Victimology
  • PSY 260: Death and Dying
  • CRJ 225: Juvenile Delinquency
  • PSY XXX: Trauma-Informed Interventions in Community

These courses will deepen your knowledge in specialized areas such as criminal justice, education, behavioral health, social equity, violence prevention, or human services.

According to the CDC, more than 75% of high school students report having experienced at least one traumatic event, also known as "Adverse Childhood Experiences" (ACE).

Jobs in community and social service occupations — where trauma-informed skills are essential — are projected to grow faster than average for all occupations, with approximately 313,700 openings annually nationally through 20234, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In 2019, Pennsylvania passed Senate Bill 144, requiring public schools to train staff to recognize and respond to signs of childhood trauma.

Who Is Eligible to Earn the Certificate

Current GMercyU Undergraduate and Graduate Students

This certificate is open to all students, but may be especially impactful for students in these programs:

How to enroll: Please speak with your advisor.

 

Adult Learners

Advance your career with this specialized, credit-bearing certificate by taking in-person classes as early as Fall 2026. Credits are stackable toward a future GMercyU degree.

Students must have completed a minimum of an associate degree or equivalency (60 credits completed at a regionally accredited institution).

How to enroll: Contact Janice Nuss, DSW, LCSW at nuss.j@gmercyu.edu to get started.