This highly innovative online program consists of four courses to be delivered sequentially over 2 semesters. The concepts presented in each course will establish a framework of knowledge intended to impart the health care provider with the necessary background to understand and treat pain utilizing effective and relevant evidence-based guidelines.

The curriculum in each course will address the concept of pain beyond the traditional views of interpretation and modulation of nociceptive impulses. Pain not only evolves form tissue damaging stimuli, but may also serve as a consequence of the way stress, sleep, and autonomic nervous system tone affect the brain.

Course Sequence

This online program consists of four courses to be delivered sequentially over a two-semester period, as follows:

Spring Semester

• NGR 6471 Concepts of Pain Pathophysiology: 3 Credit Hours
• NGR 6472 Pharmacology of Pain Management: 3 Credit Hours

Summer Semester

• NGR 6470 Assessment, Radiology and Psychology of Pain: 3 Credit Hours
• NGR 6475 Integrative Pain Management Strategies: 3 Credit Hours

More information is available in the Graduate Catalog.

Please visit the Graduate Certificates website for the application process and online application for admission. Note: The graduate certificate is available for Spring admission only. The application for Spring 2023 is open and you can apply now.

Program specific materials should be submitted to Zuzana Moore (zmoore@usf.edu) via email attachment. These include:

1. Copies of your degree transcripts
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Letter of Interest
4. Reference letter from a supervising clinician/clinical colleague
5. Copy of an active license

Official transcripts need to be submitted to:

University of South Florida
Office of Graduate Studies: Graduate Certificates
140 Seventh Avenue South, PNM 102
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradstudies@usf.edu

What courses will I take and how will it benefit me as a provider?

The Integrative Pain Management Graduate Certificate provides a unique curriculum for the health care professional. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the following areas pain pathophysiology, pharmacology of pain management, assessment and psychology of pain, and integrative pain management strategies.

Please refer to USF Graduate Catalog for current curriculum information. There are four courses that have been designed and will be offered for completion of this certificate. The certificate is designed to start in the spring semester and run through the summer semester. All four courses were designed with significant assistance from the Educational Design and Technology Department at the University of South Florida College of Nursing and will be delivered through a CANVAS Platform. If you enroll in the certificate you will be required to complete all four courses. The first two courses that are offered in the spring include NGR 6471 Concepts of Pain Pathophysiology, and NGR 6472 Pharmacology of Pain Management. Each course is 3 credits for a total of 6 credits of enrollment in the spring. In the summer the two courses that are offered are NGR 6470 Assessment and Psychology of Pain and NGR 6475 Integrative Pain Management Strategies. Each course is 3 credits for a total of 6 credits in the summer. The certificate is a total of 12 credits.

How are the courses structured?

Each of the four courses is composed of eight modules. Each module contains course, module, and presentation objectives, which have all been carefully aligned. Each module also contains at least one and sometimes two faculty-developed video presentations with several supporting videos to build on learning concepts. Each module has additional instructional materials with learner activities and assessment outcomes all carefully aligned with the objectives of the course. Learner activities and assessment outcomes are advanced and reflective of a graduate education curriculum with development of manuscripts, power point presentations, discussion board posting, quizzes, and final exams.

Will I have to come to Tampa?

At this time the courses are offered on-line and you will not be required to come to Tampa, Florida.

What is the cost for the certificate?

Tuition payments are due the fifth day of each term. For details regarding tuition deadlines see the University Controller's Office website. This graduate certificate follows Nurse Anesthesia tuition model. 

Can I use my VA benefits?

Yes, please contact the Office of Veteran Success. Start this process as early as possible to avoid any delays.

For additional information visit: http://gradcerts.usf.edu
Note: Admission to a graduate certificate program does not imply automatic acceptance into a graduate degree program.
All information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.