Trauma And Resiliency Certificate Program

Build resiliency in those affected by trauma.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Understanding trauma and its influences on children and adults can shift how professionals work with the individuals they serve.

While completing the Trauma and Resiliency Certificate Program, Molly learned new skills that immediately transferred to her work as a teacher. The program not only helped her strengthen her relationships with students and parents, but also her fellow staff members.

LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND.

Trauma affects individuals across their lifespan. Emotion, behavior, cognition and physical health are all affected.

By learning trauma’s impact on the brain, professionals can better understand the causes behind certain symptoms and reactions. As a result, they can better address real-world challenges with appropriate interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

Any professional who works with at-risk youth or adults, including: law enforcement and correctional officers and administrators, social workers, victim advocates and child welfare workers, legal professionals, human services professionals, and teachers and higher education administrators.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program consists of four required courses (see below) that can be completed in less than a year.

When can I take classes?

Courses are offered on an accelerated 8-week course schedule.

Where will I take classes?

This program is fully online, so you can take classes from anywhere!

Why do I need a certificate in trauma and resiliency?

A certificate in trauma and resiliency prepares you to address the challenges of those faced with past and present traumatic experiences. This equips you to build resiliency in those individuals, improving lifelong outcomes. With the certificate, you’ll be qualified to train coworkers and community members in trauma and resiliency. In addition to knowing how to address the challenges faced by others, you’ll understand the effects trauma has on you.

How do I obtain my official certification from Starr Commonwealth?

Students who successfully complete Trauma and Resiliency in the Criminal Justice System will be eligible to complete Starr Commonwealth’s Certified Trauma & Practitioner exam. Students can contact info@starr.org, and Starr’s team will provide them with access to the exam. The total cost for the student to complete certification, which includes the exam as well as a badge and enrollment into Starr’s Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner database, will be covered by Simpson College. Students need only to contact Starr to get started.

Program Information

Cost of Attendance

2024 – 2025 tuition should be $565 cr. hour plus fees

Application Process

Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Resiliency

We are happy you are interested in the Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Resiliency at Simpson College. To get started follow the following instructions.

1. Official Transcripts – An official transcript is required from each institution attended. The preferred GPA for the program is 3.0.

SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPTS TO:
Simpson College
Office of Admissions
701 North C Street
Indianola, Iowa 50125
admiss@simpson.edu

2. Personal Statement – Discuss significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Certificate in Trauma and Resiliency. Include information regarding career goals and current and/or prior leadership experiences that will contribute to your success as a graduate student. (2 pages, typed, double-spaced)

If there are any areas that you think the admissions committee may question, such as a low GPA or other issues, please address them here.

3. Resume – Be sure that your resume specifies the name of organizations, kind of work, positions held, dates, and full- or part-time positions and includes the following (2 pages):

All paid positions held- both full-time and part-time.
Military experience.
Volunteer and internship experiences.

4. Letters of Recommendation and Rating Forms – Three letters of recommendation and scoring sheets from academic or professional contacts must be included to complete your application.

Submit an Application

Coursework

CJ 251 or 551: Trauma and Resiliency Foundations: Trauma and Resiliency Foundations teaches students about trauma-informed, resilience-focused care and the mindset shift necessary to practice it. This course explains trauma as an experience, how it affects individuals across the lifespan in the areas of emotion, behavior, cognition and physical health. The course presents the four universal needs of all human beings including belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Also discussed is trauma’s impact on the brain and central nervous system. 4 credits

CJ 240 or 540*: Social Justice and Human Rights: This course is designed to examine social justice and human rights issues reflected in the U.S. Constitution and the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights as they interplay in various aspects of the criminal justice system including corrections, juvenile justice, enforcement, administration and legal action. Issues will include, but not be limited to, the influence of sexism, racism, ethnicity, homophobia, ageism, disability and other discrimination in the form of harassment, inappropriate action, group conflict, prejudice and discrimination in the United States and in the world community. CJ 540 requires Graduate standing. 4 credits
*CJ 540 waived for those with a Simpson College Master of Arts in Criminal Justice degree.

CJ 252 or 552: Vicarious Trauma and Essential Self-Care Strategies: Too frequently in a helping profession burnout is the result of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue written-off as the cost of caring. Professionals need to find ways to live and flourish in their work. This course gives participants space to answer that question and instill the absolute necessity of one’s commitment to intentionally care for themselves. One must know that self-care is not separate from their work but rather non-negotiable. Students will be guided through an array of experiences designed to help attune themselves to their true nature, connect them to their strengths, create resilient habits, and create a self-defined plan for how to care for themselves. Self-care is essential to those involved in the criminal justice system as well for those working in it. 4 credits

CJ 253 or 553: Crisis Response and Debriefing: Students will learn what matters most in the first minutes, hours, days and weeks following a crisis or traumatic experience. A timeline of crisis response and debriefing interventions and strategies provides students with the framework for implementing support for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to components of the debriefing process and learn how to facilitate a successful debriefing session that provides support, connection and psychological safety to its participants. Crises are a common occurrence in the criminal justice system and being able to adequately de-escalate and debrief these situations are essential for all those involved. 4 credits

EASY STEPS TO EMPLOYER REIMBURSEMENT

Submit a copy of the Employer Approval Form and Promissory Note to the Business Office prior to the start of class.
Submit payment of the student portion within 30 days of the start of the term. (If your employer reimburses less than 100% of tuition, your portion must be paid within 30 days of the start of the term.)
Notify the Office of Financial Aid if you are receiving any additional financial aid.

GET CERTIFIED

So our students are best prepared to build resilience, Simpson College partners with industry leader Starr Commonwealth to offer the online Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Resiliency.

The total cost for the student to complete certification, which includes the exam as well as a badge and enrollment into Starr’s Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner database, will be covered by Simpson College. Students need only to contact Starr to get started.