Overview – Certificate in Pain Medicine

For those who prefer to do a one-year certificate, we offer a program of seven courses, all of them included in the Master Program.

  • Students are able to enter the program during the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Students continue to work in their practices while in the program.
  • Students typically work on the program on evenings or weekends.
  • The program is designed for both United States and international students.
  • The program includes seven courses (12 units).
  • A typical week involves 5-6 hours of video lectures and 5-6 hours of live, interactive video conferencing.
  • The Program does not provide a stipend.

For financial aid options, visit the USC Financial Aid website. Additional financial aid may be available through the program. See program information site for more information.

Have questions about our programs? Want to speak with our Admissions Team? Contact us!

Curriculum

PAIN 701 Pharmacotherapeutics for Pain (2 units)
This course will provide an introduction into the complex area of treatment with opioids, as well as the many other pharmacological options.

PAIN 702 Pain Classification and Diagnosis – Part 1 (2 units)
This course provides an introduction of pain classification and diagnosis to familiarize the student with a standardized approach to painful conditions.

PAIN 703 Psychological Aspects of the Pain Experience: Individual and Family (2 Units)
This course explores the psychological and social perspectives that influence chronic pain, reinforcing the need to look beyond the initial physical diagnosis.

PAIN 704 Pain and Society: Epidemiology and Cultural Issues (1 unit)
This course explores the societal issues related to pain, including the role of culture, ethnicity, caregiving, and social and psychological factors related to pain and pain management.

PAIN 705 Pain Assessment: History and Physical Examination (1 units)
This course is designed to assist in evaluation of patients suffering from pain, distinguishing between types of pain that may be acute or chronic.

PAIN 706 Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pathology (2 units)
This course is an anatomical survey of the human musculoskeletal system, focused on common pathologies that generate pain.

PAIN 707 Pain Neuroscience (2 units)
This course focuses on anatomy of peripheral and central nociceptors, molecular mechanisms that underlie primary responses, neural networks and neural mechanisms involved in hyperalgesia and allodynia.