Graduate Certificate Programs

Pain Medicine & Pain Science Certificate Programs

Our joint programs between two prestigious USC schools, Keck School of Medicine of USC and Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, are suitable for practicing health professionals from a wide variety of fields, including physicians, dentists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, and more. Our world renowned faculty are thrilled to provide a unique opportunity to practicing professionals to learn pain medicine. Our mission is to leverage our research and education to advance and share knowledge of pain medicine and treating pain.

Certificate in Pain Medicine

The goal of this program is to give clinicians education in the field of pain medicine.

The one-year certificate program includes seven courses.

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!

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

Certificate in Pain Science

The goal of this program is to give the non-clinicians didactic and evidence-based education in the field of pain medicine.

The one-year certificate program includes seven courses.

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!

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 714: Public Policy and Legal Issues | 1 unit
This course discus Public Policy and Legal Issues in Pain Medicine including the California Medical Board Guidelines for Pain Medication, CURES, and legislation related with the discipline.

PAIN 715: History of Pain: Theory and Treatment | 1 unit
In this course we will trace through history our collective understanding of pain by examining the people, theories, and technologies which have brought us to our modern understanding.

PAIN 717: Psychological Aspects of Chronic Pain | 2 unit
In this course we will provide information and demonstration on specific psychological treatments to decrease pain levels and manage pain flares.

PAIN 718: Complementary Approaches | 2 unit
The purpose of this course is to educate on treatment options in pain management by providing framework for integrative models of care.

PAIN 720: Physical & Occupational Therapies | 1 unit
This course discusses different Physical and Occupational Therapy techniques for assessing and treating chronic pain.

Apply Now

For more information on our certificate program, please email painmed@usc.edu.