FAQ's

 

What opportunities does someone with the MS-PREP degree have?

The Masters Program in Pain Research, Education and Policy was originally created to enhance the incomplete training of health care providers and other professionals caring for individuals suffering from chronic pain. True to this mission, most of our graduates have made use of their MS-PREP degree to accelerate the trajectory of their original career paths. Pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, acupuncturists and other clinicians have taken advantage of their additional expertise to assume more responsibility in their clinical organizations, take on new leadership positions, or improve their prospects in a competitive health care job market. Other graduates have leveraged their degree or certificate to move into new career paths such as pain education, program administration, research and advocacy work. And still other graduates have used their masters as a stepping-stone to other terminal degrees such as medicine or public health.

 

What sorts of courses does a student in the MS program take?

Course Descriptions
Course Schedules - Follow this link to the "PREP" courses to see when the courses are next running.

 Core Courses

  • PREP 230 Neuroanatomy, Neurochemistry and Pharmacology of Pain
  • PREP 232 Ethical and Sociocultural Aspects of Pain
  • PREP 233 Palliative Care and End of Life Issues
  • PREP 234 Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems
  • PREP 235 Public Policy, Legislative and Forensic Issues
  • PREP 236 Principles of Change and Education Applied to Pain Management
  • PREP 238 Evaluation and Treatment of Pain: Psychological Approaches
  • PREP 240 Complementary and Integrative Medicine
  • PREP 251 Capstone Project I: Planning
  • PREP 252 Capstone Project II: Implementation
  • HCOM 502 Epidemiology/Biostatistics: Reading Medical Literature

Sample of Elective Courses

  • PREP 231 Pharmacoeconomics
  • PREP 241 Medical Acupuncture
  • PREP 243 Clinical Perspectives in Pain Management
  • MPH 215 Public Health and Health Care: Politics, Policies and Programs
  • MPH 222 Survey Research and Data Management
  • HCOM 506 Health Communities Online
  • HCOM 510 Patient Provider Interaction
  • HCOM 522 Health Behavior and Health Communication
  • HCOM 544 Professional Communication
Does Tufts offer certificate programs in Pain Research Education and Policy?

Yes. We offer three specific certificate programs:

  • Research
  • Education
  • Policy
  • Occupational Therapy

The certificate program is 5 credit hours. Check here for more information.

What is the joint program with the New England School of Acupuncture?
The joint program between two pioneering schools – Tufts University School of Medicine and New England School of Acupuncture – gives students studying acupuncture the opportunity to obtain additional expertise in pain and its treatment from the western biomedical perspective. Read more about this dual program.

What is the Capstone Project in the master's portion?
All students in the MS-PREP program are required to complete a two-semester Capstone Project prior to graduation. The purpose of the Capstone Project is to offer students the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to comprehensively address a clinical, public health and/or social problem pertaining to pain. The Project occurs over two adjacent semesters during the final year of the program. Click here to get an idea of recent Projects by our MS-PREP students.

Does the program require an internship?
No, but our Capstone Project in the final semesters of the masters degree provides a similar function to many internships, and other individual initiatives for development of expertise in pain issues.

Are all of the students in the program full time?
No. Most of the master’s students are taking the program part-time. Most of the classes are in the late afternoon/early evening for learner’s convenience.

What is the mix of students in the program?
The PREP program enjoys a broad-based student body. Students may be either seasoned clinicians from the healthcare professions or students pursing graduate education who are just out of a bachelor’s program. Our students are mostly studying part-time, with some going full-time; international students are welcomed and form an integral part of our programs. Our classes are a rich environment for graduate-level learning and developing subject matter excellence in pain issues.

I have heard about starting the program as a non-matriculated student. What does that mean?
Students may take courses without matriculating (or formally being accepted into a full program) OR making a full application for admission. Students who take this route enjoy the option of having a maximum of two (2) credits taken as a non-matriculated student apply toward a Public Health/Professional Degree program if the student later matriculates. Learn more on this option here.

Why would someone want to be a “non-matriculated student”?
Most often, it is so that a student may determine if this master’s program is a good fit for them.

Does Tufts offer a distance learning degree?
Not at this time.

Does Tufts offer a Ph.D.in Pain Research, Education and Policy?
Not at this time.

Does the program provide job counseling and help finding a job?
Yes. We have excellent career services. Check here for more information.

What are some of the research interests of faculty?
  • Evidence Based Pain Medicine
  • Analgesic Pharmacotherapy
  • Complementary and integrative therapies for pain management
  • Neuropathic pain scales</li>
  • Functional brain imaging of pain</li>
  • Neuro-physiological testing for chronic pain</li>
  • Development of novel analgesic medications</li>
  • Assessment of pain-related outcomes and evidence</li>
  • Pain education

May I visit the campus?
Yes. We'd welcome your visit! Please check here for online chat information on our programs and to come to campus, please contact us for more information.

 

May I sit in on classes?
Yes, with advanced planning. Contact us and we will be happy to arrange it.

 

May I talk to current students or graduates?
Yes, our students would be happy to share insights with you. Contact us and we will make a student available to you.

 

Whom should I contact if I have any additional questions about the program?

email PREP program

Questions? Need more information?

Any questions about the program or specifics on applying, please contact
PHPD Admissions Office

 View the PREP Slideshow