Pain is an enormous public health burden upon society, healthcare systems, families and individuals. Pain science has progressed dramatically in the past decade but significant gaps persist in understanding and providing optimal pain prevention and treatment. Through the PREP program, prominent pain educators provide students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in health care. Our curriculum meets existing criteria for core knowledge (e.g., as set forth by the International Association for the Study of Pain). In addition, we provide a broad public health perspective. Thus, we offer coursework and Capstone Project experiences that go beyond strictly biomedical information and include epidemiology and biostatistics, systems change, ethics, advocacy, socio-cultural aspects and education – topics all crucially important for making a difference in individuals’ quality of life.
We welcome your involvement in this emerging global effort to improve health systems impacting pain and people’s lives through our cutting edge programs.
The program enrolls nurses, physicians, dentists, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, pharmacists, researchers, acupuncturists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, social workers, palliative care providers, health advocates, and other professionals. Full or part time student status available.
Go to Course Description page for MS PREP
Go to the Capstone information page
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
- *HCOM 504 Introduction to Medicine*
*Required for students without healthcare background. Exemption form must be on file with Registrar's Office if student exempt from course.
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