Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply after the deadline?

A: The deadline is May 22, 2009. However, qualified applicants will be considered until the program fills.

Q: Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis?

A: No. All applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee after the May 22, 2009 deadline.

Q: What constitutes "at least one full year of relevant post-degree work experience"?

A: For the sex therapy certificate: Applicants must have a minimum of a master's degree in a field of mental health from an accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. MA, MSW, PhD, PsyD, MD, MS).

One year of relevant work in the field constitutes at least one full year of direct clinical services to clients (e.g. psych nursing, clinical mental health).

For the sexuality counselor certificate: Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. BSN, MD, MPH).

One year of relevant work in the field constitutes at least one full year of direct clinical services to clients (e.g. radiation oncology nursing, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner in gynecology, family practice physician)

For the sexuality educator certificate: Applicants must have an academic degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

One year of relevant work in the field constitutes at least one full year of post degree work experience. The work involves direct teaching/education/training for the clientele your agency serves. Examples include: high school teacher in health, educator in a family practice clinic, HIV/AIDS counselor, medical social worker, Planned Parenthood educator. These are just a few of the many ways people might be working to educate students/patients/clients.

Q: What if I just graduated from college?

A: If you just graduated from college, you will need at least one full year of post-graduation work experience working directly with people in a 'helping' capacity.

Q: How do I get started if I don't have any experience and want to be in your program some day?

A: Community volunteering is one way to begin. Many people begin by volunteering in a Planned Parenthood clinic, or a clinic providing free medical care, or as an assistant in a nursing home, or an HIV/AIDS wellness program. All of these would give you great training in being with people and talking and listening to people.

Volunteering often helps people find their first paid employment. As you volunteer, you can be thinking about what paid positions are available. Some volunteers ask the staff with whom they work how the staff person was hired and what training was necessary. Often your local community college will hold 'career information classes.'

Q: I have my bachelor's degree from college. I worked in retail for two years and just got laid off. Do retail positions count?

A: It is great that you are interested in the field of education in general and in sexuality education specifically. To be considered for admission, however, you will need at least one year of direct work with people in an area where sexuality education could reasonably be expected to occur. For instance, if you worked in a senior citizens assisted living facility as a nurse or if you were a medical technician in a family health clinic, either of those are settings in which sexuality education could occur.

Q: Is scholarship assistance available?

A: No, the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program does not have scholarship funds available.

Q: Is a payment plan available?

A: Yes. Individuals admitted into the UMSHC program may opt to pay in three equal installments throughout the duration of the 20 month program. The first payment is to be submitted within 14 days of receiving notification of admission. The next installment is due by Friday, January 8, 2010, and the final installment is due by Friday, July 2, 2010. Participants pursuing the Sex Therapist and Sexuality Counselor tracks will pay three equal installments of $990, while participants pursuing the Sexuality Educator track will pay three equal installments of $810.

Q: I am self-employed. Do I still have to submit the Employer Agreement form?

A: Yes, you must submit the Employer Agreement form. Please complete the form as outlined, and note that you are self-employed in the Employer Information section.

Q: Are continuing education units available in disciplines other than social work?

A: Currently, continuing education units are only available in the field of social work.

Q: How are social work continuing education units (CEUs) awarded?

A: Participants requesting social work CEUs will receive them upon completion of each individual mini-course. The Michigan Sexual Health Certificate will be awarded upon completion of the entire program.

Q: Do I need to send original undergraduate and graduate transcripts, or are copies sufficient?

Original transcripts are required, and should be sent directly from your academic institution to the Office of Continuing Professional Education. If you have copies in your files, feel free to send them along with your application. Realize, though, that your application will not be considered complete without the original transcript(s).

Q: Would it be okay for me to attend just one class rather than enrolling in the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program?

A: The University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program is a cohort-style program, and participants matriculate together. As such, we do not allow prospective candidates or visitors to attend individual classes.

Q: I need to complete a SAR training. Is it okay for me to attend the SAR training offered as part of the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program?

A: The Sexual Aptitude Reassessment is designed to explore personal values and beliefs surrounding human sexuality. The University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program recognizes the sensitivity of information shared during the training and honors the privacy of all participants enrolled in the program. For this reason, individuals not enrolled in the UMSHC Program are unable to attend the SAR training.