LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Nursing and its UK Online program will welcome the first cohort of students this fall in a new Clinical Certificate in Addictions, addressing a critical gap in clinician training as Kentucky grapples with one of the nation's highest overdose death rates.

The 11-credit-hour fully online program targets graduate students and healthcare professionals seeking advanced education in addiction care across the lifespan. Students will complete didactic coursework on foundational addiction principles, evidence-based treatment approaches, and collaborative models of care, paired with 180 supervised clinical hours in addiction-focused healthcare and community settings.

"Many clinicians lack formal training and confidence when it comes to treating addiction," said Julie Perry, D.N.P., assistant professor and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who will initially teach the courses. The flexible structure allows students to continue full-time clinical practice while immediately applying new knowledge within their professional roles.

The program addresses substance-related addictions including opioid and alcohol use disorders, as well as behavioral addictions such as gambling, social media, and food addiction — recognizing that Kentucky ranked third highest nationally for drug overdose fatality rates in 2020 at 49.3 deaths per 100,000 people. Recent data shows the state has achieved three consecutive years of declining overdose deaths, though the crisis remains severe.

Healthcare professionals including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physicians and mental health professionals in primary care, behavioral health, emergency services and public health may benefit from the certificate. "No single discipline can truly fully address addiction alone," said Andrew Makowski, D.N.P., coordinator for the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner track. "It really takes collaborative, whole person care to meet the needs of our patients, of our community, effectively."

Clinicians will develop competencies in assessing and screening for addiction disorders, recognizing signs and symptoms, and identifying co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. "We want clinicians to feel equipped to not only recognize addiction, but to feel equipped to confidently intervene and support their patient's recovery," Makowski said.

Applications are due Monday, June 15 through The Graduate School, and UK employee tuition benefits apply.