Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more in our sexual and gender health programs General FAQ.
What kind of careers would benefit from a certificate in transgender health?
Those with a passion for serving in nursing, social work, family science, psychology, counseling, medicine, physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy can enhance their careers with a Certificate in Transgender Health. This certificate can better equip professionals in these fields to support transgender and gender diverse populations through the lenses of their specialties.
What does transgender mean?
A transgender person is someone whose gender identity or gender expression does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.
What does gender diversity mean?
Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Kristen Mark defines gender diversity as an umbrella term that is used to describe gender identities that demonstrate a diversity of expression beyond the binary framework.
What is a health certificate?
A health certificate can build on skills and knowledge gained across the health care and human services fields. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a health certificate can enhance a provider’s ability to deliver health care or other services through an introduction to new or more specialized areas of focus.
Why study transgender health?
With a growing number of transgender and gender diverse people, there is a proportionate need for health care professionals that can serve these populations with knowledge and awareness. A certificate in transgender and gender diverse health can prepare graduates to provide gender-affirming care in areas from mental health to social work to a number of specialties across the health care field.
What courses can I take with a certificate in transgender health?
At the University of Minnesota students in the 12-credit transgender health certificate program can explore areas such as gender diversity, intersectionality, and sexual health. Students will develop and refine their approaches to transgender health across diverse populations, like children and adolescents, within this broader demographic. All courses in the Transgender and Gender Diverse Health Certificate are offered completely online.
How do most students pay for the certificate?
Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid but may have other options for funding. For example, SELF loans are low-interest, long-term student loans available exclusively to students taking courses online or in person at Minnesota institutions. In addition, the University recommends FASTChoice as a tool to explore private loan possibilities. You may also look into the University’s payment plan options to spread payments throughout the semester. Most domestic students are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships specific to the College. Also see the main financial aid page and select “Graduate Certificate Students” for more information.
Students pursuing AASECT certification should plan to finance AASECT requirements on their own.
Note: If you’re considering applying for the MPS in Sexual Health in addition to the certificate, keep in mind that only master’s degree students are eligible for federal financial aid.