Certificate in Pain Assessment and Management

Pain assessment and management is a crucial part of patient care. This course provides relevant and practical expertise in various methods of pain assessment, management, and treatment in adults, children, and the elderly.

6 Weeks / 14 Course Hrs

Starting November 11, 2026

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Stephen F. Austin State University

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$88USD

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$88USD

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Starting November 11 | December 16

Details + Objectives

Course code: 0cp

Pain assessment and management is a crucial part of compassionate and effective patient care. Healthcare providers must be more accurate with their pain assessment skills and more effective in their pain management strategies. Scientific advancements in the understanding of the mechanisms of pain, multidisciplinary methods of assessment and management, the wide array of integrative treatment strategies, and the improvement of medications to treat pain have contributed to the wealth of knowledge in this area.

The outcome of this certificate program is for the learner to describe key elements related to pain assessment and management, especially in specific populations.

(14.0 contact hours – for MTs, NCBTMB awards 8.0 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 06/01/2029

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships: The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Non-endorsement of Products: Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

What you will learn

Describe various pain theories and assessment principles.
Compare and contrast specific pain interventions and treatments.
Explain the differences between acute and chronic pain.
Discuss specific pain management issues in surgical, cancer, and HIV patients.
Discuss specific pain management issues in children and the elderly.
Describe the unique pain assessment and management issues at the end of life.
Describe integrative therapies for cancer pain assessment and management.

How you will benefit

Describe various pain theories and assessment principles.
Compare and contrast specific pain interventions and treatments.
Explain the differences between acute and chronic pain.
Discuss specific pain management issues in surgical, cancer, and HIV patients.
Discuss specific pain management issues in children and the elderly.
Describe the unique pain assessment and management issues at the end of life.
Describe integrative therapies for cancer pain assessment and management.

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
14 course hours

Outline

Pain is a universal phenomenon and its accurate and timely assessment is crucial in the comprehensive care of every patient. Pain is a subjective concept and is whatever the client says it is. Experienced across all age groups, across all socioeconomic levels, and in all settings, pain exists within the context of a culture, as well as within personal, physical, and psychological history. Pain and the search for relief is one of the primary reasons a client accesses the health care system. It is also one of the most complex and challenging problems in health care and biology.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe pain theories, pain types and physiology, variables that affect pain, strategies for conducting a complete pain assessment, barriers to assessment, cultural considerations, and appropriate pain documentation.

Effective pain management begins with effective pain assessment. Only after an assessment is completed can the health care provider determine how to best manage a client’s pain. Barriers to pain management that can lead to the undertreatment of pain need to be evaluated and, if relevant, addressed appropriately. Once an assessment is completed, interventions and treatment options are implemented and evaluated. Interventions and treatment options can include traditional pharmaceutical options as well as integrative therapies.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the medications commonly used for pain relief, the physical and behavioral strategies used for pain relief, the factors that result in the undertreatment of pain, and the management of acute and/or postoperative pain.

Health care professionals often face difficult challenges when working with clients who have undergone surgery or who have cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These clients encounter unique problems with their health conditions, especially when trying to manage their pain.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the types of pain seen in clients who have undergone surgery or are coping with cancer or HIV and to describe the methods, both traditional and nontraditional, for managing these challenging pain concerns.

Acute and chronic pain in the adult client have different causes, methods of diagnoses, and interventions. Effective health care providers understand these differences when they assess and manage their clients' pain.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the differences between acute and chronic pain, describe causes and symptoms for each, explain pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for each type of pain, list barriers to effective pain management, and identify factors to consider when educating clients about their pain management regimens.

Helping pediatric and geriatric populations manage their pain requires special consideration regarding the types of medications and strategies chosen, the route through which medications are delivered, and specific comorbidities or metabolic issues that may be present.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe issues unique to the pain management of the pediatric or geriatric patient, including assessing and managing pediatric pain, physiologic changes in aging, behavioral strategies for pain relief, nonpharmacological options for pain control in pediatric and geriatric patients, and pain management in the client with an altered mental status.

Regardless of the cause, pain is a common symptom in clients who are near death. Health care providers must understand the tremendous implications of pain and pain symptoms and prioritize the assessment and optimal treatment of pain in clients near the end of life. They must be knowledgeable about alternative routes for analgesia and analgesic dosing and understand when to make referrals to palliative care providers and/or specialists to assist in the compassionate and effective management of pain during this time.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe key concepts related to effective pain management at the end of life for adult and pediatric clients, including the roles of the caregiver, hospice provider, and palliative-care provider.

Many advances have been made in the treatment of cancer during the last several decades and yet effective cancer pain management remains an overwhelming issue for most patients. Today, there are numerous options for cancer pain management, ranging from more traditional pharmacological treatments to integrative therapies, including complementary and alternative modalities. Increasingly, research links adequate pain control with improved survival for patients with cancer. The effective treatment of pain for cancer patients must include an examination of all possible treatment modalities to ensure the patient receives the most compassionate care available.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the pharmacologic and integrative therapeutic options for individuals with cancer pain.

Instructors & Support

Caroline Swenson

Caroline Swenson, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)

The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

NCBTMB

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. (Provider Number 451562-11)

A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or cumulative final exam. You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor is available if you have any questions.

An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).

Reviews

The class was great. I learned a lot about Pain Assessment and Management that I didn't know about before.

I am an LPN working on my RN and I found this information to be very helpful. Every person has to have their pain accessed and I feel that I can now be more proficient in my ability in helping the client in pain.

I have gained more knowledge in assessment and identifying different kinds of pain and I was able to apply it in my daily tasked as medical-surgical nurse by not being bias and that my goal is to use interventions in a timely manner to prevent pain from recurring.

When treating children with pain, I now understand the important role narcotics can play. Narcotics can avoid unnecessary pain and suffering in children (and their parents) when given correctly.

I feel this course is very effective in communicating essential data to achieve the goal of reducing pain in the patient and developing a comprehensive pain plan.

When examining a patient, I will not judge them if they do not present classic symptoms of pain, as everyone experiences and presents pain in different ways.

I enjoyed the thorough information of each topic.

I am more aware of pain management given in different situations such as treating children, adults and the elderly. There are different methods in treating pain in each age group that we should take into consideration.