Oncology Social Workers as Trauma-Informed Patient Educators

Course Details

This is a pre-recorded asynchronous course hosted on OncoLink.org for social workers and other healthcare professionals.

This course offers 1 Social Work CE Credit. Your CE certificate will be provided electronically upon completion of the course, quiz, and evaluation.

This course introduces oncology social workers to the principles and practices of Trauma-Informed Patient Education (TIPE) across the cancer care continuum. Participants will begin by defining trauma and trauma-informed care, exploring how trauma can affect learning, communication, and trust in medical settings. The course then outlines the four essential components of patient education: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, through a trauma-informed lens. Social workers will gain practical strategies to tailor education that is safe, accessible, and aligned with patient values. Emphasis is placed on using plain language, respecting boundaries, and promoting collaboration to empower patients and caregivers. The unique role of social work in facilitating resilience, emotional safety, and equitable access to health information will be a central focus throughout.

Learning Objectives

After attending this session, participants will be able to:

  • Apply trauma-informed (TIC) principles to patient education in oncology social work.
  • Evaluate patient education practices to ensure they are accessible, culturally responsive, and aligned with trauma-informed approaches.
  • Develop strategies for the timing and delivery of patient education that minimize re-traumatization and support patients’ active participation in their cancer care.

About the presenters

Christina Bach, MBE, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW

Christina is a Philadelphia-based oncology social worker and bioethics expert from the University of Pennsylvania, contributing to OncoLink.org, the Cancer Support Community, and leading myeloma support groups, all while practicing animal-assisted therapy.

Katherine Okonak, MSW, LSW

Katherine is a social worker with over 13 years of healthcare experience, specializing in oncology care, patient education, psychosocial research, and trauma-informed care. As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, her practice is built on a foundation of competence, integrity, and a deep commitment to whole-person care. She is dedicated to improving the patient experience, supporting providers, and enhancing healthcare settings by addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals and systems with compassion and a focus on lifelong growth and learning.

Additional Information:

Course fee & Registration Information/Deadline: Individual course fee is $25. Register at www.oncolink.com/ooswla.This is an asynchronous course and you will be given access after payment is received.

Refund Policy: Refunds may be issued before receiving your CE credits. Contact [email protected] regarding a refund. Once CE credits are obtained, you can no longer receive a refund.

Cancellation Policy: If this course is discontinued by OncoLink before completion, you will be issued a refund.

Accessibility Accommodations: Please contact [email protected] regarding accommodation requests.

Course Details: This is a pre-recorded, interactive video course that was recorded October 2025. This course is available online via OncoLink.org.

Course Completion: You will need to watch the course in its entirety, complete the course quiz with a score of 70% or higher (3 attempts), and complete the course evaluation in order to receive your CE certificate and for this course to be considered complete.

Contact: [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

ACE approval statement: OncoLink (Provider ID #2326)  is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/28/2025-8/27/2026

ACE continuing education (CE) credits are generally recognized for licensed social workers across all Canadian provinces and most U.S. states. However, OOSWLA courses are currently not approved for CE credit for licensed social workers in New Jersey and New York.

Other Important FAQ

What is the OncoLink Oncology Social Work Learning Academy?

Our online program offers evidence-based, professionally developed continuing education (CE) courses designed to meet the learning needs of social workers across various practice settings, with a special focus on oncology social work.

Who are the courses designed for?

Courses are intended for licensed social workers, social work students, and allied health professionals seeking to expand their skills in psychosocial care, advocacy, leadership, and clinical practice.

Are the courses self-paced or live?

We offer both asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous (live) courses. Each course description will indicate its delivery format.

How long do I have to complete a course?

After receiving access to an asynchronous course, you will have 1 year to complete the course. Live sessions occur at scheduled times.

What materials are included in each course?

Each course includes a recorded or live lecture, a post-test, evaluation, and supplemental resources when applicable.

Are these courses approved for CE credits?

Yes. Our program is approved to offer social work continuing education credits by the Association of Social Work Boards. Each course lists the number of credits available. You can read our accreditation statement here.

How do I earn CE credit?

To earn CE credit, participants must complete the full course, pass the post-test with a minimum score of 70%, and complete the course evaluation.

How do I receive my CE certificate?

Certificates are available for download immediately upon successful completion of all course requirements. They will also be available for download from your Learner Portal in the Learning Management System, which you will receive a login and password for after registration and payment. 

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept major credit cards and institutional payments. Group discounts or access codes may be available for some organizations.

What if I need help or experience technical issues?

We’re here to help! You can reach out to our support team directly at [email protected] for assistance.

Are the courses accessible to learners with disabilities?

Yes. Our courses are designed with accessibility in mind. Closed captioning, screen-reader compatibility, and alternate formats are available upon request. Please contact [email protected] regarding any accommodatios requests.

What if I have a grievance about a course?

We have a formal grievance process to address any concerns. Please visit our Grievance Policy page or contact our Continuing Education Director, Christina Bach, at [email protected].

What are the course fees? 

Course fees are: 

  • $25 for 1 course
  • $45 for 2 courses
  • $55 for 3 courses
  • $65 for 4 courses
  • $75 for 5 courses 

How do I register for a course?

You can browse and register for our current course offerings here. Select which courses you would like to purchase, fill in all required information, then click the “Submit” button. You will then receive more information on making a payment and how to access your courses. For live courses, registration closes 24 hours before the course begins. For pre-recorded courses, you will be given access after payment is received.

What is your refund policy?

For live courses, refunds are available if a request is made 48 hours prior to the course. For pre-recorded courses, refunds are issued on a case by case basis. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to discuss a refund. Once CE credits are obtained, you can no longer receive a refund.

What is your cancellation policy?

If a course is canceled or discontinued before completion, you will be issued a refund.

What system requirements will I need to complete courses?

To ensure a smooth learning experience, please review the system requirements below:

For Pre-recorded Video Courses (via our Learning Management System): To access and watch our pre-recorded video courses within our Learning Management System, you will need:

  • A reliable internet connection
  • A desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
  • A supported web browser (latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Speakers or headphones to hear the course audio.
  • We recommend a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher for the best viewing experience.
  • We recommend using a current device and web browser for the best experience. Using older versions of operating systems or web browsers is not supported. If you experience difficulty accessing your courses, please email [email protected] and include the browser and version you are using.

How will I know when courses were recorded and if they are up to date?

The date your course(s) was recorded is included in the course presentation. We update all of our content in accordance with the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) ACE guidelines to ensure the information presented is accurate, up-to-date, and meets CE requirements.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Please contact us at [email protected] with any other questions or concerns.