Certificate of Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing
An Evidence-Based Program to Build MI Knowledge and Skills
Motivational Interviewing is a patient-centered conversation and a proven approach that supports patients who struggle with health behavior change. The spirit of Motivational Interviewing is collaborative, non-judgmental, and honors the autonomy of the patient.
MI can be a powerful and effective tool in helping individuals discover their own reasons for making a change. Although there are simple techniques that can be learned quickly, it takes time and practice to master motivational interviewing so that it can be used most effectively.
Our Certificate of Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing is a semester-long course founded on the principles detailed in Miller & Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing, 3rd ed. The evidence tells us that clinicians only begin to successfully use MI when they have had opportunities to engage in the deliberate practice of Motivational Interviewing.
We engage students beyond the academic understanding of active skills practice with live, online Learning Labs during which you will be able to practice with other students from around the country who are taking the course. Finally, at the beginning and end of each course, we give students the opportunity to gauge their skill-building progress via recorded interactions with Acting Patients. These recordings are professionally coded using the universally accepted, MITI tool and then you can speak with an experienced MI coach to review the coding and hear suggestions about the expertise you were able to demonstrate.
Download a printable two-page flyer about the course to share with colleagues and decision-makers. HERE
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for individuals in healthcare fields who wish to become active practitioners of MI. There are no prerequisites.
What are the elements of the course?
Video, readings, active practice and analysis, and reflection on your growing skills--this is the way to become a capable MI practitioner.
- 10 pre-recorded, online, Lessons
- Five live online, interactive group Learning Labs (find the schedules for these HERE)
- Two Practice Sessions with an Acting Patient
- Feedback on MI skills in each recorded session using the MITI 4 coding system
- Two individual coaching sessions with a professional experienced MI coach
MI Registration and Course Schedule
Winter 2025
- Registration Closes: January 6, 2025, 11:59pm EST
- Course Opens: January 1, 2025
- Last Day to Finish Requirements: April 30, 2025
- Learning Labs TBD (required)
Spring 2025
- Registration Closes: February 28, 2025, 11:59pm EST
- Course Opens: March 3, 2025
- Last Day to Finish Requirements: June 30, 2025
- Learning Labs TBD (required)
'Who teaches this course?
Our online course provides a solid academic understanding with Lessons designed by Course Director, Daniel Mullin, PsyD, MPH, and presenters who are MI experts, all of whom are members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Tuition and Payment
- $1600 per individual--Although we welcome groups, please note that each individual must register separately
- payment can be made with a credit card, check, or institutional PO
- group rates with 10+ people ($1450 per person) and UMass discounts available, please contact a learning specialist
- Refund Policy: Click here for details
- Grievance Policy: Click here for details
Technology Requirements
- An internet-connected device: laptop, desktop computer, tablet, smartphone
- For the "Learning Labs," a microphone and speakers on your internet-connected device will be necessary
International Students
We welcome students from all over the world. Please note that while you can access the pre-recorded course Lessons at any time, the live Learning Labs are scheduled for mid-day Eastern Time Zone in the US. To join these required webinars, we use Zoom software, which does have international call-in numbers and a link to these will be in the Zoom invitation. We cannot be responsible for phone or internet charges.
Continuing Education credits are available
Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing is approved by a number of organizations for 20 continuing education credits. Clinicians, nurses, therapists, social workers should all be able to receive credits. If you have questions, contact your State's licensing board to see which credits they will accept and how to report them.
MD, DO, NP, PA, MA, RN
American Association of Family Physicians
For whom: MD, DO, NP, PA, MA, RN (*please see below and check with accrediting source if RN is covered for you)
How many credits: 20
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the following organizations. Please contact them directly about how participants should report the credit they earned.
- American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
- American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM)
- American Board of Preventative Medicine (ABPM)
- American Board of Urology (ABU)
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed credit, not as Category 1.
American Osteopathic Association Credit: CME activities approved for AAFP credit are recognized by the AOA as equivalent to AOA Category 2 credit.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC): Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada are eligible to receive 20 Certified or Non-Certified Mainpro+ credits for participation in this activity due to a reciprocal agreement with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Social Workers
How many credits: 20
Approved by: National Association of Social Workers
This program has been approved for 36 Social Work Continuing Education hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. Collaborative of NASW and the Boston College and Simmons Schools of Social Work Authorization Number D-72385. We recommend double-checking with your particular state licensure board.
Please click here to see approved states
(if your state is not approved you may be able to file an application with your state's chapter)
Counselors and Therapists
How many credits: 20
Approved by: National Board for Certified Counselors
The Center for Integrated Primary Care has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 6842). Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. the Center for Integrated Primary Care is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Note: Each profession has its own continuing education approval requirements depending on the state in which the professional is licensed. To the best of our knowledge, all 50 states accept NBCC credit for most licensed counseling and therapy professions. We recommend double-checking with your particular state licensure board.
Psychologist
How many credits: 20
Approved by: American Psychological Association
Center for Integrated Primary Care is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Center for Integrated Primary Care maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
*effective April 13, 2022
Note: If you would like to see a bit more about the course, we offer a free three-minute video on the History of Motivational Interviewing. And if you just want to gain a sound academic knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, we also offer a short course made up of just the pre-recorded Lessons.