Play Therapy Certificate (Online)

Special Notification

Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.

Program Description

The Play Therapy certificate is a 13-unit program which offers a theoretically-based approach for working with children and adolescents presenting with a number of behavioral health issues. This approach utilizes toys and other expressive activities as forms of communication and as an intervention method for problem solving and promoting well-being.

The fully online Play Therapy certificate program is designed to meet the educational requirements of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to become a registered play therapist (RPT) and is designed for behavioral health professionals with or in the process of obtaining a licensable graduate degree from an accredited college.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

12 months

Possible Careers

A play therapist works in a number of settings, including private practice, non-profit agencies, child abuse assessment and treatment centers, fostering and adoption programs, and hospitals.

Application Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

• A fully completed LLU application form.
• A graduate with a licensable mental health degree from an accredited university. (Official transcripts are evidence of degrees and courses completed.) Individuals already licensed as a mental health professional must be in good standing with the relevant licensing board.
• Consideration for admission will be given to individuals in the process of completing a licensable mental health graduate degree from an accredited university. Applicant must be in good academic standing and have permission from their current program to enroll.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from an academic source, professional peer, and/or from a work supervisor.

Prerequisites

Must have or be in the process of obtaining a licensable mental health degree from an accredited university.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Although there is no discipline accrediting agency, the Play Therapy Certificate Program is designed to assist in meeting the educational requirements of the Association of Play Therapy (APT) to become a registered play therapist (RPT).

Completion of the Play Therapy certificate coursework at Loma Linda University does not include certification as a registered play therapist. Individuals must apply to the Association for Play Therapy and complete all additional requirements.

Integrating faith and health

Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Notes

No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.