E18: Ethical Dilemmas

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Course Overview

CE Hours

3 CE Credits

Course Description

Ethical Dilemmas examines how to identify, analyze, and resolve situations in which two ethically valid options are in conflict with each other. This course introduces a four-step framework for working through ethical dilemmas, defining the dilemma, identifying values at stake, applying relevant principles, and considering personal issues and applies it to 10 real-world case studies drawn from social work, health care, and professional settings. Learners will also explore ethical dilemmas in clinical practice, the concept of moral distress in health care systems, and evidence-based decision-making models for counselors and health professionals.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Define an ethical dilemma and explain how it differs from an ordinary ethical problem
  2. Apply the four-step Ethical Dilemma Framework, define, assess values, identify principles, and consider personal issues, to analyze dilemmas
  3. Use the Case Worksheet to structure and document ethical reasoning and proposed solutions
  4. Identify common types of ethical dilemmas including conflicts of interest, client autonomy vs. harm prevention, and quality vs. prolonging of life
  5. Analyze real-world ethical dilemmas in clinical, social work, and workplace settings
  6. Describe the concept of moral distress and explain its causes and impact on health care professionals
  7. Apply the seven-step ethical decision-making model from the ACA Practitioner’s Guide to resolve dilemmas
  8. Identify the five moral principles, autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity and explain their role in ethical decision-making

Course Format and Faculty

Course Format:

Online linked resources and lectures available anytime, 24/7. Includes one multiple-choice exam taken at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Upon passing, learners may print their certificate immediately.

Course Developers and Instructors:

R. Klimes, PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins University) is a scholar and author in health-related research, health behaviors, ethics, end-of-life care, and overall wellness. He has written numerous research reports and books and has held academic and leadership roles in higher education and public health internationally.

Course Time:

Approximately 3 hours for online study, test taking, course evaluation feedback, and certificate printing.