Welcome to the Interprofessional Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology
The Interprofessional Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology is designed to increase the knowledge, skills and abilities of health care and human service professionals who provide care to older adults in a variety of settings. The curriculum will meet the needs of working professionals who, because of the rapidly aging population, find themselves caring for a growing number of older adults.
This 9-credit certificate program, consisting of three courses, is offered online.
The sequence of courses is as follows:
(1) GRN 500 Opportunities and Challenges of Aging (3 cr.). Offered every fall semester.
(2) GRN 501 Life Transitions and Health in Aging (3 cr.). Offered every spring semester.
(3) GRN 502: Interprofessional Care of Older Adults in Diverse Settings (3 cr.). Offered every summer (7 week session).
Goals of the program:
- Strengthen the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health and human service professionals for provision of effective, comprehensive care and services for older adults and their caregivers.
- Increase the number of individuals who select a career in the health and human service fields with specialization in the delivery of services for older adults.
- Prepare professionals from a variety of fields to function as members of interprofessional teams in the provision of services which enhance the lives of older adults and those who care for them.
Upon completion of the Interprofessional Certificate Program in Gerontology, the graduate will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of social, behavioral, cultural, and health-related issues experienced by the growing population of older adults and their caregivers.
- Promote health, functionality, and quality of life of older adults through education of individuals and families and through appropriate referrals to service providers.
- Incorporate ethical principles in the provision of services for older adults and their caregivers.
- Incorporate evidence-based strategies in assessing health and service needs and in designing care management plans for older adults and caregivers.
- Demonstrate understanding of an interprofessional team approach for efficient, innovative, and effective service delivery.
- Advocate for improved health and human services for older adults and their caregivers, grounded in knowledge of aging-related health policy and effective programs.