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WebTycho School of Undergraduate Studies
Certificate in Health Issues for the Aging Adult
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The certificate in health issues for the aging adult is designed for students who seek the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with older adults in a variety of roles. The certificate integrates gerontological knowledge and skills from the fields of health and biology, sociology, psychology, and policy and services and provides the opportunity to apply these skills to work with older adults. Coursework may help students seeking a bachelor’s degree in a variety of areas to integrate gerontology knowledge with their major area of academic study or prepare students who are vocationally oriented and not seeking a higher education degree to improve work skills. Through a practicum or cooperative education experience, students work with professionals to apply knowledge acquired through coursework to practical experience with aging individuals or aging issues in different settings that address the needs of older adults (e.g., assisted living centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals, senior centers, companies producing products and services for seniors or area agencies on aging).
Total Credits: 18
Note: Courses may be applied to only one certificate; some prerequisites may need to be fulfilled before beginning certificate courses.
A required course:
- GERO 100 - Introduction to Gerontology (3)
A course on the sociocultural aspects of aging chosen from the following (3):
A psychology course chosen from the following (3):
A life health and science course or courses totaling 3 credits chosen from the following (3):
- BIOL 307 - The Biology of Aging
- GERO 302 - Health and Aging
- GERO 355 - Nutritional Concerns of Aging
- GERO 495D - Adaption to Sensory Changes and Aging
- GERO 495H - Illness and Aging
- GERO 495K - Geriatric Nutrition
A required practicum experience (3):
- GERO 486A - Internship in Gerontology Through Co-op
A course specific to the student’s academic goals chosen from the following (3):