Curriculum
As a student in the gerontology program, you will learn the knowledge and skills necessary for critical jobs in the healthcare industry.
There are three courses in the gerontology program. Below, we'll give you a brief description of each course.
A foundational course that provides an introduction to aging and the aging process. The course introduces the interdisciplinary field of gerontology from bio-psycho-social-spiritual, ecological perspectives. The demographics of an aging population and its implications societal and policy impacts will be explored. Students will build upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed, both personally and professionally, to prepare for contemporary and emerging careers in the field.
A contemporary focus on social determinants of health (SDOH), including poverty, race, class and gender, will be explored from an interdisciplinary perspective, along with its specific effects on older adults and the aging trajectory. Within a historical context, students will explore minority, disadvantaged and vulnerable older adult populations’ health disparities and health equity strategies. Students will analyze potential health equity strategies for use in health science professions, and apply this knowledge to a specific health disparity in a specified population.
Older Adult Care Across the Continuum: This course focuses on the continuum of healthcare delivery in the United States for older adults from aging in place to hospice care services. Financing for healthcare and health professional workforce needs will be explored. Knowledge of future trends in gerontology and healthcare for older adults informs the student when considering employment and continuing education opportunities in this field. This course will serve as the capstone for the gerontology certificate program.
