Online Certificate Program in Gerontology
Interdisciplinary Faculty
General Overview:
Over the next 20 years, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will double. Additionally, the number of adults over 85 who need acute, primary, and long-term care will increase five-fold. This demographic shift will significantly increase the demand for professionals with the skills and knowledge to care for the health, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of older adults.
The Certificate Program in Gerontology is designed to help professionals currently working with older adults, as well as individuals preparing for health and human services professions, develop their capacity to serve this clinically complex population. The program is based on the multidisciplinary competencies recommended by the Partnership for Health in Aging.
Students may complete the five courses in the program in one year by taking one course in each 7-week session or they may proceed at their own pace.
7-Week Online Format:
The traditional 15-week fall and spring semesters are divided into two 7-week sessions, allowing students the convenience of taking classes online and the opportunity to focus on one course at a time. This format allows students to make steady progress each semester. If life interrupts a session, the next session is right around the corner. In addition, USM offers two 7-week sessions each summer. Graduation is a step closer every seven weeks.
Enrollment Information:
If you are interested in completing this Gerontology certificate online, simply complete the Enrollment Form or call us at 780-5900, and we will assist you through the enrollment process.
Certificate Requirements:
15 undergraduate credits are required for this certificate. These courses maybe taken in any sequence.
Required Courses (6 credits)- Courses are offered every year.
- CON 313 Health in Later Years
This course is designed for students from diverse fields who are interested in health and aging. The population of older adults in the United States is growing at a rate that is unprecedented in American history and no matter what your career path this growth will impact you. Knowledge about illness, medications, physical activity, nutrition, sexuality, health care delivery, and death and dying will be presented. Students will obtain essential information needed to provide effective care for aging clients, patients, loved ones, and themselves. Community experiences are required. 3 credits. - HRD 310 Aging and the Search for Meaning
This course explores psychosocial and spiritual aspects of successful human aging. Multidisciplinary perspectives on aging will be examined including historical, psychological, sociological, cultural and religious. Learners will discuss key issues related to aging and the search for meaning through the lens of various genres (e.g., research, theory, fiction) as well as their own personal experiences. Prerequisites: College Writing and any SOC or PSY course. 3 credits.
Elective Courses (choose 3 of the following)- These courses may vary each year.
- CON 390 Evaluation and Assessment of Older Adults
This course is designed for students who are interested in developing and refining skills in the evaluation and health assessment of older adults. The populations of the world and the United States are aging. The number of older adults in the United States will almost double by 2030. With the unprecedented increase in the number of older adults there is a growing need to understand their unique social and health care needs. Students will gain insight into the evaluation and health assessment process needed to promote health and well-being in older adults. Prerequisites: College Writing and any SOC or PSY course. 3 credits. - HRD 312 The Spiritual Challenges and Opportunities of Aging
This course explores the dynamic role spirituality plays in navigating the aging process. Within a holistic context spirituality provides a frame of reference for understanding both who we are and how we fit into the world around us. Learners will develop a basic frame of reference for the nature of spiritual experience, including theory of adult spiritual development. But given the subjective nature of spirituality, it will be important for learners to develop tools for assessing the role spirituality plays in providing meaning for people as they age as individuals. Learners will begin this process by examining their own spiritual journey from psychosocial, cultural and religious perspectives. They will then use a parallel process to interview an older individual and assess the role spirituality plays in their aging process. Prerequisite: HRD 312 students will be expected to have taken one college-level writing course and one sociology or psychology course. 3 credits. - STH 300 Partnering with Family Caregivers
Connecting with family caregivers is crucial for the delivery of a successful care plan. This course explores how providers can address the psychosocial challenges of caring for an aging family member. Family caregivers are responsible for providing the majority of long term care for people who are living with chronic illness and progressive dementia. We will examine the challenges that impact caregiving including physical, emotional and spiritual strain, and how health care providers and social service professionals can provide information, resources and support that will lead to sustainable outcomes for both the caregiver and the care recipient. It is recommended that the students have junior/senior status, have a college writing course and at least one course in either psychology or sociology. 3 credits. - STH 315 Rehabilitation Services for Older Adults
This course will discuss rehabilitation services for older adults within the present health care system including types of services, cost and reimbursement for services and responsibilities of different rehabilitation professionals. The course will look at the role of the rehabilitation professional in the delivery of services in a variety of medical and community settings typical for older adults. The course will review common conditions for older adults including cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, and orthopedic conditions and provide evidence-based examples of interventions commonly utilized in the rehabilitation profession. Finally, the role of rehabilitation in health promotion, prevention, and well-being will be explored. Prerequisites: College writing and any PSY or SOC course. 3 credits. - SWO 375 Gender and Aging
A theoretical and practical course that informs students about aging issues affecting women and men differentially. Students will analyze the manifestations of aging and apply concepts drawn from the behavioral and social sciences. Service learning experience may be available. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
The program recommends that students have junior/senior status or some college experience if they are experienced professionals. The individual courses require that all students have taken a college level writing course and at least one course in either psychology or sociology. Students should be prepared for a rigorous academic experience as all courses are upper level and the 7-week format is intensive.
Students may complete the entire certificate or select individual courses.
Scheduled Courses:
- Fall 2013
- 7-Week Online, Session 1 (September 3-October 25)
- 7-Week Online, Session 2 (October 28- December 23)
- Summer 2013
- 7-Week Online, Session 1 (May 13- June 28)
- 7-Week Online, Session 2 (July 1-August 16)
- Spring 2013
- 7 Week Online: 1st Session (January 14- March 12)
- 7 Week Online: 2nd Session (March 13- May 10)
PCE Student Services:
Need help? Have Questions? We understand the challenges of finishing your degree and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact PCE (Professional and Continuing Education) Student Services at 207-780-5900, or email us at pce@usm.maine.edu, or visit us in person.
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