44 contact hours

The Certificate in Gerontology represents a specialization in the field of gerontology. It is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with older adults by providing an educational experience that is multidisciplinary in nature.

With the population aging at a rapid rate, the number of individuals over 65 will more than double by the year 2020. The demand for knowledgeable providers to meet the needs of this population is dramatically increasing, new jobs are being developed, and new services created. Health professionals who work with the older population will need continuing professional education to gain a broad understanding of the field of gerontology and to stay current with emerging trends.

Program Benefits:

The Certificate in Gerontology distinguishes you as a knowledgeable, skilled, and committed professional in the field of gerontology. The program

• enhances professional marketability,
• builds skills and competencies,
• fulfills continuing education requirements for many professionals, and
• develops an interdisciplinary perspective on aging.

Career Opportunities:

This certification program provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the needs of the aging population in a wide range of careers. There are opportunities in nursing, teaching, service, administration, and research that focus on the needs and interests of older adults. These opportunities also exist within government programs and agencies; public and private institutions that provide health, education, and social services; research centers; special interest groups; colleges and universities; and corporate human resources divisions.

Participants:

This certificate is relevant for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed vocational nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, administrators, psychologists, personal care assistants, volunteers, physicians, chiropractors, clergy, physical fitness professionals, adult children of aging parents, or any other individual currently working with or planning to work with older adults.

Curriculum:

The Certificate in Gerontology consists of a total of 11 courses:

• Introduction To Gerontology
• Physiology of Aging
• Mental Health and Aging
• Healthy Aging
• Pain Assessment and Management in the Older Adult
• Death and Dying
• Sleep and Aging
• The Older Woman
• Elder Abuse
• Aging and Disorders of Communication
• Alzheimer's Disease: Mysteries and Possibilities

Accreditation:

See Course Description.

Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Certificate program must be completed within six weeks of the start date.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Cyndie Koopsen and Caroline Young.

Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HN-BC, RN-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author of Spirituality, Health, and Healing and Integrative Health: A Holistic Approach for Health Professionals.

Caroline Young, MPH, has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author of Spirituality, Health, and Healing and Integrative Health: A Holistic Approach for Health Professionals.

These authors/presenters are the Co-CEOs of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC. They have no affiliation or financial involvement that conflicts with the material or information presented in this activity. No commercial support has been received for this activity. All applicable local, regional, state, and/or national laws and regulations have been followed in the development and delivery of this activity.

“ I really enjoyed this course. I think the study material in each lesson was well prepared and presented. I would recommend this to others in the geriatric field who are interested in expanding their knowledge and patient care skills. Thank You. ”

“ Yippee!!! I made it. Finally done the entire course! Many thanks to the instructors Miss Cyndie and Miss Caroline. The lessons were very informative although I actually felt overwhelmed upon seeing the course outline at the beginning. After finishing it, I now have a new perspective in dealing with our older folks. I will certainly consider enrolling again here for my future CE needs. To my fellow students, especially those sharing their insights, thank you. ”

“ As a social scientist, this course was VERY interesting but more difficult than the others, for me. More science and more challenging for me to grasp. At the same time, probably learned the most new stuff to apply to my work as a case manager. Great! ”

“ I am finding the information very informative. I do a great deal for my parents and my father has spent some time in a nursing home so I can relate to what we are reading. I teach Human Services and am always looking for new ways to improve my curriculum. I think this course will really help me to have a stronger curriculum about the elderly and the aging process. ”

“ I am a clergy person and many of my parishioners are elderly. I always try to be sensitive to their needs. I've found the majority of older people to be assets in their communities. I took this course because I want to be able to serve this population more effectively, especially around issues of spirituality, grief, and health. I found the course material to be interesting and applicable to some of my pastoral care work…I will review some of the references in more detail. I definitely want to learn about the theories of aging. ”

“ This course has been a great asset , with a wealth of information for me in the business I am now working in. Thank you and the staff for putting together such a great curriculum, for those of us who have compassion, commitment, and time for the lives and well being of the elderly. ”

“ This course have really brought clarity to a lot of misconceptions about the elderly level of care, medical terminology, myths and confusion about caring for the older adults. Thanks for this amazing opportunity to get such great knowledge from such great scholars. ”

“ The best part of this class was that every piece of information was backed up with research. All information was presented unbiased. I am so thrilled and excited that this course was exactly what I wanted. I want the freedom to go my pace, all was presented and it was up to me to do one chapter a day or five chapters a week. I love it! Thanks. ”

“ I found that this course gave me a greater insight on caring for the geriatric population. I have a better understanding of the changes that occur with aging and the losses one must endure as they grow old. I feel that I gained a much better understanding about Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia and I will be able to use this knowledge at work. I will be able to implement many of the communication strategies to improve the quality of care I provide and the quality of life for my residents. ”

“ I am presently a Senior Psychology Supervisor for two skilled nursing facilities at a State Psychiatric Hospital. I have learned an enormous amount and have applied this knowledge in supervising psychologists, and at case reviews. I graduated with a Masters in Social Work -Gerontology Track in the eighties, and earned my licensed as a clinical social worker. Later I earned a Clinical Psychology degree and a license. I am now back in Gerontology and am so appreciative that I found this course. ”