Programs

 

The Interprofessional Certificate in Aging Services Program

This Program has been designed for those who are beginning their careers, re-entering the workforce in the field of aging, or continuing in their professions, but now realize that their patients, clients, customers have aged and their needs have changed.  The Program is non-credit and self-paced, so you can complete it on your schedule.

To serve this population well, you must know them – who they are, how they live, and the issues they face. The modules in this program have been developed to help you do just that. They provide a practical overview of older adults and give the student the basic knowledge needed to serve this population no matter their chosen field. Through the required courses students will develop an understanding of the aging process, its effects on the individual and the affect a growing aging population has on society. The electives will enable the student to concentrate on particular areas of interest and the Internship will provide working knowledge and employment opportunities.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a “Certificate in Aging Services” from The University of Arizona.

Requirements for Completion:

• 4 Core Modules plus...
• 2 Elective Modules OR one 50-75 hour Internship

Required Modules

1. The Aging Body and Mind
This module provides an understanding of changes in the body and mind with age.  It includes information about the normal physical, and cognitive changes involved in aging; common chronic diseases specific to older adults and medications prescribed for these conditions (with the additional issues these bring); and issues of transitions of care as well as other  topics.  

2. Society and Aging
This module gives information on the social issues that confront individuals as they age.  Students will be introduced to gerontology and learn the important issues they must know when working with older adults, such as ageism, intimacy and sexuality,  living arrangements (at home to skilled nursing facilities), caregiving, end of life issues and more.

3. Legal and Financial Issues of Aging
This module gives an understanding of the legal and financial issues faced by individuals as they age.  It includes topic such as: life care planning, advanced directives, financial, medical, mental health durable powers of attorney, living wills, do not resuscitate orders, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, elder abuse & exploitation, common scams  targeting older adults,  reverse mortgages, social security,  pensions, retirement savings and much more.

4. Navigating the Health Care System and Aging Network
This module gives information on the complicated system of health care/provision of services for older adults and the problems involved in accessing these.  Topics include: Medicare & Medicaid,  hospice, the aging network and its programs and service provision and more.

Electives

1. Communicating Effectively with Older Adults
This module gives information on the special issues that often exist when communicating with older versus younger adults.  Sometimes aging creates special needs that make communicating more difficult, such as hearing impairment, dementia, etc. 

2. Activities and Beyond to Productive Aging
This module provides an understanding of the many activities that older adults engage in as they age.  At any stage of life or living arrangement there are interesting activities that will provide not only fun, but a purpose to life, including: volunteering, continued work/second career, physical activities, lifelong learning, community engagement, religious engagement & civic engagement and more.

3. Promoting Wellness                     
This module provides the knowledge and tools needed to guide older adults in ways that promote continued wellness.  Topics include: nutrition, physical, social, mental, intellectual  wellness.

~OR~

Internship 
An internship allows the student to “test the waters” in the field of aging and experience the reality of working for or with older adults.  It also gives the student the opportunity to meet those in a position to hire or refer in this field.   

For more information about the internship contact Lisa O'Neill at The Arizona Center on Aging.   (520) 626-5804.

 

Contact Information

Registration Information
The University of Arizona
Outreach College

Professional Development
The University of Arizona
Outreach College
P.O. Box 210158
Tucson, AZ 85721-0158

(520) 626-5091
1 (800) 955-8632 (UofA)
www.ceao.arizona.edu

 

Program Information
The University of Arizona
Center on Aging
1821 East Elm Street
Tucson, AZ 85719

Lisa O'Neill, MPH
Program Coordinator
(520) 626-5804
loneill@aging.arizona.edu

Foundational Graduate Certificate in Gerontology & Geriatric Care
Arizona State University/School of Social Work (SSW) and the University of Arizona (U of A) offer a joint 7 credit Foundational Graduate Certificate in Gerontology & Geriatric Care through the U of A/Center on Aging. The certificate is designed to enhance the disciplinary competence of graduate students and professionals who want to work more effectively with older adults in a variety of settings. Courses are available entirely on-line and the internship is completed in an approved aging setting in the community. Disciplines include social work, nursing, medicine, law, public health, counseling, pharmacy, and public administration.
For additional information, please review the Welcome Letter.
Foundational Graduate Certificate in Gerontology & Geriatric Care (7 credits)

• SWG 591/Aging: A Social Work Perspective
  3 credits (ASU online/fall semester)
• SWG 591/Mental Health Aspects of Aging
  3 credits (ASU online/spring semester)
• SWG 584/Internship
  1 credit = 80 hours (ASU fall/spring/summer, community based)**
  **NOTE: May substitute SWG 541/542, SWG 641/642, or SWG 643/644 if completed in an approved aging setting.

Certificate Application Procedure
Submit the following materials to:  jama.sandoval@asu.edu (email attachment) or by fax, Attn: Jama Sandoval, 602-496-0960 :

• completed Department Application for Admission form,
• completed AzGEC Participant Information Form, and
• unofficial transcripts

Non-Degree Students:

• To apply to ASU, go to ASU Graduate Admissions, then click on the link to ASU Admissions Application: Apply Now. When asked, indicate that you are applying for Graduate Non-Degree.
• Please click on this link or information about Application Fees. Scroll down to "non-refundable application fee" and "non-refundable late application fee" for current application fees, due dates by semester, and information about late fees. Please note that fees are subject to change.
• Tuition for ASU courses will be calculated based upon ASU's resident (for Arizona residents) or non-resident (for non-Arizona residents) Graduate Tuition Rate. Please click on this link to access the ASU Tuition and Fees Schedules. Select the Semester and Year during which you plan to register.

Enrolled Degree-Seeking Students:

• Be sure to discuss your intention to pursue this certificate with your Academic Advisor and Field Education Office professionals. For questions about how to build the certificate requirements into your academic plan, please contact Dr. Teri Kennedy at terikennedy@asu.edu.

Contact Information
For additional information, please contact:
Jama Sandoval
Administrative Assistant, Office of Gerontological Social Work Initiatives jama.sandoval@asu.edu or 602-496-0486
OR
Teri Kennedy, PhD, MSW, CISW
Director, Office of Gerontological Social Work Initiatives terikennedy@asu.edu or 602-496-0076