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Gerontology CC
Education, Human Services and Criminal Justice Department | C.C. Certificate of Completion | 1 year
Study the science of aging and work closely with the elderly with a certificate in Gerontology or from Clackamas Community College.
The field of gerontology looks at aging from a variety of perspectives, including health, economics, well-being, social policy and more. The population in the United States and around the world is aging, creating exciting opportunities to assist people as they adapt to the aging process. This is the ideal program for those who have a passion for working with older adults, either as a first career or as a career change.
The program includes a variety of courses and electives, as well as one-on- one advising and field experience, while the Nursing Assistant - Gerontology Specialist certificate combines the clinical training found in nursing assistance with gerontology, adding an element of medical knowledge to the practice of elderly care.
Gerontology CC
You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:
- Identify community resources available to older adults and how to access them
- Differentiate between normal aging and diseases associated with aging, particularly chronic illness and dementia
- Utilize knowledge of bereavement to provide emotional support to grieving adults
Careers
Career opportunities include:
- activity director
- volunteer coordinator
- senior services case worker
- information and referral worker
- client advocate
- administrative and support personnel in senior residential facilities
Job Market
Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.
PROGRAM CODE: CC.GERONTOLOGY
The Gerontology program offers a one-year certificate on the study of aging, which is designed for individuals who work with older people. The one-year certificate can provide significant coursework towards the two-year Human Services Generalist AAS.
RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES
Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II or MTH-098 College Math Foundations)
- Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.
Communication (1 course- WR-101 Workplace Writing or WR-121Z Composition I)
- Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.
Human Relations (1 course- HS-156 Conducting Human Service Interviews)
- Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- describe the different career options available in the field of gerontology;
- apply gerontological concepts to practice settings working with older adults;
- demonstrate an understanding of current community resources available to older adults and how to access them;
- communicate effectively with co-workers and clients of
all ages; - differentiate between normal aging and disease processes associated with aging, especially chronic illness and dementia;
- provide support to older adults grieving a loss (such as loss of spouse, job, or independence) by utilizing knowledge and skills of grief and bereavement.
