Gerontology Specialist Certificate

The Aging Services Management Program is introducing a new program: Gerontology Specialist Certificate. This program has been designed for individuals working with older adults to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the aging process.

Students will be introduced to the aging demographics and their impact; physiological, biological and psychological changes in the aging process; communicating with the elderly; healthy aging and death and grieving.

DMACC’s Gerontology Specialist Certificate has been designed for the working adult student. The goal of the program is to provide the knowledge and skills required to work with the growing older population.

How it Works:

• An 8-credit certificate that is application-based
• Curriculum will consist of 6 modules, 1 credit each
• The modules will be WebCT
• There will be 2 face-to-face seminars for 1 credit each
• Start date is Fall of 2007/08 semester
• The Fall semester will consist of 3 modules and seminar
• The Spring semester will consist of 3 modules and seminar
• Program is designed for professionals and paraprofessionals who work with the older population. This includes but is not limited to health care providers, firemen, police officers, travel agencies, the religious community, etc.

Course #	Course Name	Credits
Fall Semester
ASM800	Seminar I	1
ASM155	Demographics	1
ASM160	Aspects of Aging	1
ASM150	Communication with the Elderly	1
Spring Semester
ASM805	Seminar II	1
ASM165	Healthy Aging	1
ASM180	Cultural Diversity	1
ASM200	Depression, Death & Grieving	1

Skills and Abilities You Will Achieve:

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff and community agencies.
• Enjoy working with people who are older and/or chronically ill or disabled.
• Awareness of the need for continual personal and professional growth.
• Effective oral and written communication.

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator
Aging Services Management
DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 9
515-964-6262 or 515-964-6814