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Program Overview

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Anytime Program location: Online View an online information meeting: Certificate Program in Gerontology >> (see technical requirements >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

The U.S. census projects the number of Americans 65 years and older will double to 70 million by 2030. In response, job opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology are among the most rapidly growing employment areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Certificate Program in Gerontology is designed to prepare participants to better meet the needs of the rapidly growing aging population. Program participants working in health and human services, in both institutional and private settings, will deepen their understanding of the principles underlying the management of care. Those who have interests in optimizing the elder experience through the delivery of personal services and products find they are able to make better business, service and care decisions after they complete the program. Anyone who is interested in acquiring basic knowledge about gerontology and geriatrics is also welcome to apply. The program was developed in partnership with the UW Institute on Aging, which approves all courses.

Most students complete the entire certificate (earning 15 college credits), as it examines a broad range of fundamental issues that comprise the elder experience. Some already in the field may wish to take only selected courses to increase their knowledge or expertise in a particular area of practice. Similarly, students currently pursuing a degree at a college or university that does not offer specialized courses in gerontology may wish to supplement their studies through enrolling in some of the program offerings. Each course provides three University of Washington college credits. (See Single Course Enrollment option.) Three credits from this program may currently be applied as electives towards the MSW degree offered by the University of Washington.

Read what certificate program graduates are doing.

Program Testimonials

For further information and insights on the Gerontology certificate from graduates of the program, listen to testimonials from Dolores Rossman, Loxie Cauley and Stacey Foisy. (These links utilize Windows Media Player; view the full system requirements here.)

Networking Meetings

Prospective students are invited to meet certificate students, certificate recipients and advisory board members at gerontology network meetings held twice a year in Seattle.

For details, call the Institute on Aging, 206-543-8727, or visit http://depts.washington.edu/geron.

The UW Institute on Aging

The UW Institute on Aging is an interdisciplinary, University-wide unit organized to focus attention on social, health, psychological, political and economic issues related to gerontology. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of older adults in the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, the Institute uses an interdisciplinary approach to focus on issues that remain as major challenges for researchers, educators and policymakers, including health care delivery and utilization, families and inter-generational issues, care giving for older adults, housing options for elders of diverse backgrounds, and the concerns of older women.

The Institute is dedicated to improving the quality of life of minority elders. Its research, educational and policy making efforts serve as a foundation for developing and providing culturally appropriate health care and social services for elders from disadvantaged populations.

The Institute serves as a liaison between the health sciences and other units of the UW on issues related to gerontology. It develops a multi-ethnic research and teaching agenda and maintains a campus-wide aging resource database. Since its inception in 1977, the Institute has offered, or co-sponsored, continuing education programs for professionals and others from a wide variety of regional agencies and institutions serving older adults. The Institute's Certificate of Study on Aging Program, introduced in 1982, serves as the foundation for the Certificate Program in Gerontology.

For more information about the UW Institute on Aging, please call 206-543-8727, e-mail kiyak@u.washington.edu, or visit http://depts.washington.edu/geron.

How Online Learning Works

Classes in this certificate program are delivered online via the World Wide Web, which means you don't need to come to campus to earn your certificate: You can study from anywhere. To access your course materials, you'll simply log on to the Internet. You'll use e-mail and online discussion boards to communicate with your instructors and other students. And since all courses in this online certificate program may be started anytime, you set the schedule. When you study is entirely up to you. To participate, you'll need a computer with access to the Web (see technology requirements). After you are accepted and enrolled in a course, you will be mailed instructions on how to access your classes.

Contact a Program Representative

If you have questions about this program, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area, or 888-469-6499, or e-mail us.

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