Gerontology for Health Care: Advance your career in older adult care
Are you a passionate health care professional seeking to make a real difference in the lives of older adults?Clackamas Community College's Gerontology for Health Care Professionals Career Pathway Certificate can equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in senior care – in just six months.
Gerontology is the dedicated study of aging, encompassing the biological, social and psychological aspects of growing older. This specialized field offers health care professionals an opportunity to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the older adult population.
This program is ideal for you if:
- You're a current health care professional seeking to expand your expertise in older adult care.
- You're passionate about improving the well-being and quality of life for older adults.
- You value a holistic approach to health care that considers the unique needs of aging individuals.
Required classes for the Gerontology for Health Care Professionals Career Pathway
Stand out in the gerontology job market
The demand for qualified health care professionals with gerontology expertise is projected to grow by 23% by 2030, much faster than average. Employers are seeking professionals with skills in care planning, memory care, technology integration and culturally competent care to meet the needs of the growing older adult population.
More than just care: Build meaningful connections with older adults
Do you want to go beyond providing care and truly connect with older adults? This program offers a unique perspective, equipping you with the skills to build strong, positive relationships with this growing population.
You should gain a deeper understanding of aging, not just as a physical process, but as experiences, challenges and knowledge. By leveraging the latest gerontological theories, you will be able to deliver care that meets the needs of older adults.
In this program you should learn how to:
- Leverage the latest gerontological theories: Apply them directly to your chosen field of practice.
- Deliver exceptional care: Use gerontological concepts to provide optimal support for older adults.
- Discern critical differences: Differentiate between normal aging processes and age-related diseases, with a focus on chronic illnesses and dementia.
- Navigate sensitive situations: Offer compassionate support to older adults experiencing loss, including the passing of loved ones.
- Elevate patient care: Gain a deeper understanding of aging's impact on patient care within allied health professions.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below.
This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply.
You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.